Dr. Heike Mlakar

Research Interests

I am primarily focused on researching instructed foreign language learning and teaching, with a specific interest in how children develop L2 literacy skills. My research aims to understand the cognitive and linguistic factors which underpin L2 spelling and reading acquisition. I also investigate the effectiveness of different literacy instruction methods for beginner learners of English as a second language, including phonics, whole word, and combined approaches. Besides lecturing, I write EFL coursebooks for Austrian upper secondary students (Prime Time, English Unlimited).

Another area of research I am interested in is women writers of the Beat Generation. Specifically, I focus on the works of Brenda Frazer, Hettie Jones, Diane di Prima, and Joyce Johnson.

List of Publications

Articles

Mlakar, H., Hirst-Plein, J., & Koch, M. J. (in preparation). Spelling errors and L1 cross-linguistic influence in young ELLs from German background: A comparison of three literacy intervention programmes.

Mlakar, H., Hirst-Plein, J., & Koch, M. J. (in preparation). Predictors of young learners’ L2 spelling ability.

Mlakar, H., & Schilk, M. (in preparation). Young learners’ L2 reading and spelling development: Evaluating the effectiveness of two literacy instruction programmes.

Mlakar, H. (2023). Review [Review of the book An empirical study of EFL writing at primary school, by Ruth Trüb]. Fremdsprachen Lehren und Lernen (FLuL), 52(2), 128-130. https://doi.org/10.24053/FLuL-2023-0026

Mlakar, H. (2023). My True Stories [Blurb of the book collection My True Stories, by Brenda Frazer]. Manchester: Death of workers whilst building skyscrapers.

Mlakar, H. (2023). Introduction. In Frazer, B., Artista (pp. i-vi). Manchester: Death of workers whilst building skyscrapers.

Mlakar, H. (2022, July 4-6). Cognitive mechanisms in L1 and L2 Spelling: A Review [Paper for conference proceedings]. European Conference on Literacy, Dublin, Ireland. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/365896965_Cognitive_mechanisms_in_L1_and_L2_Spelling_A_Review

Mlakar, H. (2022, March 2). Finally Brought to Light: Brenda Frazer’s My True Stories (2022). https://www.beatdom.com/my-true-stories/

Mlakar, H. (2021). Some American Tales [Review of the book Some American Tales, by Brenda Frazer]. Beatdom, 21, 94-96.

Mlakar, H. (2020). Linguistic factors influencing L2 reading comprehension. In G. Mehegan & M. Wilson (Eds.), Literacy without borders. Engaging literacy learners in diverse settings (pp. 166-185). Dublin: Eden Print Ltd.

Mlakar, H. (2018). Ausspracheschulung mithilfe von Raps. Englisch 5-10, 41(1), 8-11. https://www.friedrich-verlag.de/friedrich-plus/sekundarstufe/englisch/sprechen-aussprache/frankies-food-and-friends-566

Ruhm, R., Leitner-Jones, C., Kulmhofer, A., Kiefer, T., Mlakar, H., & Itzlinger-Bruneforth, U. (2016). Playing the recording once or twice: Effects on listening test performances. International Journal of Listening, 30(1-2), 67-83. https://doi.org/10.1080/10904018.2015.1104252 (peer reviewed)

Mlakar, H. (2016). The ‘Beat Pad’: Joan Vollmer and Hettie Jones at the epicenter of the Beat Generation. CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture, 18(5). https://doi.org/10.7771/1481-4374.2928 (peer reviewed)

Mlakar, H. (2007). Jack Kerouac’s and Brenda Frazer’s Shared ‘Romantic Primitivism’: A Comparative Study of On the Road and For Love of Ray. Neoamericanist, 3(1). https://ojs.lib.uwo.ca/index.php/neoamericanist/article/download/15306/11997 (peer reviewed)

Books and E-Books

2023

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., & Waba, S. (2023). Prime Time 5 (2. Ausgabe) – Coursebook mit Audio-CD/DVD und E-Book. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., & Waba, S. (2023). Prime Time 5 – Teacher’s Handbook. Wien: öbv.

2018

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2018). Prime Time 8 – Coursebook mit Audio-CD und DVD. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2018). Prime Time 8 – Coursebook mit Audio-CD/DVD und E-Book. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2018). Prime Time 8 – Teacher’s Handbook. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2018). Prime Time 8 – Test Resource Pack mit Audio-CD/CD-ROM. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2018). Prime Time 7. [CD ROM – Digitaler Unterrichtsassistent]. Wien: öbv.

2017

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2017). Prime Time 7 – Coursebook mit Audio-CD und DVD. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2017). Prime Time 7 – Coursebook mit Audio-CD/DVD und E-Book. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2017). Prime Time 7 – Teacher’s Handbook. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2017). Prime Time 7 – Test Resource Pack mit Audio-CD/CD-ROM. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2017). Prime Time 6. [CD ROM – Digitaler Unterrichtsassistent]. Wien: öbv.

2016

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2016). Prime Time 6 – Coursebook mit Audio-CD und DVD. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2016). Prime Time 6 – Coursebook mit Audio-CD/DVD und E-Book. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2016). Prime Time 6 – Teacher’s Handbook. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2016). Prime Time 6 – Test Resource Pack mit Audio-CD/CD-ROM. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2016). Prime Time 5. [CD ROM – Digitaler Unterrichtsassistent]. Wien: öbv.

2015

Mayr, B., Mlakar, H. (2015). English Unlimited 4/5 (HTL) – Coursebook mit Audio-CD und CD-ROM. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

Mayr, B., Mlakar, H. (2015). English Unlimited 4/5 (HTL) – Coursebook mit Audio-CD/CD-ROM und E-Book. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

Mayr, B., Mlakar, H. (2015). English Unlimited 4/5 (HTL) – Teacher’s Handbook. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

Mayr, B., Mlakar, H. (2015). English Unlimited 4/5 (HTL) – [CD ROM – Digitaler Unterrichtsassistent]. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

2014

Donath, W., Mayr, B., Mlakar, H., Pope-Hoffmann, L. (2014) English Unlimited 3 (HAK/HUM) – Coursebook mit Audio-CD und CD-ROM. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

Donath, W., Mayr, B., Mlakar, H., Pope-Hoffmann, L. (2014) English Unlimited 3 (HAK/HUM) – Coursebook mit Audio-CD/CD-ROM und E-Book. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

Donath, W., Mlakar, H. (2014). English Unlimited 3 (HAK/HUM) – Teacher’s Handbook. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

Donath, W., Mayr, B., Mlakar, H., Pope-Hoffmann, L. (2014). English Unlimited 3 (HAK/HUM) – [CD ROM – Digitaler Unterrichtsassistent]. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2014). Prime Time 5 Transition – Teacher’s Handbook. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2014). Prime Time 5 Transition – Test Resource Pack mit Audio-CD/CD-ROM. Wien: öbv.

2013

Donath, W., Mayr, B., Mlakar, H., Pope-Hoffmann, L. (2013). English Unlimited 2 (HAK/HUM) – Coursebook mit Audio-CD und CD-ROM. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

Donath, W., Mayr, B., Mlakar, H., Pope-Hoffmann, L. (2013). English Unlimited 2 (HAK/HUM) – Coursebook mit Audio-CD/CD-ROM und E-Book. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

Donath, W., Mayr, B., Mlakar, H., Pope-Hoffmann, L. (2013). English Unlimited 2 (HAK/HUM) – [CD ROM – Digitaler Unterrichtsassistent]. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

Donath, W., Mayr, B., Mlakar, H., Pope-Hoffmann, L. (2013). English Unlimited 2 (HTL) – Coursebook mit Audio-CD und CD-ROM. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

Donath, W., Mayr, B., Mlakar, H., Pope-Hoffmann, L. (2013). English Unlimited 2 (HTL) – Coursebook mit Audio-CD/CD-ROM und E-Book. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

Donath, W., Mayr, B., Mlakar, H., Pope-Hoffmann, L. (2013). English Unlimited 2 (HTL) – [CD ROM – Digitaler Unterrichtsassistent]. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

Donath, W., Mayr, B., Mlakar, H., Pope-Hoffmann, L. (2013). English Unlimited 3 (HTL) – Coursebook mit Audio-CD und CD-ROM. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

Donath, W., Mayr, B., Mlakar, H., Pope-Hoffmann, L. (2013). English Unlimited 3 (HTL) – Coursebook mit Audio-CD/CD-ROM und E-Book. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

Donath, W., Mayr, B., Mlakar, H., Pope-Hoffmann, L. (2013). English Unlimited 3 (HTL) – [CD ROM – Digitaler Unterrichtsassistent]. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2013). Prime Time 5 Transition – Coursebook mit Audio-CD und DVD. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2013). Prime Time 5 Transition – Coursebook mit Audio-CD/DVD und E-Book. Wien: öbv.

Mlakar, H. (2013). English Unlimited 2 (HTL) – Teacher’s Handbook. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

Mlakar, H. (2013). English Unlimited 2 (HAK/HUM) – Teacher’s Handbook. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

Mlakar, H. (2013). English Unlimited 3 (HTL) – Teacher’s Handbook. Cambridge, Wien: Cambridge University Press, öbv.

2012

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2012). Prime Time 8 - Coursebook. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2012). Prime Time 8 – Teacher’s Handbook. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2012). Prime Time 8 – Test Resource Pack. Wien: öbv.

2011

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2011). Prime Time 6 - Coursebook. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2011). Prime Time 6 – Teacher’s Handbook. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2011). Prime Time 6 – Test Resource Pack. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2011). Prime Time 7 - Coursebook. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2011). Prime Time 7 – Teacher’s Handbook. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2011). Prime Time 7 – Test Resource Pack. Wien: öbv.

2010

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2010). Prime Time 5 - Coursebook. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2010). Prime Time 5 – Teacher’s Handbook. Wien: öbv.

Hellmayr, G., Mlakar, H., Waba, S. (2010). Prime Time 5 – Test Resource Pack. Wien: öbv.

2008

Mlakar, H. (2008). Merely Being There Is Not Enough: Women's Roles in Autobiographical Texts by Female Beat Authors. Boca Raton: Universal.

List of Presentations

Mlakar, H., & Hirst-Plein, J. (2023). Investigating the cognitive and linguistic underpinnings of L2 spelling. EUROSLA, August 30-September 2, 2023. University of Birmingham (United Kingdom).

Mlakar, H., & Hirst-Plein, J. (2022). Cognitive and linguistic predictors of young L2 learners‘ spelling ability. TEFL Colloquium, November 16, 2022. University of Wuppertal (Germany).

Mlakar, H. (2022). Disrupted Narrative Techniques in Brenda Frazer’s Life Writing. My True Stories (2022). European Beat Studies Network 10th Annual Conference, September 28-30, 2022. University of Murcia (Spain).

Mlakar, H., & Hirst-Plein, J. (2022). “I leik aiskrim“: Cognitive and linguistic predictors of young L2 learners‘ spelling ability. Advances in Teaching Foreign Languages to Young Learners, September 22-23, 2022. University of Leipzig / University of Wuppertal (Germany). https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.30893.15845

Mlakar, H. (2022). Predictors of spelling abilities in young second-language learners. EUROSLA, August 24-27, 2022. University of Fribourg (Switzerland).

Mlakar, H. (2022). Learner variables in second language spelling. 22nd European Conference on Literacy, July 4-6, 2022. Dublin City University (Ireland).

Mlakar, H. (2021). Investigating young learners’ reading proficiency in L2 English: An evaluation of two literacy programs (Poster presentation). American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL) 2021 Conference, March 20-23. Houston/Texas (USA).

Mlakar, H. (2019). Narrative Techniques in Brenda Frazer’s Life Writing: Troia: Mexican Memoirs Revisited. European Beat Studies Network 8th Annual Conference, October 9-12, 2019. University of Nicosia (Greece).

Mlakar, H. (2019). Cognitive and linguistic variables influencing young learners’ L2 reading comprehension. Literacy Association of Ireland, 43th Annual Conference, November 8-9, 2019. Dublin City University (Ireland).

Mlakar, H. (2011). The concept of ‘home’ in female Beats’ memoirs. National Popular Culture & American Culture Association, April 20-23, 2011. San Antonio/Texas (USA).

Mlakar, H. (2008). Beatific ‘Romantic Racialists’: Jack Kerouac and Brenda Frazer on the Shared Road to Racial Prejudice. Kerouac´s On the Road: The Beats and the Post-Beats, December 12-13, 2008. University of Birmingham (UK).