Course
BEd (Hons.)
Honours project
“It’s not what we say but how we say it” - An investigation into the processing of phonological and visual spatial information in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Previous high school
Wynyard High School, Wynyard, Tasmania
Previous college
Hellyer Matriculation College, Burnie, Tasmania (Year 11)
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Once leaving High School, I always intended to go to University in Hobart and complete a teaching degree majoring in music however, at 16 I was not really that passionate about further study. Somehow, I got a little sidetracked by life along the way, and my gap year lasted 25 years (quarter of a century). Luckily, I had the opportunity to attend University again at a time in my life where I had more of an idea of what I wanted and the motivation and life experience to do my very best and achieve my goals. I believe that I will be a much better teacher starting out at the point in life I am now at, in comparison to the one I would have been going straight from college to university.
Why did you decide to do honours?
I love solving problems and finding out why… perhaps I would have had a great career as a detective. After having the opportunity to do research methods, I realised that this was exactly the type of ‘work’ I would love to be doing forever. This gave me the confidence to accept my Honours invitation and follow my own interests in research.
Why did you choose UTAS?
Living in what is considered a rural community as a parent with two small children, without the facilities offered at Cradle Coast Campus, I would never have been in the circumstances to study at University. I certainly may not have had the confidence to undertake a Bachelor of Education on-line.
Highlights of your honours study/experience so far?
Even though our projects are very different, the friends I have made along the way in my Honours journey I’m sure will stay with me forever. Also extending my own thinking in ways that I never thought I would be able to do. We are all very lucky to have an incredibly supportive team of faculty staff who supervise us. Without this guidance, Honours would be a much more daunting experience.
Any advice for future honours students?
Be confident!
What are your plans after you graduate with your honours degree?
I would like to continue my with post graduate study by undertaking a PhD using the research and knowledge I have gained through my experience to look for solutions to issues faced by children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in educational settings.