Xiaotian Han | Education | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiaotian Han | Education | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiaotian Han | Education – Associate professor at Shanghai Normal University Tianhua College, China

Dr. Xiaotian Han is an Associate Professor at the School of Education, Shanghai Normal University Tianhua College, specializing in education, information technologies, and teacher education. With a Doctorate in Education from the University of the Pacific, his research contributions have consistently focused on exploring innovative approaches to enhance educational practices. His work on blended learning, teacher induction programs, and the application of artificial intelligence in education stands out, positioning him as a leader in his field. Dr. Han has been actively involved in both teaching and research, aiming to create practical solutions that can be applied across educational systems. Over the years, he has worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between theory and practice, bringing value to educational research both in China and internationally.

Profile:

Scopus

Education:

Dr. Han’s educational journey began with his undergraduate degree in Tourism Management from Shanghai Normal University Tianhua College, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in 2013. His passion for education led him to pursue a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction from the University of the Pacific, where he graduated with honors in 2015. He later pursued a Doctorate in Education from the same institution, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction, completing it in 2019 with a remarkable GPA of 3.86/4. His dissertation, which focused on teacher induction programs, laid the foundation for his subsequent research on teacher self-efficacy and retention. Dr. Han’s education has equipped him with both the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary for his successful academic career.

Experience:

Dr. Han has a diverse and extensive teaching experience. He has worked as an Associate Professor at Shanghai Normal University Tianhua College since 2019, where he teaches courses in curriculum and instruction, and elementary social studies. Prior to his academic career in China, Dr. Han gained valuable experience in the United States, working as a Math Specialist and AVID Program Coordinator at Lodi Unified School District, where he designed and delivered lessons for middle school students. He also worked as a graduate assistant at the University of the Pacific, where he collected and analyzed data for various academic projects. These roles have allowed Dr. Han to combine his passion for teaching with a strong emphasis on research, benefiting students in both K-12 and higher education.

Research Interests:

Dr. Han’s research primarily revolves around the intersection of education and technology, particularly in the fields of blended learning, teacher education, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into education. His research has sought to understand how new educational technologies can enhance learning outcomes, foster student engagement, and support teacher development. Dr. Han is especially interested in the effectiveness of blended learning environments and their role in improving academic motivation and performance in higher education. Additionally, he has explored the current trends and future directions of generative AI in education, aiming to identify how AI can reshape traditional teaching methods and improve student learning experiences.

Awards:

Dr. Han’s commitment to excellence in education and research has earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. Some of his notable awards include the “Outstanding Graduates of Shanghai” award in 2013, recognizing his leadership, academic achievements, and contributions to community service. Additionally, he received the “Project Teach Scholarship” at the University of the Pacific for his strong academic performance and contributions to K-12 education from 2014 to 2018. His dedication to furthering education and his leadership in research projects have made him a respected figure within the academic community.

Publications 📚:

Dr. Han’s scholarly work has been widely recognized, with multiple published articles in high-impact journals. Here are some of his key publications:

  1. Han, X. (2024a). Associations between effectiveness of blended learning, student engagement, student learning outcomes, and student academic motivation in higher education. Education and Information Technologies (SSCI, IF=4.8).
    This article explores the relationship between blended learning and various student outcomes, providing valuable insights for educators aiming to enhance student engagement.
  2. Han, X. (2024b). Generative artificial intelligence for future education: Current research status, hotspots, and research trends. Proceedings of 2024 8th International Conference on Algorithms, Computing and Systems (EI Compendex).
    Dr. Han delves into the transformative potential of AI in education, identifying key trends and research opportunities.
  3. Han, X. (2023a). Evaluating blended learning effectiveness: An empirical study from undergraduates’ perspectives using structural equation modeling. Frontiers in Psychology (SSCI, IF=3.8).
    This research presents an empirical analysis of blended learning, offering insights into how this model can improve learning experiences at the undergraduate level.
  4. Han, X. (2023b). Associations between the helpfulness of teacher induction programs, teacher self-efficacy, and anticipated first-year teacher retention. Frontiers in Psychology (SSCI, IF=3.8).
    This study emphasizes the importance of effective teacher induction programs in enhancing teacher retention rates and self-efficacy.
  5. Han, Y., & Han, X. (2023). Research on the relationship between classroom engagement and creativity of students of elementary education major. Research on Modern Basic Education (ISBN: 9787572007125).
    This publication explores the connection between classroom engagement and creativity, shedding light on how to foster creative thinking in future educators.

Conclusion:

Dr. Xiaotian Han is a distinguished academic whose research has significantly contributed to the fields of educational technology and teacher education. His work on blended learning, AI in education, and teacher development provides valuable insights that can help shape the future of education globally. His dedication to teaching, coupled with his impressive research record, positions him as a highly deserving candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” Dr. Han’s ability to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application demonstrates his commitment to improving educational practices. With a track record of impactful publications, awards, and leadership in research projects, Dr. Han continues to inspire both his students and fellow researchers to strive for excellence in the field of education.

Bethany Smith | Professional Development | Best Researcher Award

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