Staff Profiles: Dr. Colin Forster

Biography

I began teaching in South London, working in schools with diverse populations in areas of deprivation. I developed expertise in behaviour management and inclusion and was the science co-ordinator in two schools. My last teaching post was as a deputy head teacher, before I joined the University in 2005. I am keen to support student teachers, particularly through an approach known as 'Action Research', and have a passion to help student teachers understand the power of science education to support children's ability to think critically and intelligently about scientific ideas.

Qualifications

Award	Title	Institution	Date
BEd (Hons)	Primary Education, specialism in Science and Maths	Kingston University	1997
MA (Ed)	Masters in Education	Kingston University
PGCFHE	PGCert in Further and Higher Education	University of Gloucestershire	2003
EdD	Education Doctorate	University of Gloucestershire	2011

Membership of professional bodies

Member of the Association of Science Education

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Teaching and research

Teaching

Teaching areas include primary science, professional issues such as behaviour management, action research, and professional development for early career teachers.

Level

Undergraduate, Postgraduate

Research

Homework in primary schools, learning in primary science, action research methodology and retention of male students on the Primary PGCE.

External responsibilities

External examining

External Examiner for PGDip in Performing Arts Leadership, Royal Northern College of Music External Examiner for Primary PGCE, Kingston University