Dr Dina Mehmedbegovic-Smith

Dina Mehmedbegovic-Smith is an Associate Professor of Education and Applied Linguistics at University College London, Institute of Education. Dina teaches on a range of programmes at PGCE, MA and doctoral level. She was on the core IOE team developing the National English as an Additional Language (EAL) Workforce Strategy; a key staff member in the development of the new programmes addressing the needs of bilingual children: MA in Bilingual Learners in Urban Settings, PGCE EAL Pathway and MA TESOL pre-service, which she currently leads. Her previous roles also include: Deputy Director of the London Education Research Unit (2009-11) and the editor of the IOE publication the London Digest, with the brief of generating and sharing knowledge on key education issues in London and global cities. Her research focuses on attitudes to bilingualism/multilingualism, minority languages and positioning of languages in relation to domination, political power and language disappearance. She is currently developing interdisciplinary work with colleagues from neuroscience aimed at providing a broader evidence base for advocating cognitive benefits of bilingualism in education and life-long learning. Her concept Healthy Linguistic Diet is an innovative approach to language learning and has been endorsed by the EU Commission in their report:  European Commission, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, Rethinking language education in schools, Publications Office, 2018, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/656003 , as a part of the EU Language policy review.

Other Appointments and Affiliations

Trustee for the organization: Keys, Our Objectives – Keys (keysjo.com)

Keys aims are empowerment of women and young people in the Arab world: Our Philosophy – Keys (keysjo.com), with its branches in UAE, Jordan and Bahrain and its commitment to women’s education and employability, Keys is set to become a major force for championing opportunities for women in this region. 2021- current.

Governor/advisor for GEMS Al Khaleej International School, Dubai Al Khaleej International School – American school of Dubai (gemsakns.com) 2021- current

Peer Reviewer for EU Funding 2017 -2019

Expert on the Advisory Board for Aga Khan Bilingual Academies, 2018 – current

Expert on the advisory board for Council for International Schools, 2018 – current

LSE External Examiner 2013 – 2016

UCL Fulbright Commission Mentor for a Distinguished Teacher, 2019

Consultancy work with International Schools

Working with international schools on creating new approaches to development and delivery of short courses focusing on bilingual ethos and practice for professional development of teachers, middle and senior leaders in international schools in: Europe, Asia, North and South America.