Staff Profile


About Us

[Print-friendly version]

ASPRO Jim Watters

PhD, MEd(Hons), GDEd, BSc(Hons)

Centre for Learning Innovation
School of Maths, Science & Technology Education

Profile
Publications
Research
Teaching
Supervision
Contact

Profile

James Watters is an Associate Professor in Education at the Queensland University of Technology. His areas of research interest include: learning in science and mathematics, inquiry based science, investigations in mathematics, problem based learning, gifted education, and teacher professional development at all levels of education. He has published across all these areas and has a strong commitment to apply research to practice. He has also developed an interest in technology and technology supported learning. He has supervised graduate students working in these areas and continues to explore more effective ways of supporting teachers to challenge students gifted in science and mathematics.

Jim is also vice president of the Queensland Association for Gifted and Talented students and Queensland Director of the Australasian Association for the Education of the Gifted and Talented. He has received the QUT Award for Outstanding Contribution in 2000 and awards for science education and gifted education initiatives.

Chairperson, Funding Committee of the Non-State Schools Accrediation Board (2006 - ).

Publications

To view manuscripts of publications:

http://eprints.qut.edu.au/view/person/Watters,_James.html

Research

The following commissioned reports have been prepared.

Watters, J. J. & Diezmann, C. M. (2006). Priming Smart State science: An evaluation of Spotlight on Science Action Plan. Report to the Minister of Education and the Arts, Queensland Government.

Watters, J. J. & Diezmann, C. M. (2005). Enabling Capacity: The challenges facing the smart state vision for gifted students: A review of the Learning and Development Centres (Gifted and Talented). Report to the Minister of Education and the Arts, Queensland Government.

Diezmann, C. M. & Watters, J. J. (2004). Technology, Mathematics and Science Centres of Excellence: Challenges and Innovations. Report3 to Education Queensland on the Centres of Excellence in Technology, Mathematics and Science initiative. Brisbane: A Review prepared for Education Queensland, Brisbane: Department of Education.

Diezmann, C. M. & Watters, J. J. (2003). Developing Capability: Report 2 to Education Queensland on the Centres of Excellence in Technology, Mathematics, and Science initiative. Brisbane: A Review prepared for Education Queensland. Brisbane: Department of Education.

Diezmann, C. M. & Watters, J. J. (2002). Laying the foundation: Report 1 to Education Queensland on the Centres of Excellence in Technology, Mathematics and Science initiative. A Review prepared for Education Queensland. Brisbane: Department of Education.

Freebody, P. Watters, J. Lummis, S. (2002): Expanding Possible Futures: A Review of Education Queensland`s Policy Statement on the Education of Gifted Students in Queensland Schools. Report to the Minister of Education, Education Queensland.

Tayler, C. Diezmann, C., Perry, R., Lennox S., & Watters J. (1999). A review of early entry to school. Report to the Minister of Education, Queensland.

Research

Current research projects include:

Orientation to science by high performing students
Mathematical and scientific investigations and inquiry based learning (With C Diezmann)
Undergraduate approaches to learning in science
Evaluation of systemic science initiatives (With C Diezmann)
Teacher professional learning

Current graduate student research includes:

Science: middle school science; inquiry based learning; literacy and language development in science; teacher professional development in science;
Technology: technology based learning in higher education, use of mobile technology in learning, use of virtual reality technology, blended learning strategies;
Higher Education: organisational culture in higher education, teaching evaluation in higher education, professionalism in higher education, resilience and wellness;
Gifted Education: Identification of gifted students in early childhood, middle school initiatives, and learning disabled gifted students.

Teaching

Teaching areas: Primary and Secondary Science Curriculum, Gifted Education, Higher Education.

Supervision

The following students have completed their degrees. Some 30 publications have emanated from these research students.

Ros Yahaya (2007) PhD	Immersive virtual reality learning environment: Learning decision-making skills in a Virtual-reality enhanced learning environment.
Shane P Dawson (2007) PhD	Juxtaposing community with learning: The relationship between learner contributions and sense of community in online environments.
Kathy Doyle (2006) MEd	Mathematical modelling though top-level structure.
Don Sanderson (2006) MEd	Using a competing values framework to examine university culture.
Kin Leung (2005) PhD	A study of the effects of professional development on teachers` integration of computers in the curriculum.
Phil Keys (2004) PhD	Teachers shaping the science curriculum (Nominated for NARST Award).
Helen Carberry (2004) PhD	The semiotic structure of a clinical chemistry laboratory (Winner of 2004 AARE Outstanding Thesis Award).
Hin Leung (2002) PhD	Pre-Service teachers` affective and learning-approach characteristics toward mathematics and mathematics education in Hong Kong.
Yung Chan (2002) PhD	Changes in the belief structures of preservice primary teachers involved in peer collaboration in science.
Shelley Peers (2001) MEd	Teacher professional growth during implementation of a science curriculum innovation.
Libby Lee (2001) PhD	Teachers` conceptions of gifted young children: Perspectives through the lens of gender.
Carmel Diezmann (1999) PhD	The effect of instruction on children`s use of diagrams in novel problem solving.
Robert Flegg (1998) PhD	The science career decision.
Neil Taylor (1998) PhD	Primary preservice teachers understandings of physical science: A cultural perspective.

Contact Details

ASPRO Jim Watters
Associate Professor
S BLOCK Level 4 409
Queensland University of Technology
Victoria Park Road
Kelvin Grove Qld 4059

Phone: 3138 3639
Fax: 3138 3985
Email: j.watters@qut.edu.au