In very general terms, the purpose of this research project is to analyse the 1999 HSC English syllabus, as well as its reception and implementation, in order to produce an account of the theoretical changes and innovations that are embedded in the syllabus documents, and challenges and problems that continue to shape the way it is perceived by a variety of stakeholders and delivered in the classroom. (McGraw: thesis introduction)
I am a doctoral student in the Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Sydney, and am currently writing up the last few chapters of my PhD thesis.
My doctoral research analyses the 1999 HSC English curriculum in NSW. Specifically, I wanted to collect evidence relating to the development and implementation of the 1999 HSC syllabus for the mainstream mandatory courses in English (i.e. the Standard and Advanced courses), and explore both the innovations inherent in the syllabus, as well as some of the resulting challenges.
In my thesis I am reporting on three sets of data:
- Content analysis of newspaper items appearing in the major state and national papers from 1995-2005
- Teacher interviews and observations
- Selective content analysis (using theoretical sampling) of the syllabus and related documents
My findings relating to how the syllabus was challenged in various newspapers were published in English in Australia (2005): HSC English in the Media: The Reporting of Conventions and Controversies.
You can find posts on this blog relating to my PhD thesis by browsing the research category.
Posted by Elaine Talbert on October 11, 2008 at 1:50 pm
It sounds as though your renewed enthusiasm for your thesis topic will lead to some valuable reading/writing for English teachers. I will look out for future posts and tweets. I found research at Masters level hard enough with full time teaching. All the best. Elaine
Posted by kellimcgraw on October 12, 2008 at 12:02 am
I know, juggling the two is not fun at all! Thanks for the encouraging words – as you can imagine, all encouragement is welcome here!
Posted by turgayevren on February 19, 2009 at 11:42 pm
You have truly chosen a nice and challenging topic for your thesis. Though I studied ELT in graduate level, I did my masters in English Language and Literature with a focus on Postcolonial Literature and wrote my thesis on Post-colonialism and the Sacred. I am sure you will defend your thesis well in front of the jury since you have devoted yourself to the cause of teaching English.
Posted by kellimcgraw on March 6, 2009 at 11:46 am
@Turgay thank your for your comment, and your supportive words! Luckily we don’t have to defend our thesis in person here – but three people will read it and mark it, which is scary enough for me!
@Alex, do you mean you would like to put a link to my site on your site? If so, that it OK – feel free to link here from anywhere
Posted by suifaijohnmak on April 15, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Great that we met on 3 April 09 whilst Stephen was here.
Best wishes to your PhD studies.
John
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