Research Interests
Sue’s main research interest is the teaching of poetry in secondary schools. This focus developed from her own experiences both as a published poet and a secondary English teacher and also formed the basis of her doctoral research. Sue is particularly interested in: writing poetry; poetic forms (such as the ghazal); poetry from different cultures and traditions; the place of poetry within, and outside of, the National Curriculum and KS3 Strategy assessment frameworks and the development of beginning teachers' subject and pedagogic knowledge in this area. As a member of the Education group for the National Poetry Archive, Sue has also written web materials both for the Poetry Archive and the Poetry Society and was the guest editor of 'Poetry Matters', a special edition of English in Education in autumn 2007.
Other research interests within the field of English teaching are Post 16 English courses and the use of ICT in teaching English. Sue has been a consultant for the Edexcel examination board for the development of their 2008 English Literature ‘A’ Level specification. She has completed a TTA-funded action research pilot study on e-learning in Initial Teacher Education which focused on the use of wireless technology to enhance teaching and learning in secondary English.
Research Projects
‘The Teaching of Poetry in Diverse Contexts’ (2011)
Sue’s current research focuses on the teaching of poetry in diverse contexts. This includes comparative research in Auckland, New Zealand and Leicester. Sue has been a visiting scholar at the University of Auckland in March to May 2011 during the first stage of data collection. Her visit was funded by the University of Auckland and NZATE.
ESRC Poetry Matters seminar series (2011 -2012)
From January 2011 Sue is leading this ESRC funded seminar series. The seminars in Exeter, Greenwich and Leicester involve leading researchers, teachers, teacher educators, poets and creative practitioners in the field of poetry pedagogy.
'Pre-service teachers' Poetry'
A member of the Education group for the National Poetry Archive, Sue has also written web materials both for the Poetry Archive and the Poetry Society. Her recent research in this area has explored the development of pre-service teachers' poetry subject and pedagogic knowledge and use of a wiki to support this development. This project was carried out jointly with Dr Janette Hughes from the University of Ontario Institute of Science and Technology.
‘E-Learning in Initial Teacher Education’
Sue has completed a TTA-funded action research pilot study on e-learning in ITE which focused on the use of wireless technology to enhance teaching and learning in secondary English.
'The Professional Development of Induction Tutors' (2003-2005)
Sue was a member of the School of Education's Esmee Fairbairn-funded team which researched 'The Professional Development of Induction Tutors'. Sue led a research strand, investigating the further professional development opportunities which exist for beginning teachers within the context of the performance review process used in English state schools.
‘The Letterbox Club’
This is a national, Department of Children Schools and Families (DCSF) funded project led by a colleague in the department, Rose Griffiths. This project provides books and mathematics materials for looked after primary school aged children in public care.
Topics for Doctoral supervision:
- Secondary English and Drama education
- The use of ICT in English teaching
- The Mantle of the Expert
- Creativity - especially poetry writing and creative approaches to teaching English
- Post-16 English
