Supervision
The projects are being supervised internally by the Dean of Studies, and externally by Nicole Mockler, an educational consultant whose speciality is evidence based educational change and practitioner research. Nicole Mockler is also an associate of the Coalition of Knowledge Building Schools. Her participation in the St Mary’s Learning Projects is being funded by the Australian Government Quality Teacher Program (AGQTP).
In 2007, Nicole Mockler met with all the subject coordinators on two occasions to prepare them for the launch of the action research projects. At these seminars, Nicole presented a formula for preparing research questions which respond both to the curiosity of the researchers and the needs of the college. Over the period from October to December each coordinator developed a research question and hypothesis, as well as a plan for gathering, triangulating and interpreting evidence.
Nicole worked to shape each project so that it would meet strategic, ethical and accountability requirements. She continues to supervise the work of the researchers and to report to the Principal and the Board.
