Lisa Murphy who has just completed the MEd: English and Literacy in the Curriculum Pathway at St Mary's University College has won the prestigious International Professional Development Association's highest accolade, the Symposium Books Prize.
Lisa's dissertation supervisor, Donna Murray, Literacy Course Team Leader at St Mary's, had the following to say about Lisa's research; “Seldom has a remarkable dissertation such as this been presented at Master's level. It is a captivating piece of work. The focus is original and combines an exploration of the complex interrelationship between thinking skills, exploratory talk and an understanding of science. These varying elements are handled with immense confidence and assurance. Lisa takes the reader through the ‘narrative' of the research in a most engaging way while maintaining a clear and commanding focus. The methodology is well chosen and skilfully applied with comprehensive, detailed analysis of data. Conclusions and recommendations are pertinent and realistic with apparent implications for the researcher's own work both in the classroom and in co-ordinating science throughout her school. In fact a particular strength of the work is the constant interweaving of theory, research evidence, policy and practice. This is a fine example of the theory/practice interface. In essence; sharp, skilled, intelligent writing combines with insightful interpretation to present what is a cogent argument. It is wholly convincing.”
Lisa will travel to Stirling University, courtesy of IPDA, for their Annual Conference on 1st and 2nd December where she will be presented with her award. She will receive a cheque for £100.00, a medal and a certificate.