Research

Research is fundamental to the activities of the School of Education at The University of Newcastle. Research informs our teaching, underscores our commitment to high quality education at all levels and in all contexts, and connects us with the community and its aspirations.

Researchers in the School strive to:

• Have high impact by addressing key educational problems and issues in contemporary contexts;
• Pursue 'cutting-edge' projects of national and international significance;
• Share their knowledge, skills, ideas and experience;
• Develop collaborative networks with colleagues throughout Australia and internationally; and
• Produce research and research training of the highest quality.

Research Centres

The Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition was launched in September 2011. The establishment of this interdisciplinary and inter-faculty Research Centre signifies the importance of research to enhance the health and wellbeing of Australians. The formation of the Centre recognises a dynamic group of researchers, including many from the School of Education, who are attracting national and international attention for the quality and impact of their innovative research.

For a full list of Institutes, Centres and Groups please visit the Faculty Research Homepage. If you are interested in pursuing a research higher degree (RHD), further information can also be found on the RHD page.

Research Snapshot

In 2011 School staff produced 53 publications, including:

• 4 books
• 1 book chapter
• 48 peer-reviewed journal articles

Recent PhD completions in the School include the following:

• Comparative Study of Curricula for Prosthetics and Orthotics Education Programs
• New Frontiers of Feminist Education: Challenging the Presumptions of Epistemological and Rationalist Patriarchy in the Context of Emancipatory Pedagogy
• An Investigation of Teachers' Collective Responsibility for Student Learning
• Moral Judgement to Moral Action: Implications for Education
• The Subjectivity of Musical Learning: Understanding Participation in Instrumental Music Instruction
• Student Experience of Undergraduate Research Projects: A Perspective on Honours in Australia
• The Relationship Between the Principal's Leadership Characteristics and the Ability of Primary Teachers to Deal Successfully with the Challenges Associated with Change: A Teacher's Perspective
• A Collaborative In-Class Mentoring Approach to Improving Communication Skills and Alertness in Students With Multiple and Severe Disabilities
• Reconceptualising the Philosophical Foundations of Health Education with Respect to the Impact of Food Technology on Human Health
• School Life and Self-Concept: Gender Differences in Perceptions of Secondary School Students
• Liturgical Minimisation in the Presbyterian Church of Australia
• Toward an Understanding of the Role of Human Development in Education for Health: A Key to Evolving a Quantum Perspective