C&I Ph.D. Student Kathryn Allen receives grant for new research

AllenK2013Curriculum and Instruction Ph.D. student Kathryn Allen received a grant for research presented at The International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (ISSOTL) conference in October. ISSOTL serves faculty members, staff, and students who care about teaching and learning as serious intellectual work. The goal of the Society is to foster inquiry and disseminate findings about what improves and articulates post-secondary learning and teaching. ISSOTL is unique in its efforts to form a global community in the interest of post-secondary teaching and learning.
In the poster presentation on Cultural-Historical Activity Theory, Allen explored professional development from a perspective that supports educators beyond traditional modes. During her master’s program at UT, Allen, along with 2 other students and a faculty member were each involved in independent projects beyond the scope of the program and decided to support each other through bi-weekly meetings. This model of professional development is the subject of the study. She hopes to continue using this theory to explore professional development for teachers in the specific area of technology integration. Effective use of technology for teaching and learning is a common professional development theme crossing national borders and demands an international forum.
Of the conference, Allen said, “This year’s conference title, ‘Critical Transitions in Teaching and Learning’ particularly resonated with me during my work with pre-service teachers. In what ways does teacher preparation need to transform in order to fit them for the classrooms they will enter? What transitions can I make in my teaching that will serve my students? How does my research support the preparation of teachers in a world that is transforming with mind-boggling speed? This year’s ISSOTL conference explored all of these questions through scholarly work and conversation.”
To learn more about the Department of Curriculum and Instruction’s Literacy Education track, please visit the Literacy Education Ph.D. page on our website.