Spelling teaching pedagogies in Australian schools

About the research project

Word knowledge is a crucial part in the Australian curriculum: English and highlighted in the content descriptors from Foundation to Year 10. Content descriptors from Year 1 to Year 6 emphasise the importance of teaching students about both phonological and morphological awareness. While a substantial body of research has focused on phonological awareness linking to reading, spelling and writing, how morphological knowledge and word origins have impact on students’ spelling and vocabulary development is still an area that needs further investigation. Morphology-based instructions have shown evidence for positive improvement to students’ spelling, vocabulary and reading comprehension in different parts of the world, including literacy outcomes for the youngest and the most at-risk (Bowers & Kirby, 2010), students with low literacy skills (Colenbrander et al., 2021), or students with dyslexia (Deacon et al., 2008).

 A small-scale research project by To and colleagues found that teachers across primary years in Tasmanian schools have transitioned from traditional rote learning methods of spelling instruction to inquiry-based approaches focused on meaning and morphological understanding as a more scientific, effective and engaging method for teaching spelling and vocabulary (Sturgess et al., 2023; To, 2025). Furthermore, the Tasmanian Lifting Literacy program uses Word Origins which is grounded in the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy, recognising that proficient spelling, reading and vocabulary development depend on explicit knowledge of the structure of English words. The program systematically teaches morphology (prefixes, suffixes and base words), etymology (word origins) and orthography (spelling patterns), helping students understand how words are constructed and how meaning is represented in written language, which is consistent with the Australian Curriculum's emphasis on morphological knowledge and the growing body of research highlighting the benefits of morphology-based instruction.

Adopting a mixed methods research design, applicants for this project have the scope to examine innovative spelling teaching practices like Word Origins or other approaches to spelling teaching in the Australian contexts, and the impact on students’ spelling, vocabulary, reading and/or writing development in either DECYP, Independent, or Catholic schools in the primary years. Depending on your selected focus, examples of overarching and specific research questions may include but not be limited to: (1) What are the innovative approaches to spelling teaching in Australian primary schools? (2) To what extent does a Word Origins program improve students’ spelling and vocabulary? (3) How does morphological instruction enhance students’ reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension?

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Vinh To

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

The following eligibility criteria apply to this project:

• The project is open to Australian (domestic) candidates and to international candidates;
• If a scholarship is awarded, the candidate must enrol as a full-time student;
• Applicants must already have been awarded a first-class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in an appropriate sector; and
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong research and analytical skills.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

Candidates from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be able to demonstrate practical and/or research expertise in English education, and educational linguistics. Knowledge and skills that will be ranked highly include English education, educational linguistics and the Australian school system and curriculum.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

Experience volunteering, working or researching in Australian schools is desirable.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Vinh To to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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