Something a little different.
A call to action.
Critical reflection is not a remedial tool; it’s a stance of permanent inquiry - Stephen Brookfield
A long time in the making.
For those that have been following this blog for a while (thank you!), you will know that I have been chipping away at a PhD in Education Philosophy at Deakin University in the background over the past three years.
Well guess what?
I’ve recently got the go ahead to begin my project exploring the relationship between critical reflection of educational ideologies and teacher agency.
Sound like something that interests you?
I am currently looking for teachers who are interested in exploring and reflecting upon the various ideologies impacting on their work in 2025.
If you, or someone you know, might be interested in participating in this research, I have included details of the project below to consider.
It’s about time we prioritised spaces for teachers to critically engage with the ideologies that seek to claim education on their behalf.
This project seeks to do just that.
Are you a critically reflective teacher?
Are you a teacher that thinks deeply and critically about your practice? Or is this something you have never really had an opportunity to do but would like to engage in with others who think the same way?
I am seeking a group of committed critically reflective teachers, who are eager to experience what kind of transformational impact individual and collective critical thinking can have on their practice. Where you perceive yourself on the path of becoming “critically reflective” is unimportant. What is important is that you have a desire to think deeply about your practice!
In 2025, as part of my research project exploring critical thinking and teacher agency, participants will have the opportunity to join together in a community with other like-minded teachers, exploring the ideological nature of education and their work as teachers.
Participation in this study will involve approximately 7 hours of commitment over a period of around 18 months. Participation will involve dialogue and reflection upon the various ideological impacts of teacher work in various Zoom conference meetings and through an asynchronous private chat group, followed by an individual interview at the conclusion of the project. I am interested in your personal experiences and opinions, not in information about specific schools and their practices.
For many of you who have either listened to my podcast segment, Ideology in Education, on the TER Podcast, or have read my posts on my Substack, The Interruption, you will know that this is something I am deeply passionate about and believe to be truly important for all teachers.
So, it doesn’t matter whether you:
teach primary or secondary,
have been a teacher for 20 years or have just started,
work in the government, independent or catholic systems,
are on-going, part-time or casual.
If you’re a registered teacher currently teaching in Australia, you can get involved!
If this seems like something you would be interested in being involved in or have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email at tdmahone@deakin.edu.au and I will get back to you with further information about participating in the project.
This study has received Deakin University ethics approval (reference number: HAE-24-046).
Before you go.
Have you read these? These are some of the most popular posts on The Interruption and as relevant now as they were when first written.
Till next time,
