Bethany Smith | Professional Development | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Ms.Bethany Smith | Professional Development | Best Researcher Award 

Lecturer in PE and School Sport Hartpury University United Kingdom

Evaluation of Bethany Jane Smith for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Academic and Professional Background: Bethany Jane Smith holds an MA in Professional Education Practice and a BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching and Physical Education, showcasing her strong academic foundation. Her education is complemented by numerous sports qualifications, including UEFA B and FA Secondary Teachers Award, which highlight her dedication to the sports education field.
  2. Research Contributions: Bethany has contributed to academic research, evidenced by her latest peer-reviewed publication in Professional Development in Education. This publication underscores her involvement in significant educational research, specifically in teacher development.
  3. Practical Experience and Leadership: Bethany’s employment history demonstrates a strong blend of academic and practical experience. Her roles as a UEFA C Coach Developer, FA Coach Mentor, and Lecturer at Hartpury University involve leadership, mentoring, and teaching, aligning with her research interests. These roles reflect her ability to translate research into practice, an essential quality for a researcher.
  4. Commitment to Professional Development: Bethany has continuously pursued professional development, earning certifications and taking on leadership roles, such as Course Manager for the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport. Her achievements, including being named Sportswoman of the Year at Plymouth Marjon University, further emphasize her dedication and recognition in her field.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Focus on Research Output: While Bethany has a solid foundation in education and professional practice, her research output could be expanded. Increasing the number of peer-reviewed publications, particularly in high-impact journals, would strengthen her profile as a researcher.
  2. Interdisciplinary Research: Bethany’s work is primarily focused on sports coaching and physical education. Engaging in interdisciplinary research, particularly in areas such as sports psychology or education technology, could broaden her impact and demonstrate versatility as a researcher.
  3. Global Impact and Collaboration: Participating in international research collaborations and projects could enhance her visibility and influence in the global research community. This would also offer opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives and methodologies.

Conclusion

Bethany Jane Smith is a dedicated and accomplished professional in the field of sports education and coaching. Her strong academic background, practical experience, and leadership roles make her a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. However, to further bolster her candidacy, increasing her research output and expanding her work into interdisciplinary and international arenas would be beneficial. With these improvements, Bethany has the potential to significantly contribute to her field and gain broader recognition as a leading researcher.

Bethany Jane Smith is a passionate educator, coach, and mentor in the sports sector, with a deep commitment to developing holistic learners. Her dedication to fostering growth in both education and sports is evident in her extensive experience working with a diverse range of learners. Bethany’s approach is rooted in empathy, patience, and resilience, driving her to continually refine best practices in her field. Currently based in Gloucester, she is a recognized leader in professional teacher development within universities, with a strong focus on enhancing the effectiveness of educational practices.

Profile

ORCiD

Education 🎓

Bethany Jane Smith holds an MA in Professional Education Practice from Plymouth Marjon University, where she also earned a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, specializing in Secondary Physical Education with PSHE and SEND Enhancement, achieving a distinction. Her academic journey began with a BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching and Physical Education, where she graduated with First Class Honors. Bethany’s education was further enriched by her roles as a course representative and her in-depth study of inclusive classroom practices, professional development, and sports science.

Experience 💼

Bethany has a wealth of experience in the education and sports sectors. Currently, she serves as a UEFA C Coach Developer at The Football Association, where she supports learners in achieving their coaching qualifications. Additionally, she mentors coaches within the Women’s and Girls’ divisions, ensuring best practices are upheld. Her role as an Academy Coach at Hartpury College allows her to design and deliver sessions that develop holistic players, while her position as a Lecturer at Hartpury University involves creating high-quality teaching materials and managing undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Previously, Bethany was a Lecturer in Sport and Public Services at West Kent College, where she also served as a Course Manager.

Research Interest 🔍

Bethany’s research interests are centered around professional teacher development, particularly within the university setting. She is dedicated to exploring what makes teacher development effective and how educational practices can be improved to foster better learning outcomes. Her work is informed by her practical experience in coaching and education, aiming to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Awards 🏆

Bethany has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career. She was elected as the Course Manager for the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport in 2019 and was named Sportswoman of the Year at Plymouth Marjon University in 2018. Her leadership roles include serving as the Devon FA Project Officer for the Youth Council and captain of various BUCS Ladies sports teams.

Publications 📚

Bethany’s latest peer-reviewed publication is titled “What makes professional teacher development in universities effective? Lessons from an international systematised review,” co-authored with L. Wyness. Published in 2024 in the journal Professional Development in Education, this paper delves into the key factors that contribute to effective teacher development. Read the publication here

Nazife Tuğba YILDIRIM | Education Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Mrs. Nazife Tuğba YILDIRIM | Education Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Phd | Çukurova University | Turkey

Research for Best Researcher Award: Nazife Tuğba YILDIRIM

Strengths for the Award

Nazife Tuğba YILDIRIM exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher through her remarkable contributions to the field of educational sciences. Her research demonstrates a commitment to advancing educational methodologies and improving teaching practices. Key strengths include:

  1. Diverse Research Output: Her publications cover a broad spectrum of topics, including constructivist applications in learning, portfolio assessment, and teacher efficacy. This diversity highlights her ability to address various aspects of educational science.
  2. High-Impact Research: Articles published in reputable journals such as Interactive Learning Environments and Evaluation and Program Planning demonstrate the significance and relevance of her research in contemporary educational settings.
  3. Innovative Approach: YILDIRIM’s work integrates mixed-methods and meta-analytical techniques, reflecting a sophisticated approach to research that combines quantitative and qualitative data to provide comprehensive insights.
  4. Educational Leadership: Her role as a Deputy Principal and specialized teacher adds practical depth to her research, bridging the gap between theoretical research and real-world application. This leadership position allows her to implement and test educational theories in a practical environment.
  5. Recognition and Awards: Multiple certificates of achievement for diligence and hard work from various authoritative bodies attest to her dedication and impact in the educational sector.

Areas for Improvement

While Nazife Tuğba YILDIRIM’s contributions are commendable, there are areas where further development could enhance her profile:

  1. Broader Publication Reach: Expanding her research to include more international collaborations and high-impact journals could increase the visibility and influence of her work on a global scale.
  2. Longitudinal Studies: Incorporating longitudinal studies into her research portfolio could provide deeper insights into the long-term effects of educational interventions and methodologies.
  3. Increased Research Grants: Securing larger research grants and funding could support more extensive and innovative projects, allowing for greater exploration and impact in her research area.
  4. Interdisciplinary Research: Exploring interdisciplinary approaches that combine educational sciences with other fields such as psychology or technology could yield new perspectives and innovative solutions.
  5. Public Engagement: Increasing engagement with the public and educational practitioners through workshops, seminars, and media could amplify the practical application and impact of her research findings.

Conclusion

Nazife Tuğba YILDIRIM stands out as a leading figure in the field of educational sciences, marked by her extensive research contributions, innovative methodologies, and leadership roles. Her work is characterized by a deep commitment to improving educational practices and methodologies. With targeted improvements in publication reach, research funding, and public engagement, she is well-positioned to further enhance her impact in the educational research community. Her dedication and achievements make her a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award, reflecting both her scholarly excellence and her significant contributions to the field.

📖 Short Bio

Nazife Tuğba YILDIRIM, a PhD candidate in Classroom Teaching at Çukurova University, is a distinguished educational leader and researcher. With a strong background in primary education and educational sciences, she serves as an Assistant Director at Asiye Ziylan Primary School. Her research and practical experience reflect a commitment to advancing teaching methodologies and educational practices.

Profile

SCOPUS

🎓 Education

  • Undergraduate Degree (2008): Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Education, Department of Primary Education – Classroom Teaching
  • Master’s Degree (with Thesis, 2012): Gaziantep University, Institute of Social Sciences – Educational Sciences
  • PhD Candidate (2021 – ongoing): Çukurova University, Institute of Social Sciences – Classroom Teaching
  • Additional Studies: Istanbul University Auzef Undergraduate Program in Exercise and Sport Sciences, Anadolu University Open Education Faculty Literature Program

💼 Experience

  • Deputy Principal (2021 – present): Asiye Ziylan Primary School, Gaziantep/Şahinbey
  • Deputy Principal (2016 – 2021): Nesrin Mehmet Abar Primary School, Gaziantep/Şahinbey
  • Teacher (2010 – 2016): Various Primary Schools including Sarıt Primary School and Uzunyol Primary School

🔬 Research Interest

Nazife YILDIRIM’s research interests focus on the efficacy of constructivist teaching methods, portfolio assessment in primary education, and the relationship between teacher self-efficacy and educational practices. Her work integrates innovative approaches to improve permanent learning and instructional effectiveness.

🏆 Awards

  • Certificate of Achievement (2017): District Governorate for Diligence
  • Certificate of Excellence (2021): District Governorship for Outstanding Performance
  • Certificate of Achievement (2022): Ministry for Diligence

📚 Publications

  • Yildirim, N. T., Batdi, V., & Efendioğlu, A. (2024). A mixed-meta method on the efficacy and impact of constructivist applications on permanent learning. Interactive Learning Environments.
  • Doğan, Y., Yıldırım, N. T., & Batdı, V. (2024). Effectiveness of portfolio assessment in primary education: A multi-complementary research approach. Evaluation and Program Planning.
  • Yıldırım, N. T., & Efendioglu, A. (2023). Sınıf Öğretmenlerinin Öz Yeterlik İnançları ile Okul Dışı Öğrenme Ortamlarına Gezi Düzenlemeye Yönelik Kaygı Düzeyleri Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi. Journal of Medeniyet Eğitim Araştırmaları.
  • Bae, S., & Chong, K. L. (2024). Centering Cultural Knowledge in TPACK—Evidence From a Collaborative Online International Learning Collaboration. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning.
  • Deniz, S., & Yıldırım, N.T. (2023). Öğretmenlerin Perspektifinden; Alfa Kuşağı, Dijital Öğrenciler, Eğitim Teknolojileri ve Öğrenmenin Geleceği. Proceedings Book, INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CONGRESS 2023.
  • Yıldırım, N.T., Önderöz G. F., & Yurtal, F. (2023). Sınıf Öğretmenlerinin Okul Zorbalığına İlişkin Tutumları. X. International Eurasian Educational Research Congress Proceedings.