My Research

USQMUM

Hello

I'm Stephen Smith and I'm currently enrolled within  a Ph D at University of Southern Queensland.

My major research interest lies in identifying special qualities or attributes male primary teachers may, or may not, bring to the classroom.

In recent times there has been much international attention given to the call for increased presence of male teachers within our primary schools. Unfortunately there is little evidence or literature which suggests or identifies why we need more male primary teachers. What are the special qualities or attributes male teachers are more likely to bring to the classroom?  My research will help to address this question.

Click here to download a research report 'Teaching and the gender imbalance: do we need more MATES'

Click here to access a graphical representation of recent gender shifts within Queensland's public school teaching population.

In 2007 I established the USQMUM (Unearthing student quality: Mentors Up-skilling Men) project. This voluntary mentoring project teamed local male primary teachers with first and second year USQ Bachelor of Education ({Primary/Middle) students. The project was supported by a $9,600 USQ Learning and Teaching Development grant. Click on the hyperlink to the left to view a more detailed outline and report on this project.