The Future of Education
Laura Formosa
Institution: Stella Maris College Junior School Gzira
Country: Malta
Laura Formosa is a 33-year-old primary school teacher. She graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Hons) from the University of Malta in 2008. Since then, she has been teaching within a Church Primary school for 12 years - four years as a class teacher and eight years (to date) teaching Art.
Laura pursued her studies further, specializing in Educational Leadership and Management and in 2018, graduated with a Master’s of Science (MSc) in Educational Leadership and Management (University of Portsmouth). Her MSc Research dissertation explored the use of educational research in schools, what type of research evidence is promoted (teachers’ pedagogical knowledge; research-generated knowledge or a dialogue between the two); and how teachers are encouraged and supported by their school community and their Senior Leadership Team to engage in research-informed practices. Results from her study elicit the importance of support structures within schools and the vital role the School Leadership Team plays in promoting and developing a compelling, supportive and empowering school culture that creates opportunities for Professional Learning Communities, networking and Continuous Professional Development of teachers to develop.
Being highly motivated to invest in her professional learning, Laura participated in an eight-week long Lesson Study. This initiative, supported by the Collaborative Lesson Study Malta (CLeStuM)within the Faculty of Education, enabled her to work closely with colleagues, research academics and professional development leaders. As a result of this experience, Laura contributed to the publication of several articles and working papers published on websites, news portals and academic journals. She is currently collaborating further with the Faculty of Education on other upcoming projects.
Laura pursued her studies further, specializing in Educational Leadership and Management and in 2018, graduated with a Master’s of Science (MSc) in Educational Leadership and Management (University of Portsmouth). Her MSc Research dissertation explored the use of educational research in schools, what type of research evidence is promoted (teachers’ pedagogical knowledge; research-generated knowledge or a dialogue between the two); and how teachers are encouraged and supported by their school community and their Senior Leadership Team to engage in research-informed practices. Results from her study elicit the importance of support structures within schools and the vital role the School Leadership Team plays in promoting and developing a compelling, supportive and empowering school culture that creates opportunities for Professional Learning Communities, networking and Continuous Professional Development of teachers to develop.
Being highly motivated to invest in her professional learning, Laura participated in an eight-week long Lesson Study. This initiative, supported by the Collaborative Lesson Study Malta (CLeStuM)within the Faculty of Education, enabled her to work closely with colleagues, research academics and professional development leaders. As a result of this experience, Laura contributed to the publication of several articles and working papers published on websites, news portals and academic journals. She is currently collaborating further with the Faculty of Education on other upcoming projects.
