Biography

After completing my PhD I worked as a Research Assistant at the Human Assessment Laboratory (University of Plymouth), an Educational Consultant for Plymouth University's Educational Development Services and Lecturer on an open access, flexible learning psychology degree in the Educational Studies Department at University of Surrey. Just before moving to Portsmouth I worked as a Senior Research Fellow examining predictors of achievement in nationally examined professional courses (funded by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development).

Research interests

Social cognitive approach to understanding learning behaviour (e.g. resilience, readiness for change, decision making) and achievement in learners of all ages. Specifically interested in what impacts learners’ self-theories (e.g. Implicit Theories of Intelligence, self-efficacy) and the effect of these on learning outcomes.

I lead Growing Learners, a group of education research psychologists, who work directly with schools and parents to support them to improve childrens’ aspirations, expectations and attainment using evidence based practice.