Ms Vicki Parkes

Vicki Parkes joined the University of Newcastle as an Associate Lecturer in Primary and Early Childhood Education in January 2007. After a long time working in the trustee industry, Vicki began her exploration of early childhood literacy through an introductory Child Care Course in 1994. Igniting a passion for teaching, Vicki then successfully completed a Certificate Level III (Literacy Enhancement Officer) course through Logan Institute of TAFE. As part of this innovative program Vicki was assigned to Regents Park State School (Qld) as a Literacy Enhancement Officer throughout 1995. After returning to her home state of New South Wales, she commenced study at Macquarie University, graduating in 2000 with a major in English and Cultural Studies, and a specialisation in Special Education. Vicki then worked in both contract and permanent capacities at a number of Primary schools in Western Sydney, on grades across the K-6 spectrum, but receiving specialised literacy training for the K-2 setting as part of a district initiative. In 2004, after moving with family to Bathurst, Vicki continued to work in schools, while embarking on an academic career as a sessional staff member at Charles Sturt University, that culminated in the award of a Carrick Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning with her colleagues in Science Education, Associate Professor David McKinnon and Dr Lena Dania in late 2006. During her time at Charles Sturt University, Vicki also took on the academic role of Professional Experience Liaison for the Master of Teaching (Primary) program, and completed further studies necessary to qualify as a Secondary English Teacher. Vicki is currently enrolled in a PhD in the area of Primary Science curriculum studies, and teaches across the Primary and Early Childhood Bachelor of Teaching programs.

Research Expertise
I am currently completing a doctoral project investigating the changing conceptions of scientific literacy in the Primary Science curriculum in Australia, from 1950s to the present. I am also interested in the alternative conceptions of scientific phenomena that arise from the unrecognized overlap between everyday and scientific terminology.

Teaching Expertise
I have expertise in the following areas: Literacy Education (0-5 and K-12); Primary and Early Childhood Science Education; Professional Experience Preparation and Supervision.

Courses

• EDUC2744 - K-6 Science and Technology
• EDUC3075 - Multiliteracies, Communication and the Young Child
• EDUC4175 - Pedagogies of Reading and Writing: Birth to 12 Years

Administrative Expertise
I have coordinated both small and large courses at the University of Newcastle, some of which have included supervision of a significant number of sessional staff. I have also coordinated a scheme to provide opportunities for teacher education students to work as tutors in disadvantaged schools, as the university liaison for a priority schools project program. Most recently, I was on the organising committee for the annual conference of the Australasian Science Education Research Association (ASERA), held at Shoal Bay Resort, New South Wales.

Collaborations
I am interested in research collaborations focusing on literacy education, scientific literacy, and science curriculum studies.