Karen is a lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Monash University and her research interests relate to science curriculum and pedagogy including: developing the pedagogical knowledge of pre-service teachers; teaching science in integrated ways to engage learners to explore its value, complexity and relevance within our society and its place within society; and the value of co-teaching and collaborative work of teachers.

Karen is interested in developing shared meanings for teaching psychology as a contemporary science and ways to connect and build on learning experiences to promote psychologically literate citizens. Such approaches consider the teaching of psychological concepts with the teaching of core science practices that inform these concepts. Her MEd thesis focused on progression of learning of psychology within Victorian curriculum and her PhD considered teachers views on using a psychological science framework as a support for their teaching of psychology. 

Psychology curriculum & pedagogy; teaching and learning of psychology in schools.

Science curriculum & pedagogies; teaching and learning of science; interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary programs, especially the middle years.

Developing the pedogogical knowledge of preservice teachers. 

Co-teaching - working with academics and school teachers in preservice teacher academic units.

Teacher views and teaching science as a human endeavour: nature, values and relevance of/for science.  

Teacher views of psychology and contemporary science; teaching science concepts with science practices that inform these concepts.

Science teacher education; mentoring; teachers as professionals.

EDF4252 Integrated approaches to science learning and teaching

EDF5175 & EDF5176 Psychology education in secondary schools A & B

EDF5137 & EDF5138 General science education in secondary schools A & B

EDF4006 Transition and professional engagement

EDF5127 & EDF5128 Chemistry education in secondary schools A & B