Carla Valerio

Carla Valerio is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Southern Cross University, Australia, specializing in Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE). Her research centers on Social Learning Strategies, particularly Communities of Practice, and their role in developing student-centered approaches among pre-service teachers through ethnographic methodologies.

Her educational background includes a PhD in Sport Sciences (Sport, Education and Culture) from the University of Porto (2022), alongside Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Physical Education and Sports Science from the same institution. Her international collaborations span Portugal, Spain, and Australia.

Valerio's research integrates Student-centred pedagogy and Social Learning Theory to examine how social learning strategies enhance professional development in PETE. Her ethnographic studies focus on situated learning, Communities of Practice, and the practical implementation of student-centered methods in teacher education programs. Recent work demonstrates consistent use of qualitative methodologies including action research, autoethnography, and case studies.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals dominant themes: identity development of teacher educators, student-centered pedagogy in gymnastics/sport, coaching team dynamics, and pre-service teacher challenges in adopting innovative methods. Her work consistently employs ethnographic and qualitative approaches with emphasis on real-world applicability.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Early Career Researcher Award for Research Excellence, Southern Cross University (2024)

Valerio actively supervises postgraduate students in Health and Physical Education (HPE), sport pedagogy, and ethnographic research. While specific grants aren't detailed in available materials, her prolific international publication record indicates sustained research activity. Her work is conceptually linked to Communities of Practice frameworks though no formal lab structures are specified.