معرفی
Nicola Jones is a Lecturer in Science Education at the University of Glasgow's School of Education, specializing in pedagogy, praxis, and faith. With over 20 years of secondary science teaching experience across Malawi and Scottish schools (Stirling and Angus), she joined the university in 2021 after five years as an associate tutor at the University of Dundee. She serves as the Initial Teacher Education Physics representative on the Institute of Physics Scotland Education Committee and contributes to national educational bodies including SQA, ASE, and Education Scotland.
Her academic background includes an M Ed. in Professional Enquiry, which underpinned her leadership of school-wide initiatives like 'visible learning' and NQT mentorship for over a decade.
- M Ed. in Professional Enquiry
Nicola's research centers on practitioner enquiry collaborations with schools like Govan High, examining impacts on teacher development and school improvement. She investigates academic transitions for international postgraduate students and STEM undergraduates entering teacher education, while also exploring barriers to physics teaching careers among Physics/Engineering students through attitudes research.
Her 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveal dominant themes in educational transitions, teacher development, and pedagogical innovation. Key trends include comparative analysis of thinking frameworks (SOLO vs Bloom), arts-science integration (SmArts/STEAM), and research-practice partnerships for school improvement, with strong emphasis on practical applications for pre-service and in-service teachers.
Scientific recognition includes:
- CSciTeach (ASE) 2013
- Long service award (ASE) 2012
- Volunteer of the year (Volunteer Scotland) 2008
- College of Social Sciences Teaching Excellence Award (Early Career) 2024
Nicola supervises MEduc year 5 dissertations and secured the 2023-2024 Glasgow Knowledge Exchange Fund Award for 'Practitioner Enquiry at Govan High School'. Her teaching spans PGDE Science/Physics, Primary Science, and the MEduc Science meets the Arts (SmArts) elective, where she serves as course leader for Curriculum Enquiry.
She maintains active school partnerships through projects like the Govan High School collaboration and professional networks including the Association for Science Education (serving on committees from 2003-2012) and Institute of Physics Scotland (2012-present), contributing to national educational policy and teacher development initiatives.
