Catriona MacDonald

Catriona MacDonald serves as Senior Lecturer and Head of School at the University of Aberdeen's School of Education. She has held various leadership positions including Depute Head of School (2019-2022) and Director of Learning and Teaching (2015-2019). Her academic journey includes being Programme Director for both the MA in Education (2013-2016) and Bachelor of Education (Hons) (2010-present).

Dr. MacDonald's educational background includes a Diploma of Primary Education from Moray House College of Education (1979), a Post Graduate Diploma of Special Educational Needs from Northern College Aberdeen (2000), and a Chartered Teacher Module from the University of Aberdeen (2004). Prior to her university appointment, she worked as a Teacher Learning Support in Aberdeenshire and as a Behavioural Support Teacher.

Her research focuses on mathematics and numeracy education, particularly through the 'Maths Recovery' diagnostic assessment framework. She has conducted significant research on the experiences of male students in primary teacher education programs and leads a capacity building project in Cambodia focused on educational inclusion in rural schools. Her recent work takes decolonial perspectives on intercultural research in educational contexts.

Her research portfolio demonstrates a strong commitment to educational inclusion, teacher development, and addressing cultural and gender dynamics in education. The Cambodia project represents a multi-phase international collaboration examining educational inclusion in rural Cambodian schools through a decolonial framework.

Professional Recognition:

• Excellence Awards (2021): Nomination for Outstanding Contribution to Blended Learning
• AUSA Awards (2019): Nominations for Best Undergraduate Lecturer & Best Support

As an educator, MacDonald teaches across multiple programs including Bachelor of Education courses on Learning How to Learn, What Makes Us Human, and Primary Mathematics Curriculum. She also teaches Professional Studies and Learning and Teaching components, with particular expertise in mathematics education for both undergraduate and postgraduate teacher training programs.

She maintains active professional memberships including the Scottish Council of Deans of Education, British Education Research Association, and various university committees focused on teacher education and professional development.