Kendra McMahon

Personal statement

My main research interest is the teaching of science in primary schools. I have researched classroom talk with a focus on dialogic teaching and teacher assessment in science. I am currently exploring the implications of ‘the learning sciences’ for science education.

My publications include both books for teaching professionals and academic articles, bringing research and practice together.

I am the School of Education PhD/research student lead. I also lead and teach on the undergraduate education studies modules Learning in Science and Teaching and Professionalism.

As co-founder of the Bath Spa University research group Centre for Research in Scientific and Technological Education and Learning (CRiSTLE), I support interdisciplinary research in science education. Recently this has involved developing open-access resources on the place of ‘the learning sciences’ (particularly cognitive psychology and neuroscience) in initial teacher education through the Learning Science in ITE project funded by The Wellcome Trust (2017-2021). I lead the English contribution to the international study Views about Scientific Inquiry-Elementary (VASI-E).

My previous research work includes the Teacher Assessment in Primary Science project (TAPS) funded by the Primary Science Teaching Trust. The See the Science Project (2012-13), also funded by the Primary Science Teaching Trust, examined cross curricular planning and sustained scientific dialogues. The Improving Science Together (IST) project (1999-2001) focused on assessment of scientific enquiry in primary school and on transition to secondary school.

Previously I enjoyed teaching in primary schools in Bristol and South Gloucestershire for 9 years, including 6 years as science subject lead and two years as deputy head.

Academic qualifications

• BSc(Hons) University of Bristol
• PGCE University of Brighton
• MEd UWE
• PhD Bath Spa University

Professional memberships

• Association for Science Education (ASE)
  Member of West of England Region Committee (West of England Region chair 2001-2003)
• Member of ASE National Primary committee 1998-2002).
  I was presented with the ASE Special Service Award (2008).
• BERA (Bristish Educational Research Association)
• ESERA (European Science Education Research Association)

External examiners

• University of Brighton Science Education (1/3/2004-1/9/2008)
• PhD external examining: University of Bath (2016, 2019); Flinders University (Aus) (2018); University of York (2020/1).

Teaching specialism

• Science Education
• Teaching and Professionalism

Current scholarship

• Considering the place of ‘the learning sciences’ (particularly cognitive psychology and neuroscience) in science education and initial teacher education. For more details see the Learning Science in ITE project funded by The Wellcome Trust (2017-2021).