Degree type
PhD, Masters by research
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Launceston
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
Successful learning outcomes across the school years depend on strong literacy skills. The so-called decline in reading and writing outcomes of Australia students touted by media outlets often occur mid-year when NAPLAN results are released and just before Christmas when international rankings such as PISA and PIRLS results are released. This reporting builds a persuasive narrative which encourages both the general public and politicians to question the ability of systems, teachers and initial teacher education to deliver effective pedagogy for teaching early reading.
The field of literacy education has a rich and deep research literature over a century and a recent meta-analysis of the broad field of teaching reading (NRP, 2000) has provided a blue print for teaching reading which has been embraced by all states and territories in Australia. However, more research is needed, particularly in Australian regional and remote communities to determine how well these teaching and learning strategies are meeting learners needs, and to ascertain if there might be specific needs in these communities which are hindering literacy success.
We are looking to recruit HDR applicants with interests across a range of methodologies and themes, focusing on reading pedagogy in schools in regional and remote communities and those communities with low socio-economic status with a view to developing a nuanced pedagogy of early literacy with findings which might have clear potential to influence change.
Example topics include:
- Place and other contextual factors in the teaching of early reading
- Family and early literacy strategies in rural and remote communities in Tasmania
- School systems, contexts and learners: the teaching of reading
These might be investigated across any sectors and age ranges, from early years to primary and secondary schooling.
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:
- A bachelor's with honours degree of at least second class upper standard with a Minimum Research Component
- master's of research degree with a Minimum Research Component
- A master's degree (coursework) with a Minimum Research Component
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Background in qualitative methods and/or mixed methods
- Knowledge of literacy teaching and learning in English language education
- Knowledge of the English language and its function and structures
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Prof Robyn Cox 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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