PhD and Masters project

Overview

Opportunity for PhD, EdD or Masters by Research in an exciting science education project designed to measure the impact of teacher upskilling in Einsteinian Science on STEM subject choices and career outcomes.

Research projects will involve

• Evaluation and optimisation of our professional development programs: The postgrad student will examine factors that influence the impact of professional development and its dissemination to other teachers in Einsteinian physics that take place through micro-credential courses using selected assessment instruments. The postgrad student will research teachers' views of the professional development in Einsteinian physics that takes place through micro-credential courses and whether these influence their teaching efficacy and attitudes towards teaching science using selected assessment instruments.
• Evaluation of Primary or Secondary students' conceptual understanding of and attitudes towards modern physics concepts: The postgraduate student will analyse how Grade 3 to Grade 10 students respond to learning Einsteinian physics when it is delivered by a teacher who is upskilled in this area. The postgraduate student will also assess the impact of modern science concepts on the students' attitudes towards physics.
• Tracking subject choices beyond Year 10 of students who undertake Einstein-First programs: The postgraduate student will track primary and secondary students to evaluate how their attitudes change as they advance through year levels. The postgraduate student will also assess students' choice of subjects to determine whether teaching Einsteinian physics impacts their career choices in STEM, using the validated STEM Career Interest Survey Tool. Additionally, the postgraduate student will identify barriers to girls' participation in physics and STEM and examine how teachers upskilled in Einsteinain physics can attract more girls, including those from minority groups and diverse cultural backgrounds, into physics.

In joining this project, you will be helping to create a revolutionary new school curriculum consistent with our modern understanding of the universe that is relevant to the modern technologies that have revolutionised our lives, and one that is focussed on innovations needed to face the challenges of the future.

Research will be taking place in Western Australia, Canberra, Queensland, South Australia and Northern Territory at linked schools. Postgraduate positions can be supported at The University of Western Australia (UWA), Curtin University, Flinders University, University of Southern Queensland and The Australian National University. Students will need to identify a topic relevant to the types of projects outlined above and separately enrol in Masters or Doctoral programs at one of these institutions according to discussions with team members. The project is managed by UWA at our Einstein-First facility. Postgraduate students enrolled in other universities will have the opportunity to work with the team at UWA while undertaking research led from their home university.

Requirements

Australian permanent residents need to satisfy entrance requirements for postgraduate enrolment which ideally will include ability to secure a scholarship at UWA or the other participating universities. Part-time Masters, EdD or PhD positions will be available to teachers who wish to conduct research in conjunction with their classroom teaching.

Non-Australian residents are liable for high cost international student fees. Only exceptional students (top 5% category) with several international publications have the chance of securing an IPRS scholarship. Students outside of the top 10% category have little chance unless their research experience and publications are exceptionally well aligned with the project.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and research skills
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams
• Experience in preparing reports and publications
• Relevant academic background, preferably with a Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Previous experience in a research role is advantageous

Application instructions

Candidates should submit:

• a letter of interest explaining why you are interested in this project and how you will contribute using your previous knowledge
• Detailed CV
• contact information for two academic referees

Please send all the required documents to Jyoti Kaur at tejinder.kaur@uwa.edu.au

For more information

Contact: E/Prof. David Blair (david.Blair@uwa.edu.au)

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