Application deadline
13 March 2009
Course description (summary)
To work with Professor Postlethwaite and other colleagues in the field of science teacher education, to explore the varied issues arising from a Leverhulme funded study which is investigating the learning of newly qualified science and mathematics teachers (NQTs) during their induction year.
In 2009 Professor Postlethwaite will be completing a project funded by the Leverhulme Trust. This is investigating the learning of newly qualified science and mathematics teachers (NQTs) during their induction year. Initial results are suggesting that this phase of teachers’ learning is problematic. A particular concern is that NQT mentoring provides little opportunity to address these issues. There is a strong indication that an effective partnership between higher education and schools should support induction as it does the initial education of teachers.
You will work with Professor Postlethwaite and other colleagues in the field of science teacher education, to explore the varied issues arising from the Leverhulme funded study. You will be part of the School’s research group that is concerned with teacher education and have access to the data from the Leverhulme project so that your work can start from a well informed position. It is also expected that you will take the analysis of these data further than will be possible within the constraints of the project, gaining maximum benefit from the work already completed.
You would therefore be expected to:
undertake a three-year empirical study into ‘The further development of induction for newly qualified science and mathematics teachers’
prepare papers for research conferences (years two and three)
You will have an opportunity to undertake the School’s ESRC-recognised MSc in Research Methods in Education and, following an Initial Needs Analysis, will be encouraged to secure further training and support through the Effective Researcher Development Programme, run at the University. The studentship is full-time and you may be able to contribute to teaching on the School’s Secondary Science PGCE programme.
If you would like to discuss your application, please contact Keith Postlethwaite
Email: k.c.postlethwaite@exeter.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1392 264840
www.exeter.ac.uk/education/studentships
www.exeter.ac.uk/education/prism
Interviews in April 2009.
Contact name and number
Jenny Andrews, tel: +44 (0) 1392 262719
Contact email
ed-programme@exeter.ac.uk
