Education research focus at symposium

Symposium Convenors (left to right) Professor Patrick Danaher, Dr Margaret Baguley and Dr Warren Midgley

More than 50 academics gathered at USQ Springfield campus last week (22 September) for an education symposium hosted by the USQ Faculty of Education.

The event, organised by the Postgraduate and Early Career Research (PGECR) group gave academics and students interested in education research the opportunity to gather together specifically to discuss current and future research opportunities.

USQ Faculty of Education Senior Lecturer and a symposium convenor Dr Margaret Baguley said the symposium was a great opportunity to develop and strengthen networks amongst researchers in order to collaborate on current and future issues in education.

'The roles educators undertake, the challenges teachers face and the impact of the National Curriculum on education all have a huge impact on the way we educate future teachers,' Dr Baguley said.

Another convenor, Faculty of Education academic Dr Warren Midgley revealed at the symposium the importance of such opportunities in enhancing teaching.

'The way we approach our teaching is of vital importance to ensure we are giving our students the best opportunities to learn and to be successful in their chosen career.

'Research undertaken on a range of educational issues and student learning plays a key role in quality teaching.'

Professor Patrick Danaher, Faculty of Education Associate Dean (Research) noted that the chosen theme Into the Labyrinth: Myths, Metaphors & Meanings provided wonderful scope for a range of presentations which focussed on cross-cultural issues, sustainability, professional development and challenges for first year students.

The PGECR supports both new and more experienced researchers to present.

This year a number of Faculty of Education Honours students also attended and supported fellow student Keira-June Alberts who spoke about the Ling 6 Sound Series for hearing impaired children.

The 8th PGECR symposium was supported by the Dean of the Faculty of Education Professor Nita Temmerman and the Director of the Springfield campus Mr Doug Fraser.

Contact Details:
Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0438 309 096