School of Teacher Education
Zeffie Nicholas
Lecturer
BEd (Syd), MEd (UWgong), PhD (UWgong)
Zeffie Nicholas
Bio
I came to the University in February 2003 with a background in secondary mathematics education. I gained my Bachelor of Education (Secondary Mathematics) from the University of Sydney and my Master of Education (Curriculum Development, Implementation and Evaluation) from the University of Wollongong. I recently completed my Doctor of Education from the University of Wollongong. The focus of my work was on educational leadership, sustainable school reform and educational change. My main goals of teaching are to foster within individuals outstanding and reflective practice and life-long learning skills. My approach to teaching is grounded in an extensive understanding and experience of pedagogy across a variety of learning settings. This approach is holistic and involves utilising different adult learning strategies in order to cater for different students to achieve the best possible outcomes. These strategies are flexible delivery, developing competence in the use of information communication technology, recognition of prior learning, acknowledging life experience and promoting relevance of learning experiences.
Research
Areas of interest and future research possibilities are:
- school reform
- sustainable practices
- educational leadership
- school induction and mentoring processes
- staff relationships
- reflective practice
- effective assessment
- effective professional development
- successful school innovation
Teaching
Teaching areas are:
- Primary mathematics education
- Secondary mathematics education
- Secondary Professional Studies
- Secondary Professional Experience
- Educational Leadership
- Curriculum Change
Professional Engagement
Member of the following associations/organisations:
- Australian Council for Educational Leaders
- Mathematical Association of New South Wales
- Australian Teacher Education Association
- The Australian Association for Research in Education
Publications
- Nicholas, Z. and White, A. (2003). Face Facts: Mathematical misconceptions in the middle school classroom, Studies in Science, Mathematics and Technical Education, edited by Harkirat S. Dhindsa et. Al., Brunei.
- Nicholas, Z., Thomas, N. and Page, J. (2003). Developing the Reflective Practitioner, an analysis of the Bachelor of Education Primary Course CSU, for RIPPLE Conference 2003. Albury.