Queensland College of Teachers

Completed Research

The QCT undertakes research relevant to its functions. Details of completed research projects appear below.

The QCT also publishes the QCT Research Digest, a periodic summary of national and international research on topical issues in teaching.

Details of research undertaken by the Board of Teacher Registration (prior to 2006) can be accessed through the publications section of this website.

Book Language as a Foreign Language – ESL Strategies for Indigenous Learners

This report is the product of a research project commissioned to address the topic in the QCT’s annual research plan of 'Preparing teachers, through preservice teacher education and professional development, with the skills required for teaching students for whom English is not their first language, in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students '.

The purpose of the research study was to identify how Queensland teachers can best meet high standards of professional competence for teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students for whom English is not their first language.

The project group, led by Professor Robin McTaggart from James Cook University, included team members Dr Gina Curro and Mr Max Lenoy. Professor McTaggart has expertise in the area of action research, program evaluation and teacher education. Dr Curro is a language adviser at the University of Melbourne and has experience as an ESL teacher in bilingual school programs. Mr Lenoy was employed as a lecturer and Remote Area Teacher Education Program (RATEP) Director at James Cook University at the time the research was being conducted.

The final report was forwarded to the QCT in July 2009 presenting reflections on current practice and suggesting a way forward for teachers and educators in regard to teaching English as a second language for Indigenous students. The report makes recommendations for future practices in preservice teacher education as well as professional development for established teachers working with Indigenous learners.

A Review of Research on the 'Teach for' Programs Based in the USA, UK, and Other Countries

In March 2010 the QCT commissioned a review of the available research on intensive teacher preparation programs. The purpose was to address four questions of particular interest to the QCT. The review was undertaken by Dr Cheryl Sim of Griffith University and focused on the initial training programmes of Teach for America (TFA) and of Teach First (England). The resulting  paper provides a summary of key journal articles that relate to either of these programs, and also reviews those articles which make some reference to alternative certification programs generally.