On the 24th July 2019, I attended the University of Chester for an interview to begin a part-time doctorate in education. I met with the programme leader and my MA dissertation supervisor where I discussed my research interests and following discussion, my application was accepted. This post is being written to act as a starting point for my thoughts as I commence my research and to encourage others to consider continuing their own studies.
In 2018 I completed a masters degree in Educational Practice where my dissertation focused on intervention strategies, in particular those aimed at disadvantaged learners. My masters dissertation was the first time I was able to synthesise the idea of a ‘culture of intervention’. I went on to write an article about this phenomenon in TES. One significant conclusion from my research here was that despite a teacher’s best efforts, interventions have little impact and instead, support should be focused on early development within the 0-3 age range.
My research interests lay mainly in the areas of educational disadvantage and the policy landscape of the UK education system and through my doctoral research hope to look in greater detail at the impact policies are having on disadvantaged students within the UK.
It is expected that my research focus will shift as it is currently on schooling. What is already becoming clear is that learning and development needs to be viewed as a life long, multi-agency issue. Currently schools try to deal a wide range of student needs, an unsustainable scenario for schools and unacceptable for the disadvantaged students who require the most support.
I will update my blog over the next five years of research and study to provide myself with a useful reflection tool but also to give an insight into what life is like completing a doctorate whilst working full time as a teacher.