The project focuses on curriculum practices that are effective in delivering meaningful primary science to primary-aged pupils.
The project will examines ways of using pupils' emotional engagement with the natural world to help them to develop a mature scientific voice.
Two possible methodologies are envisaged:
1. Meta-analysis of best practices at utilising a pupil's sense of wonder
2. Action research in the classroom, focusing on transformational teaching approaches.
Succesful applicants will have experience of teaching in the primary age-phase and have, ideally, a first degree in a scientific discipline, or its equivalent.
To find out more about studying for a PhD at the University of Birmingham, including full details of the research undertaken in each school, the funding opportunities for each subject, and guidance on making your application, you can now order your copy of the new Doctoral Research Prospectus, at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/drp.aspx
Funding Notes:
There is no funding specifically linked to this project.
Where applicable, applicants will be supported to apply for ESRC, College of Social Sciences and School of Education awards.
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) awards are available to UK/EU students. For 2013 we were able to offer 14 ESRC scholarships to fund postgraduate training and doctoral research. The deadline for applications was 4pm, Monday 28 January 2013. The 2014 competition is not yet open; please check back later in the year for more details: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/support/dr/esrc-dtc/index.aspx
References:
Stolberg, T. L. (2008) Attending to the spiritual through the teaching of science: A study of pre-service primary teachers' attitudes. International Journal of Children's Spirituality, 13(2), 171-180.
Stolberg, T. L. (2008) W(h)ither the Sense of Wonder of Pre-service Primary Teachers when Teaching Science?: A preliminary study of their personal experiences. Teaching and Teacher Education, 24, 1958-1964.