Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
Effective teaching extends beyond mastering academic knowledge and pedagogical techniques. Teachers' non-academic attributes are equally crucial to their success in the profession. Non-academic attributes include interpersonal skills, empathy, adaptability, and resilience, all of which are vital in shaping successful teachers. Such attributes help teachers to create positive classroom environments and foster effective student-teacher relationships.
The aim of this project is to investigate teachers' non-academic attributes to identify and exemplify those attributes deemed critical for impactful teaching across varied educational contexts. The intention of this research is to go beyond merely identifying these attributes, however, to explore how teachers utilise them in the classroom, and how they might be cultivated. Importantly, the research aims to understand the extent to which teachers' non-academic attributes are valued by different stakeholders, including teacher educators, pre-service teachers, teachers, students, and school leaders.
We are looking for a PhD candidate who is eager to contribute to this research. Potential research avenues include the role of teacher education in cultivating and nurturing teachers' non-academic attributes, the impact of school experiences on teachers' non-academic attributes, and the perspectives of different educational stakeholders on the value and importance of these attributes. Projects about the assessment of teachers' non-academic attributes are also welcome. The candidate may make use of existing qualitative project data, or there is scope for candidate to develop their own research questions and methods (qualitative or mixed methods) to address a closely related topic.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Qualitative or mixed-methods experience
- Working with Vulnerable People Card (if researching with students)
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- An understanding of the Tasmanian education context
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Bianca Coleman to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 February 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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