1. Research in the School of Education newsletter
RiSE Summer 2011
A spotlight on innovative
undergraduate research
Education Research
Conference
Full report on page 7
Working with UNICEF
Also inside: PhD news Forthcoming research conferences, Reporting on Australian Curriculum practice

2. Contents
Researching the impact
of Higher Level Teaching
Welcome
Assistants ...........................3 This latest issue of RiSE is further demonstration of the
Forthcoming research variety and impact of research and consultancy activity
conferences ........................3 within the School of Education.
Researcher profile: One of the great pleasures in coming to work each day is that I will inevitably
meet a colleague who has some research-related news – a paper published, a
Dr Cristina Devecchi.........4 keynote invitation to a major conference, or news of a promising development in
Working with UNICEF ......4 a research project. What is equally apparent, because of the range of exciting
projects underway in the School, is that RiSE must be seen as simply the tip of an
Reporting on Australian increasingly large iceberg.
Curriculum practice ..........4 As editor of this newsletter I have to be selective, while at the same time
endeavouring to capture the extent to which research and consultancy has been
PhD News ...........................5 growing in both scale and importance. So what readers of RISE are getting is only
a snapshot of the work we do. For every announcement or news item it contains,
The School of Education several others could be substituted without diminishing the variety of the work
Research Forum ................6 that is being undertaken by a range of colleagues within the School and others
associated with it.
PhD student group ............6 RiSE illustrates the degree to which the School of Education is able to connect
its research activities with what really goes on in schools and other settings. Our
PhD training days..............6 capacity to link research to practice is a major strength. And it is shown admirably
Celebrating research at in the current content of the newsletter.
the School of Education Professor Philip Garner
Research Student
Conference .........................7
Spotlight on innovative
undergraduate research ..7
If you would like to be featured in future
editions of this publication, or would like
more information, please email
education@northampton.ac.uk
Written and produced by The University of
Northampton’s School of Education and
Marketing and External Relations Department.
All submissions are the property of RiSE
newsletter. Content © 2011 The University of
Northampton, School of Education.
Baroness Warnock: reflecting on Special Education
Editor Pam Cormack Professor Philip Garner and Paul Bramble recently had an opportunity to
pam.cormack@northampton.ac.uk
interview Baroness Warnock, chair of the 1978 Committee of Enquiry into the
Thanks to all The University of Northampton’s education of Handicapped Children. A full report of this, including extracts
staff and School of Education partners who from Baroness Warnock’s interview, will be included in the next issue of RiSE.
contributed to this newsletter.
2 l RiSE l Web www.northampton.ac.uk/education l Email education@northampton.ac.uk

3. From left to right: Mary Doveston; Philip Smith, Eastern Michigan University [chairperson]; Cristina
Devecchi; Michelle Parker- Katz, University of Illinois – Chicago; Tabetha Bernstein-Danis, University of
Pittsburgh. Forthcoming
research
conferences
20th Asian Conference on
Intellectual Disabilities
Julu Island, South Korea
21-26 August 2011
www.acid2011korea.org
British Educational Research
Association (BERA) Conference
London Institute of Education
6-8 September 2011
www.bera.ac.uk
European Conference on
Educational Research (ECER)
Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
13-16 September 2011
www.eera-ecer.eu
Researching the impact of Higher Level 3rd International Conference
on Teaching and Learning
Teaching Assistants Penang, Malaysia
14-16 November 2011
Cristina Devecchi, Mary Doveston and Phil Ellender from http://ictl.intimal.edu.my
the School of Education joined around14,000 researchers Ireland International
in New Orleans, US for the annual American Educational Conference on Education
Research Association (AERA) conference. Dublin, Ireland
5-11 October 2011
www.iicedu.org
The theme of the conference was authorities and schools are compelled
The Third Asian Conference on
‘Inciting the Social Imagination: to cut unnecessary expenditures in the
Education Research for the Public present economic and budgetary crisis. Education
Good’. Mary and Cristina presented Osaka, Japan
The paper was well received from 27-30 October 2011
a roundtable paper titled ‘Are They
colleagues who presented with them. http://ace.iafor.org
Worth the Money? Exploring the Role of
Adult Support in English Mainstream Other presentations at the conference ICERI2011 (4th International
and Special Schools in a Time of included:
Conference of Education
Financial Constraints’.
• ‘Coteaching in the Inclusive Research and Innovation)
The paper presented findings from an Classroom: A Study of Two Secondary Madrid, Spain
empirical research on the deployment of English Classrooms’ by Tabetha 14-16 November 2011
support staff in primary, secondary and Bernstein-Danis, a PhD student from www.iceri2011.org
special schools in one local authority in the University of Pittsburgh.
England. The study used questionnaires International Society
• ‘Collaborative Teacher Network:
and semi-structured interviews to Higher for the Social Studies
Findings Related to Increasing
Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) and Annual Conference
Teachers’ Knowledge of Content-Area
school leaders. The study explored Orlando Florida, USA
Reading Strategies’ by Marie Tejero
the deployment and employment of 1-2 March 2012
Hughes, Michelle Parker, Angela
HLTAs, the impact training had on their www.TheISSS.org
Bryant, Jaime Lynn Zurheide, Joanna
roles and responsibilities and which
Keel, Ghonecsar Muhammad and
barriers prevented them from using Canada International
Georgette G. Lee from the University
their knowledge and skills in supporting Conference on
of Illinois in Chicago.
children with special educational Education (CICE)
needs (SEN). • ‘Comparing Scores on Alternate Toronto, Canada
Assessments Based on Modified 22-26 of April 2012
The study suggests that, while the
Achievement Standards and Scores on www.ciceducation.org
training has the potential to enhance
General Assessments’ from Katherine
the role of HLTAs, localised practices
M. Nagle at SRI International and
can be a barriers to effective use. The
Patricia JoAnn Almond from the
findings have implications for the future
University of Oregon.
employment of HLTAs, since local
Web www.northampton.ac.uk/education l Email education@northampton.ac.uk l RiSE l 3

4. Researcher profile
Dr Cristina Devecchi,
Lecturer in Education
(SEN and Inclusion), has
experience of teaching
Working with UNICEF
Italian to adults and to The School of Education is currently involved in a
children on behalf of the UNICEF consultancy project in FYR Macedonia.
Italian vice-consulate. Professor Philip Garner has been working alongside
colleagues from the University of Warwick’s Centre
She taught Italian in Beirut where she
started the first course in Italian at the for Learning Behaviour in supporting UNICEF’s efforts
Lebanese University in 1994. While to promote approaches to ‘violence reduction’ in
in Beirut she also taught English for
academic writing at the American Macedonian schools.
University of Beirut. On her return to the The work, which involves direct states from South East Europe. It is
UK she worked as a teaching assistant training inputs, school visits and very reassuring that our evaluation
responsible for supporting children with reflective evaluations, has been taking surveys are showing that the
a variety of special needs. place since October 2010 and is set faciliators we are working with are
Her graduate studies focused on the to conclude in September 2011. demonstrating an increasingly strong
features of effective collaboration grasp of the principles of positive
Professor Garner commented:
between teachers and teaching behaviour management.”
“Working with UNICEF offers us a
assistants in secondary schools. While wonderful opportunity to maximise The School is also discussing other
doing her PhD she was involved in our own professional expertise potential projects with colleagues
various projects including a study of while supporting the development from Warwick and UNICEF.
theories of learning for adults with of one of the emerging ‘new’ nation
learning difficulties commissioned
by NIACE.
After gaining her PhD, she worked as
a researcher at the RECOUP project
Reporting on Australian
(Faculty of Education, University of Curriculum practice
Cambridge), and at the HANDS project,
a European Union funded project, Colleagues from the School of it will assist us to make a strong claim
which focused on developing mobile Education, including Annie Fergusson that our new Australian curriculum
technology to help young people with from CeSNER and Professor Philip needs to offer a more obvious
autism. Since working in Northampton, Garner, have successfully completed a commitment to meeting the needs of
Cristina has been involved in a project major scoping of curriculum practice students with disabilities and Special
on transition to FE and HE for young for the Australian government’s Educational Needs (SEN)”.
people with SEN, in collaboration with Assessment, Curriculum and
colleagues in Trinity College, Dublin, and The report contains a series of
Reporting Authority (ACARA).
on a project looking at the deployment recommendations in respect of
of Higher Level Teaching Assistants. The report, produced jointly with the curriculum practice in special
She is presently the project manager University of Adelaide, was delivered education and is a further indication
for a study of the impact of training for in April 2011. A spokesperson for of the capacity of colleagues from
teaching assistants. the Australian Special Education CeSNER to offer high-quality,
Principals’ Association (ASEPA) stated experience-based advice at policy
that: “This report is significant in that level on aspects of SEN.
4 l RiSE l Web www.northampton.ac.uk/education l Email education@northampton.ac.uk

5. PhD News
New PhD From left to right: Benny Kuruvilla, Meanu Bajwa-Patel,
Saneeya Qureshi, Phil Ellender
Students
The School of Education
recently welcomed a
number of new PhD
students to begin their
studies with us.
Saneeya Qureshi has previously
completed her MA at the University.
She is now conducting research into the
impact of Special Educational Needs
(SEN) co-ordinators in primary schools,
and, in particular, the way they influence Phil Ellender joins us having previously conduct research into the educational
the work of their teacher colleagues. worked as a principle educational challenges faced by children
psychologist. He is exploring issues of with ‘glue-ear’.
Benny Kuruvilla also joins us following transition from primary to secondary
completion of the MA Education. Benny All of these students can be contacted
schools for pupils with SEN.
is working on a project investigating at the School of Education.
the deployment and impact of Abide Zenenga is investigating the
If you are interested in pursuing
learning mentors. role of fathers in the education of
research towards the PhD, do please get
their sons.
Meanu Bajwa-Patel is considering the in touch with Pam Cormack via
ways in which parents reach decisions Carmel Capewell is working with pam.cormack@northampton.ac.uk,
about choosing schools for their children supervisors from both the School of the research degrees administrator in
with SEN. Education and the School of Health to the School of Education.
The School of Education PhD training days PhD student support
Research Forum group meetings
The School runs PhD training days
The School of Education is open to all for students, potential students The monthly supervisor and PhD student
members of academic and research and supervisors. group meetings continue to provide a
staff within the school, as well as The days take place termly and provide: forum for discussion of methodological
the school’s Visiting Professors and matters related to individual projects.
PhD students. • A platform for students to These meetings are informal and
disseminate their work and receive relaxed but provide opportunities for
The purpose of the forum is to raise the feedback in a supportive environment critical discussion and reflection around
profile of research within the school,
• An opportunity for students to the PhD process.
increasing bidding activity, supporting
colleagues in submission of work for exchange information Forthcoming meetings will be held on:
publication and increasing research • The chance for students to hear from • 22 September 2011
capacity. The aim is to give colleagues established researchers on matters of • 13 October 2011
an opportunity to present aspects of interest or concern to them • 24 November 2011
their research and to come together for
• An opportunity for potential students • 15 December 2011
practical writing and bidding activities.
to find out what it is like to study for • 19 January 2012
This year’s Research Forums have been a PhD • 16 February 2012
very well received by staff and students. • 15 March 2012
Next year’s events will take place on PhD training days take place in the next • 19 April 2012
the following dates, between 10am and academic year on the following dates:
All meetings are from 4.30-6pm
4pm on each day: • 6 October 2011, 2-4.30pm
• 12 October 2011 • 2 February 2012, 2-4.30pm
• 8 February 2012 • 3-4 May 2012 PhD Student
• 20 June 2012 Conference 9.30am-4.30pm
Web www.northampton.ac.uk/education l Email education@northampton.ac.uk l RiSE l 5

6. Celebrating research at the
School of Education Research
Student Conference
The second School of Education Research Student Conference has taken place at
The University of Northampton over two days for the first time, on Wednesday 4 and
Thursday 5 May. Four of our new PhD students – Saneeya Qureshi, Meanu Bajwa-Patel,
Benny Kuruvilla and Phil Ellender – organised this year’s event, supported by school
administrator Pam Cormack.
Research Degree students at different
stages in the development of their
thesis gave presentations about their
research. These ranged from a School
of Education academic who had not
yet applied to do her PhD to students
who had presented at the conference
last year, and whose confidence
was growing.
Returning from China to discuss ideas
for further research in her area of
expertise was Dr Mary Feng Yan. Mary
who gained her MA International
Education Degree and PhD with the
School as well as then going on to work
as a Research Assistant. Mary has
presented her research at many national
and international conferences and has
published her findings in journals and in
a recent book.
Other talks discussed topics such
as ‘Children as Researchers’,
the ‘Perceptions of Early Years
Professionals’, ‘Cutting edge... or edge
of your seat’ (on PhD supervision),
‘Changes in legislation regarding
Special Educational Needs’ and ‘The
The student view – of Professor Richard Rose and Dr regarding the flow of the programme,
Cristina Devecchi with invaluable we were able to capitalise on the
Saneeya Qureshi input from last year’s main organiser, supportive environment of the School
Mellina Ferro Costa Aston. of Education and bounce ideas off
As a new PHD
each other at every stage.
student it What at first seemed an
has been an insurmountable task for mere novices The planned two-day programme
extremely edifying such as ourselves, turned out to be went off without a hitch. I was
experience for not only an enjoyable, but confidence- fortunate to be able to participate not
me to have been boosting adventure. Regular meetings only as a Conference organiser and
involved with the throughout the build-up to the event delegate, but also as Chair for a half-
Research Student ensured that we each worked on tasks day session.
Conference. suited for our abilities and strengths.
The experience has polished my
The organising committee, consisting When faced with previously communication, organisational and
of myself, Phil Ellender, Meanu unchartered territory, such as networking skills. I have come away
Bajwa-Patel, Benny Kuruvilla and shortlisting abstracts, defining the knowing that I am not just a research
Pam Cormack sat down for an initial Chair’s responsibilities, answering student, but a well-rounded doctoral
brainstorm under the guidance logistical questions or matters researcher-in-the-making.
6 l RiSE l Web www.northampton.ac.uk/education l Email education@northampton.ac.uk

7. relationship between research and
practice in education’.
Spotlight on innovative
undergraduate research
This year the conference welcomed four
keynote speakers over the two days:
Professor John Visser spoke about
the ‘Pursuit of Evidence’ in his address,
discussing the “slippery nature of Just a small selection of the innovative research that
evidence” and “linguistic inflation” takes places within the School at undergraduate level.
as well as the changing definitions of
terms over time such as “challenging
behaviour”. Special Education Needs seven children in her care towards
in Uganda eating more fruit and vegetables.
Nidhi Singal from the University of
Dianna Richards, BA (Hons) Education Catherine first assessed their food
Cambridge discussed her ‘Disability,
Studies, spent a year in Uganda preferences directly and confirmed
Education and Poverty’ research project,
undertaking voluntary work in a rural a reluctance to even try some
which took place over a five year period
special school prior to starting her vegetables. She then designed
in the “Global South countries” of
university studies. For her dissertation an intervention that was partly
Ghana, Kenya, Pakistan and India. The
research Dianna returned to the educational and partly experiential
work was underpinned with themes/
same school in Uganda to chart the combining learning about different
questions such as “the cycle of disability
development of Special Educational foods with planting, growing, cooking
and poverty – can education make a
Needs (SEN) provision and practice. and tasting a range of vegetables
difference?” Dr Singal complimented
She adopted a case study approach to for themselves.
the conference, the support given to
delegates and rapport between them. examine the impact of national policy The intervention took place over an
She further complimented us on the developments on the life of a 10 year eight week period and was successful
learning development going on at old boy with speech and language in encouraging children both to
the University. difficulties. As well as in-depth study sample new foods and to continue to
of the boy’s individual needs and eat a broader selection of fruit and
Professor Philip Garner spoke about
development and the level of support vegetables than before.
PhD supervision and asked the audience
received, her study involved interviews
to reflect on how they are being EYPS in rural pre-schools
with government officials, teachers,
supervised, or supervising others. He Sue Burgess is the deputy leader
students and parents.
talked about possible unequal power, of a rural pre-school who recently
about ownership/ authorship and the From her research Dianna identified
completed the Early Years Professional
idea of the revered “secret garden.” issues of teacher training, resources,
Status (EYPS). Sue decided to
knowledge and awareness of SEN
Professor Richard Rose, our final investigate attitudes to EYPS among
assessment as specific contributing
keynote speaker, talked about the staff and committees of community
factors to the future successful
relationship between research and run rural pre-schools for her BA (Hons)
support of children with SEN in
practice in Education, circulating ideas Early Childhood Studies dissertation.
Uganda.
about being bold and committed on Through questionnaires she identified
one’s journey and “systonic and critical Introducing fruit and vegetables differences between pre-schools and
inquiry”. Catherine Massie adopted an action also between the attitudes of staff
Professor Rose highlighted several research approach to her BA (Hons) and committee members, many of
key benefits about the conference Early Childhood Studies dissertation. whom did not understand what EYPS
such as opportunities to network and With current concerns around was about. She then identified a
establish contacts that may take us childhood obesity and junk food number of issues to follow up through
down unexpected roads of enquiry, consumption, Catherine decided to in-depth interviews with key staff and
being able to come together to reflect investigate ways of influencing the committee members.
on progress, sharing ideas and support,
and receiving constructive feedback.
Professor Rose went on to say how Dianna Richards in Uganda
pleased he was with the progress and
enthusiasm of our students and the
increase in their numbers over the past
few years.
The appointment of Professor Nick
Petford as Vice Chancellor of the
University with a commitment
to research, and the studentship
appointments made possible by funded
bursaries is tribute to the University
moving the research agenda forward,
reflected in the quality of the students
we are attracting. This all demonstrates
the importance of research and was
celebrated at our conference.
Web www.northampton.ac.uk/education l Email education@northampton.ac.uk l RiSE l 7

8. Teacher Career Motivation
and Professional Development
in Special and Inclusive
Education in China
Following successful completion of her PhD, undertaken
through the Centre for Education and Research
(CeSNER) at The University of Northampton,
Mary Feng Yan was invited to
report her research in
a book series edited by
Professor Roger Slee from
the London Institute of
Education.
Mary’s book, ‘Teacher Career Motivation
and Professional Development in Special
and Inclusive Education in China’, discusses
teacher knowledge, understanding and
motivations in relation to pupils with special
educational needs in China, an area that is
at an early stage of development. As such,
this text constitutes an important contribution
to the educational research literature in that
country. Mary completed both her MA and PhD in
Northampton, and, during her time with us, worked
on funded research projects in the area of extended
schools, as well as teaching on several courses within
the School of Education. This book is one of several
publications written by Mary including a number of
papers in academic journals. Now back in China, Mary
continues to keep in touch and plans further work with
colleagues from the School of Education.
The University of Northampton
Park Campus
Boughton Green Road
Northampton NN2 7AL
Web www.northampton.ac.uk/education
Email education@northampton.ac.uk