Personal profile
Personal profile
Alejandro Castellano holds a BA Degree in Hispanic Philology (2008) and a Masters Degree in Applied Linguistics for teaching Spanish as a foreign language (2011) from the University of Jaen (Spain); He also obtained a Masters Degree in Spanish Language and Literature for Secondary Education Professional Training (2018), from the Catholic University of Valencia (Spain). He has worked as a Spanish lecturer at the University of Jaen (Spain) for almost seven years, teaching the Spanish language and Culture at different levels at the Centre for Advanced Studies in Modern Languages (CEALM). His Research interests include the use of Digital Technologies applied to foreign Languages Learning and Teaching, and the implementation of Podcasts in the foreign language classroom, particularly in Sinophone contexts. Since 2018, he has worked for Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in Suzhou (China) and is currently the Head of the Spanish Language Division at the Modern Languages Centre (MLC).
Research interests
Intercultural Communication / International Relations Spain-China
Learning and Teaching in Digital environment
Teaching Spanish as Foreign Language Applied to Chinese learners
Experience
Universidad Europea de Valencia (2016-2018)
Center of Advanced Studies in Modern Languages (CEALM), University of Jaen (2010-2016)
Teaching
- SPA010: Introduction to Contemporary Spanish Pop-Culture after 1975
- SPA003
Education/Academic qualification
Bachelor, BA Degree in Hispanic Philology and Hispanic Studies (University of Jaen)
Master (MA) in Spanish Language and Literature for Secondary education and Professional Training (Catholic University of Valencia)
Master (MA) in Applied Linguistics for teaching Spanish as Foreign Language (University of Jaen)
Person Types
- Staff
Fingerprint
- 1 Similar Profiles
Projects
- 2 Finished
-
"Measuring the impact of implementing AI-assisted presentation tools on an AI-Enhanced Module: SPA010 Introduction to Spanish Pop-Culture after 1975"
Castellano, A. (PI) & Getino-Diez, R. (CoI)
1/11/24 → 1/07/25
Project: Internal Research Project
-
Perceptions of Chinese Spanish-Language Tutors on the Learning and Teaching of Spanish Language and Cultures in China
Castellano, A. (PI)
23/04/24 → 31/12/24
Project: Internal Research Project
File
Research output
- 2 Article
-
Implementing Podcasts in the Spanish Language Classroom: A Successful experience in Learning and Assessment
Castellano Merino, A., 27 May 2024, In: Language Teaching in China. Special Issue, 4, p. 80-91 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
File2649 Downloads (Pure) -
Redescubriendo el podcast: posibilidades comunicativas del podcasting para estudiantes y profesores de lenguas extranjeras en China
Castellano Merino, A., 1 Sept 2021, In: Language Teaching in China. Pilot issue, p. 8 25 p.Translated title of the contribution :Rediscovering Podcasts: Communicative possibilities of the podcasting for Foreign Language students and teachers in China Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
File1506 Downloads (Pure)
Activities
-
Embedding Custom AI Tools in Beginner Spanish Instruction: Evidence from a Semester-Long Implementation
Getino-Diez, R. (Speaker), Castellano, A. (Speaker) & García-Sánchez, C. (Speaker)
9 May 2026Activity: Talk or presentation › Presentation at conference/workshop/seminar
-
Cultures in Dialogue: Navigating China-Hispanic World Cross-Cultural and Linguistic Challenges in the Era of the AI
Castellano, A. (Invited speaker)
10 Apr 2026Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
-
Custom AI Tools in Second Language Teaching and Learning: Insights from XJTLU
Getino-Diez, R. (Invited speaker) & Castellano Merino, A. (Invited speaker)
4 Mar 2026Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
-
AI Tools for Lower-Level Spanish at XJTLU: An Overview
Getino-Diez, R. (Invited speaker) & Castellano Merino, A. (Invited speaker)
10 Dec 2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
-
Don Popito: A Pedagogical AI Agent to Explore Contemporary Pop-Culture in Higher Education
Castellano, A. (Speaker)
8 Nov 2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Presentation at conference/workshop/seminar