Three year PhD studentship: Language supportive learning in Rwandan primary education

***Please note: The closing date for the receipt of applications is 12.00 noon (GMT), Thursday, 12 February 2015***

Applications are invited for a full-time University studentship in the Department of Education, within the Internationalisation and Globalisation of Education research cluster.

The student will conduct their research under the supervision of Dr Lizzi Milligan (Department of Education, University of Bath), co-supervised by Professor Leon Tikly (Graduate School of Education, University of Bristol) and Professor Steve Gough (Department of Education, University of Bath).


Background

There is a significant evidence base that has shown that learning through a second language impacts on learners’ ability to engage effectively across the curriculum in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In Rwanda, where English is the medium of instruction from primary 4, a recent research project, Language Supportive Textbooks and Pedagogy has highlighted the potential for language supportive strategies for improving learner outcomes.

Download a detailed summary of the research background (http://www.bath.ac.uk/education/documents/language-learning-rwandan-primary-education-scholarship.pdf)


The project

This studentship will be a follow-up study to the previous project, and will explore the enablers and barriers to effective learning and teaching within this context.

The main objective of the study is to gain greater understanding of the socially and culturally embedded nature of language supportive textbooks and pedagogy through qualitative analysis of classroom observation video data and primary data collection with key stakeholders in Rwanda.


Funding requirements

The successful candidate should:
fulfil the entrance requirements for a Department of Education MPhil and PhD (http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/pg/programmes/educ-mphi/)
have an understanding (or willingness to develop) of key debates in language, education and development
have experience of conducting primary and secondary qualitative data analysis.


How to apply

Applicants should apply online (http://www.bath.ac.uk/hss/graduate-school/research-programmes/how-to-apply/) to study for a full time MPhil and PhD in the Department of Education. It is important to quote the project title (Language supportive learning in Rwandan primary education) on your application.

As this studentship is to work on a specific project, there is no need to write this formal proposal in this case.

The application will also ask you to complete a funding request form (http://www.bath.ac.uk/hss/graduate-school/research-programmes/funding/#apply). Use this to explain your experience and reasons for applying for this studentship.