Faculty of Social Sciences and Education
Specialisation in Education
DOCSE-2021-01: BELT-ROAD INITIATIVE AND ITS IMPLICATION ON UNIVERSITIES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENT MOBILITIES IN ASIA
One Belt One Road Initiative (BRI) was proposed in 2013. It is an initiative includes bilateral and multilateral policy agreement and collection of interlinking trade and infrastructure projects among multiple countries spread across the continents of Asia, Africa and Europe. Education as is identified as an aspect under People-to-people bonds, and with the purpose of supporting the achievement of the other goals of BRI. New requests, challenges and opportunities have been brought to the transnational education. To better understand the implications of BRI in education, I am interested in research topics such as: a) BRI impact on the educational mobilities between China and BRI countries; b) facilitation infrastructure and agents in the process of knowledge exchange and “brain circulation”; c) the curriculum changes accommodating BRI needs.
Supervisor: Rochelle GE (rochelle.ge@usj.edu.mo)
Keywords: Education; Leadership and Social Development
DOCSE-2021-02: SPECIAL AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
The practice of inclusive education is one of the biggest challenges of Macau education even after the enactment of the recently published policy. The field of research in inclusive education is socially meaningful and new, spreading from cultural influences to policy and practice. Studies in special and inclusive education might have as focus specific groups of students, class teachers, resource teachers, paraprofessionals, school-family partnerships, adults’ employment experiences, school-work transitions, among others. I invite Doctoral candidates to develop research in the field of special and inclusive education in Macau related to one or more of the above mentioned issues. The following topics are examples of innovative research in Macau: (1) The introduction of multi-tiered systems of supports in schools to address the academic and behavioural needs of all students, and (2) Preparing teachers to use Universal Design for Learning as a way to address learning differentiation and inclusion.
Supervisor: Ana Maria Correia (ana.correia@usj.edu.mo)
Keywords: Special and Inclusive Education; Philosophy of Education; Gender Studies in Education; Classroom Management
DOCSE-2021-03: PHILOSOPHY OF CHILDREN
The Philosophy for Children (P4C) has been included in kindergarten and primary years curriculum in many European and non-European countries for more than 20 years. This pedagogical model, created by Mathew Lipman in the 1970s, delves on the natural inclination of children to inquire about the world and everything in it in ways that can destabilize parents and teachers. Philosophy for Children is classroom-based and is dialogical in nature, fostering children’s logical, creative and caring thinking. Mainly through the use of children’s stories and audio-visual resources, pupils are guided into compassion, tolerance, imagination and reflective thinking. I invite Doctoral candidates to develop qualitative or mixed-methods research in the field of P4C in Macau. This research topic is particularly meaningful for kindergarten and primary school teachers.
Supervisor: Ana Maria Correia (ana.correia@usj.edu.mo)
Keywords: Special and Inclusive Education; Philosophy of Education; Gender Studies in Education; Classroom Management
DOCSE-2021-04: USING ONLINE PICTURE BOOKS READING TO SUPPORTING YOUNG CHILDREN’S EARLY LITERACY DEVELOPMENT: LEARNING ENGLISH AS SECOND LANGUAGE
Early literacy is internationally recognised as an essential part of early childhood education curricula. Many studies have documented its importance and long-term effects on children’ future literacy learning (Dickinson & Tabors, 2001; Morrow, 2012; Su et al, 2017). Picture book is a kind of book format aimed to young children, which combine visual and verbal narratives. It is profusely illustrated books in which both words and illustrations contribute to the story’s meaning. Picture books, especially sharing picture books reading has been proved as an effective technique for scaffolding young children’s cognition and language development (Van Kleeck, 1998; Murray, 2014). In the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning has becoming more and more popular. I proposed a study which aims to support young children to learn English as an second language using online picture books reading. This study could be an group intervention study. Data will be collected by Early Literacy Assessment Scale, teachers and children interviews, video observation, etc. The focus of this study is to explore how to use online picture books reading to effectively support children to learning English as a second language.
Supervisor: SUN CHUNRONG Susannah (susannah.sun@usj.edu.mo)
Keywords: Teachers’ Beliefs; Teaching and LEARNING in the Early Years; Early Literacy; Distant Learning in the Early Years
DOCSE-2021-05: USING ONLINE PICTURE BOOK READING TO SUPPORT CHILDREN’S LITERACY LEARNING: LEARNING CHINESE AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
Early literacy is internationally recognised as an essential part of early childhood education curricula. Many studies have documented its importance and long-term effects on children’ future literacy learning (Dickinson & Tabors, 2001; Morrow, 2012; Su et al, 2017). Picture book is a kind of book format aimed to young children, which combine visual and verbal narratives. It is profusely illustrated books in which both words and illustrations contribute to the story’s meaning. Picture books, especially sharing picture books reading has been proved as an effective technique for scaffolding young children’s cognition and language development (Van Kleeck, 1998; Murray, 2014). In the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning has becoming more and more popular. I proposed a study which aims to support young children to learn Chinese as a second language using online picture books reading. This study could be a group intervention study. Data will be collected by Early Chinese Literacy Assessment Scale, teachers and children’s interviews, video observation, etc. The focus of this study is to explore how to use online picture books reading to effectively support young children to learning Chinese as a second language.
Supervisor: SUN CHUNRONG Susannah (susannah.sun@usj.edu.mo)
Keywords: Teachers’ Beliefs; Teaching and LEARNING in the Early Years; Early Literacy; Distant Learning in the Early Years
DOCSE-2021-06: CONVICTIONS AND SOCIAL WORKER PROFESSIONALISM: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Higher education is one of the most effective and powerful way to change individual’s self-awareness and recognition of the current situation of the community and the world. The study of Higher education programs in prison has an increasing popularity among researchers all over the world. Existing studies stated the power of education with the transformation of incarcerated students and their families’ lives, facilitate a lasting transition out of the prison (Fine et al., 2001). Higher education programs in prison have profound impact on inmates’ lives in prison and after prison. In addition, many returning ex-offenders want to access higher educational institutions (HEIs) to access desired professions and increase employability. However, many HEIs and profession education programs have restrictions in place for returning ex-offenders. Specifically, the Social Worker Professionalism in general has restrictions in place for returning ex-offenders. Professional Accreditation Scheme and Registration for Social Workers. According to the law in Professional Accreditation Scheme and Registration for Social Workers, the applicants for accreditation should be Macau residents holding a bachelor or higher degree and should pass the accreditation exams. Once accredited, successful applicants can register at IAS, after which they can provide services in the private sector as social workers. According to the law, there is no show any criminal history background whether he or she is eligible to apply for accreditation as a social worker. Despite full disclosure to a university, acceptance on the course and successful completion of the degree in social work, the regulator can still refuse to grant the student registration. The purpose of this study is to examine the lived experiences of BSW returning ex-offenders considering these restrictions across the world. The study attempts to answer the following research questions: How the students who disclosed a criminal background at the time of application experience the register social work professionalism process? Is the graduated student who had a criminal record of minor crime under the registration regime of social worker? The study will conduct a systematic review of systematic reviews of policies or laws regarding social worker registration with a criminal background.
Supervisor: Helen Liu (helen.liu@usj.edu.mo)
Keywords: Social Work Professionalism; Recidivism Rates; Cumulative Disadvantage; Supportive Policies
DOCSE-2021-07: STEM/STEAM PROJECT-BASED TEACHING AND LEARNING AT MACAO SCHOOL
The studies explore the impact on developing professional teaching skills in science and/or general studies subject discipline, based upon that in-service primary or secondary teachers in collaborating with students to implement STEM/STEAM activities for a selected group of students at primary or secondary level at the Macau local school. It is going to be case study research project, in which served to investigate how in-service primary or secondary teachers at local school and students collaborate, undertaking extracurricular activities or supplementary sessions or teaching and learning sessions, prepared for selected students to learn science and/or general studies subject with the use of STEM/STEAM project teaching. This research project aimed at innovative teaching and learning approaches in STEM/STEAM education grounded on project-based activities implemented in Macau local school. The science and/or general studies teachers in participating schools design and implement STEM related activities to develop students’ scientific knowledge as well as collaboration and communication skills.
Supervisor: TCHIANG, Van Man Isabel (isabel.tchiang@usj.edu.mo)
Keywords: STEM; STEAM; Project-Based Teaching and Learning
DOCSE-2021-08: THE CORRELATION BETWEEN HOME-SCHOOL COOPERATION AND THE MACAU EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The studies explore the correlation between home-school cooperation and the Macau education development plan. With the completion of first phase of the “Ten Year Plan for Non-tertiary Education” (2011 to 2020), the Macau SAR government is progressing on the second phase, “Medium and Long-term Planning for Non-Tertiary Education (2021-2030), and parents’ involvement is included in the consultation document. Macao has experienced rapid social development after the returned to China in twenty years’ time, and Macau government has determined to improve the education system by supporting students’ development. The Macau SAR government encouraged home-school cooperation during the first phase of the “Ten Year Plan,” and one of the remarkable moves is to encourage parent-teacher association to be formed in each of the schools. More work will be introduced during the second phase of the education development plan, it would be important to find out how teachers and parents think about the home-school cooperation and how it related to the students’ development.
Supervisor: TCHIANG, Van Man Isabel (isabel.tchiang@usj.edu.mo)
Keywords: Home-School Cooperation; Parental Involvement
DOCSE-2021-09: USING ICT IN MATHEMATICS CLASSROOMS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN MACAU SCHOOLS
This project aims to investigate the usages of manipulatives in particular ICT teaching tools for teaching and learning mathematics in schools. The preliminary observations find that pre- and in-service teachers adopt direct instruction in their teaching involving introductory of definitions followed by drilling of exercises. The integration of ICT to enhance mathematics learning environment for students not only to reinvent mathematics knowledge with the tools, but also to collaborate with peers in groups such that 21st century skills and competencies are addressed.
Supervisor: Huey (lei.huey@usj.edu.mo)
Keywords: Mathematics Education; STEM Education; ICT in Education
DOCSE-2021-10: EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF A RESPONSE TO INVENTION MODEL ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
This project will assess the effectiveness of a Response to Invention (RTI) model on primary students’ academic achievement with special educational needs (SEN). Research data will generate insight into how teachers and students interact with differentiated instruction and will support teachers in assessing individual student needs, instructional decision-making, and promoting students’ development of specific learning outcomes. This project will have three broad aims. First, to determine challenges that impede successful implementation of RTI models among pre-service and in-service primary teachers. Second, the project will empirically assess the effectiveness of an RTI model in supporting students with SEN. Third, to match RTI approaches with students with SEN to promote efficient evidence-based intervention plans, progress monitoring and remediate learning difficulties.
Supervisor: Elisa Monteiro (elisa@usj.edu.mo)
Keywords: Response to Intervention; Inclusive Education; Learning Outcomes; Special Educational Needs
DOCSE-2021-11: TEACHER’S PERSPECTIVES OF GENDER EQUALITY ACROSS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IN MACAO
In 2015, the United Nations set 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of these goals makes specific reference to ending all discrimination against women and girls as a key component of a sustainable future and for economic growth and development. This study aims to explore early childhood teacher’s perspective and attitudes toward gender equity in Macau. Social constructions of gender within early childhood education may influence gender stereotypes and gender discrimination. The theory of feminist post-structuralism will be adopted for this study in order to conduct analysis into the ways in which gender stereotypes are constructed, and how these may impact daily classroom practices at early childhood education centres in Macau.
Supervisor: Kiiko Ikegami (kiiko.ikegami@usj.edu.mo)
Keywords: Gender Equality; Feminist Post-Structuralism; Early Childhood Education; Macao
Specialisation in Psychology
DOCPSY-2021-01: OPERATION PARENTING: A SOCIAL GROUP MODEL AMONG PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH BEHAVIOR PROBLEM IN MACAU
Parenting is a rewarding but challenging journey. All thoughtful parents strive to become experts of their child’s development. Giving birth to a child does not necessarily pair parents with mature parenting skills. Parents must recall their own holistic development in order to enhance their parental growth. Innovative technology-Operation parenting, which is to provide an 8-week long parenting training to parents of children with behaviour problems, curriculum-based, experiential, parenting-group model, focused on in-depth learning and skill building, in order to help parents cope with children’s behavioural problems. The eight progressive group phrases are as follows: (1) Collective gathering; (2) Family of origin; (3) Life disruption; (4) Behaviour modification; (5) Total understanding; (6) Super parent; (7) Mindful action; (8) Holistic parenting. For the purposes of this review, parent supporting group is defined as community-based initiatives designed to promote the flow of resources and supports to parents that strengthen functioning and enhance the growth and development of children with behavioural problems. Now the social group model to Chinese and Spanish speaking parents in collaboration with social service agencies have been implemented in NYC. Since COVID, it has been done online. The purpose of this study is to replicate the social group model in Macao. An experimental design will be conducted in this study.
Supervisor: Helen Liu (helen.liu@usj.edu.mo)
Keywords: Parenting; Children with Behavioural Problems; Supporting Group; Anger Management
DOCPSY-2021-02: CHILDREN USING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AFFECTS THEIR WELL-BEING IN A FAMILY CONTEXT
This proposal reviews existing knowledge on how the digital technology uses and activities of their children, their parenting style, and the opportunities and challenges that digital technology brings to parenting and family life in Macau. Based on this research, the research questions of digital health in families’ lives: (1) How does using digital technology affect children’s well-being in order to understand when and why digital technology has a positive or negative influence on children? (2) How does integrating digital technology into family life in ways that are meaningful and promote individual family values and parenting style? The methodology used is a cross-sectional survey design, which includes studies of children aged 0-18.
Supervisor: Helen Liu (helen.liu@usj.edu.mo)
Keywords: Children and Family
DOCPSY-2021-03: ORGANISATIONAL JUSTICE PERCEPTIONS IN CULTURALLY DIVERSE CONTEXTS
Organisational justice perceptions represent the subjective evaluations of employees about the way they are treated in the workplace. These judgments about the way resources are distributed, procedures are enacted, and interpersonal relationships are managed, have been shown to influence attitudes and behaviours in the workplace. Justice perceptions are considered the “glue” that keeps member of organisations together (e.g., Cropanzano, 2001); yet negative justice perceptions can also tear organisations apart, motivating retaliation and conflict in the workplace. Macao is a multicultural city, both in the coexistence of people of different cultural backgrounds and in the high prevalence of multinational organisations with culturally diverse practices. This context offers interesting avenues for research into how people evaluate and react to perceived workplace (in)justice in culturally diverse environments.
Supervisor: Maria Rita Silva (maria.silva@usj.edu.mo)
Keywords: Organisational Justice Perceptions; Cross-Cultural Organisational Psychology; Workplace Relationships
DOCPSY-2021-04: INTERCULTURAL ACCULTURATION STRATEGIES: INCLUSION AND WELL BEING
With the world becoming increasingly interconnected there has been a steady increase the movement of people across countries. Acculturation strategies represent the process of adaptation, both of people coming from other cultural context, and of the host society, to different cultural values and practices. This adaptation processes involve different degrees of identification and internalization of the new culture, and the inclusion of minority groups in different spheres of social life. Acculturation has implication for the well-being of minority groups and the development of multicultural societies (e.g., Berry, 2011). Macao’s historical heritage, as well as social and economic profile, are characterized by the co-existence of people with diverse cultural backgrounds. This makes Macao an interesting context for the study of the process of acculturation and inclusion of minority groups in society, and its effects on well-being and integration.
Supervisor: Maria Rita Silva (maria.silva@usj.edu.mo)
Keywords: Cross-cultural Psychology; Acculturation Strategies; Inclusion; Well-Being
