Biography

After studying for my Primary Generalist degree from Nottingham Trent University, UK (B.Ed Honours 2:1) with specialism in Enquiry and Mathematics, I taught in a variety of primary settings both in the UK and in Australia for 13 years. I have taught pre-school - Year 6 and have been a teacher responsible for Gifted and Talented Extension work in Literacy as well as a Teacher Librarian. I completed my Masters of Arts in Children's Literacy and Literature at UTS, Sydney in 1997. Since 2001 I have lectured here at The University of Newcastle in the Primary BT/BA course with responsibilities for Primary HSIE, Literacies across the Primary Curriculum and Primary Mathematics as well as coordinating professional experience courses. I have also been the primary program convenor. I am currently studying for my PhD about cooperative learning with early career teachers. I am also currently involved in a Global Education research and teaching project linked to the the Professional Teachers' Council and Ausaid with a group of colleagues in the School of Education.

Qualifications

• Master of Arts (Childrens Literature and Literacy), University of Technology Sydney, 1997
• Bachelor of Education (Honours), Nottingham Trent University - UK

Research

Research keywords

• Action Research
• Citizenship
• Cooperative Learning
• Early career teachers
• Global Education
• Quality Teaching

Research expertise

Quality teaching, action learning/research, mentoring, Primary Mathematics, Cooperative learning, academic Partner (Australian Government Quality Teaching Project), HSIE and Social Education.

Collaboration

My research interest lies in cooperative learning, early career teachers, multi-level pedagogies, integrated curriculum, and global education

Fields of Research

Memberships

Committee/Associations (relevant to research).

• National conference organiser - Social Educators of Australia Association

Administrative

Administrative expertise

Program convening (Primary BT/ BA)

Teaching

Teaching keywords

• Cooperative Learning
• Global Education
• Integrated curriculum
• Professional Preparation
• Teaching and Learning in Primary HSIE
• Teaching and Learning in Primary Maths
• multi-level pedagogies

Teaching expertise

Teaching and Learning in HSIE K-6, Teaching and Learning in Maths K-6, Integrated and differentiated curriculum, cooperative learning, professional experience and preparation