New Perspectives in Science Education
Dean Cairns
Institution: Emirates College for Advanced Education
Country: United Arab Emirates
Dean Cairns is a former scientist, science teacher, educational consultant and science advisor from the UK. Dean read his BSc in Chemistry and his MSc in Polymer Science at Lancaster University. After a short time in the chemical industry he undertook a PhD at Sussex University in Polymer Chemistry. He then worked as a surface physics and polymer science researcher in various European laboratories until 1999 before changing career to become a science teacher in the year 2000, through the PGCE qualification route. Dean went on to spent 12 years in the education sector in the UK as a science teacher, department head and key stage 3 science consultant. In 2009 Dean achieved Advanced Skills Teacher (AST) status. The AST role involved in-reach and out-reach work in teaching and learning, through modelling best practice and advising leaders and middle-leaders in the local area.
Dean moved to the UAE in 2012 and worked as a science advisor and curriculum developer for the Abu Dhabi Education Council for 2 years. Dean worked on a team to develop the Cycle 2 science curriculum and accompanying assessment framework and teacher support documentation. He took the opportunity to move into higher education by taking the role of Assistant Professor at the ECAE in 2014. Dean’s roles have included Division Head for Science, Division Head for Science and Mathematics and the Program Chair for Undergraduate Programs.
In terms of scholarship, Dean has a research background in polymer science (conducting polymer colloids and their applications) and is currently building his educational research profile. Areas of current research interest include: science teaching methods (inquiry-based learning and direct instruction), educational measurement and multi-level modelling (HLM and SEM) as a means of determining the effectiveness of instructional techniques. Dean is currently reading a Doctorate in Education at the University of Bath.
Areas of expertise: Science education, inquiry-based learning, multi-level modelling, educational leadership and programme development.
Dean moved to the UAE in 2012 and worked as a science advisor and curriculum developer for the Abu Dhabi Education Council for 2 years. Dean worked on a team to develop the Cycle 2 science curriculum and accompanying assessment framework and teacher support documentation. He took the opportunity to move into higher education by taking the role of Assistant Professor at the ECAE in 2014. Dean’s roles have included Division Head for Science, Division Head for Science and Mathematics and the Program Chair for Undergraduate Programs.
In terms of scholarship, Dean has a research background in polymer science (conducting polymer colloids and their applications) and is currently building his educational research profile. Areas of current research interest include: science teaching methods (inquiry-based learning and direct instruction), educational measurement and multi-level modelling (HLM and SEM) as a means of determining the effectiveness of instructional techniques. Dean is currently reading a Doctorate in Education at the University of Bath.
Areas of expertise: Science education, inquiry-based learning, multi-level modelling, educational leadership and programme development.
