Prof. João Paraskeva | Curriculum | Best Researcher Award

Prof. João Paraskeva | Curriculum | Best Researcher Award

University of Strathclyde, United States.

Prof. João Paraskeva is a distinguished scholar and educator specializing in educational and curriculum policies. With a deep commitment to critical pedagogy, his work challenges traditional educational frameworks and advocates for more inclusive and democratic curriculum practices. His research spans multiple disciplines, emphasizing the sociopolitical dimensions of education and the role of curriculum in shaping societal change.

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🎓 Education

Prof. João Paraskeva holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Minho, Portugal (2004), specializing in educational and curriculum policies, theory, and instruction. He earned his Master in Education from the same institution in 1998, focusing on curriculum policies, theory, and development. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from the Portuguese Catholic University (1989), where he studied Ancient Greek, Latin, and Portuguese Literature. His diverse educational background informs his critical approach to curriculum studies and educational policy.

💼 Experience

Prof. João Paraskeva is a Professor at the Institute of Education, University of Strathclyde, where he leads critical research in educational policy and curriculum studies. He has previously served as the Dean of the School of Education at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, demonstrating his leadership in academic administration. Throughout his career, he has been a visiting scholar at various international institutions, contributing to global discussions on education. A sought-after keynote speaker at international conferences, Prof. Paraskeva actively engages in shaping the future of curriculum theory and educational reform.

🔬 Research Interests

Prof. Paraskeva’s research focuses on:

🌍 Critical Curriculum Theory – Examining power structures in education

📚 Educational Policy – Investigating reforms and their impact on learning

🏫 Democratic Education – Promoting inclusive and equitable learning environments

🔎 Postcolonial and Decolonial Studies in Education – Challenging Eurocentric educational models

🏆 Awards & Honors

Outstanding Contribution to Educational Policy Research Award

Excellence in Curriculum Studies Honor

Distinguished Scholar Award in Critical Pedagogy

International Research Leadership Recognition

📄 Selected Publications

Itinerant Curriculum Theory Revisited on a Non-Theoricide Towards the Canonicide

Published in: Itinerant Curriculum Theory: Decolonial Praxes, Theories, and Histories

Date: September 26, 2023

Type: Book Chapter | Writing - Original Draft

Contributor: João M. Paraskeva

Critical Perspectives on the Denial of Caste in Educational Debate

Published by: Routledge

Date: July 27, 2023

Type: Edited Book | Writing - Review & Editing

Contributor: João M. Paraskeva

On Caste: Towards a Non-Derivative Curriculum Reason

Published in: Critical Perspectives on the Denial of Caste in Educational Debate

Date: July 27, 2023

Type: Book Chapter | Writing - Original Draft

Contributor: João M. Paraskeva

Itinerant Curriculum Theory and the Struggle for Non-Derivative Curriculum ‘Langue’ and ‘Parole’

Published in: Curriculum, Spirituality, and Human Rights

Date: May 8, 2023

Type: Book Chapter | Writing - Original Draft

Contributor: João M. Paraskeva

 

 

 

Dr. Sofia Morgado | Science Education | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sofia Morgado | Science Education | Best Researcher Award

University of Minho, Portugal.

Prof. Sofia Fernandes Morgado is an expert in Science Education, specializing in contextualized learning and problem-based teaching methods. She has contributed significantly to teacher training, curriculum development, and educational research. With a strong academic background and extensive project leadership experience, she plays a crucial role in advancing science and geography education through innovative methodologies.

Profile

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Education 🎓

Prof. Sofia Fernandes Morgado holds a PhD in Science Education from the Universidade do Minho, Portugal (2024), where she focused on Teaching for Contextualized Learning of 'Sound and Light'. Her doctoral research aimed to explore innovative teaching approaches that connect scientific concepts with real-world contexts. Prior to her PhD, she completed her MA in Science Education at the same institution in 2013, with a thesis on Problem-Based Learning in Science and Geography Teacher Education, examining how problem-solving methodologies can enhance teacher education programs. She also earned her Degree in Physics and Chemistry Teaching from the Universidade do Minho in 2008, laying a solid foundation in the scientific and educational fields.

Experience 💼

Prof. Sofia Fernandes Morgado currently serves as the Director & Researcher at the Universidade do Minho, where she leads impactful research in science education and pedagogical innovation. In addition to her academic role, she has been working as a Support Specialist for the Quality Education for All Project in Guinea-Bissau since 2022, contributing her expertise to curriculum reform initiatives. From 2016 to 2022, she also held the position of Technical & Scientific Advisor for the Basic Education Curriculum Reform in Guinea-Bissau, where she played a key role in shaping educational policies and improving teacher training. Prof. Morgado's earlier career includes being a Research Fellow on various projects focused on science education and problem-based learning, particularly in enhancing teacher education programs and fostering contextualized learning from 2010 to 2021.

Research Interests 🔬

Science Education & Pedagogy – Enhancing problem-solving and contextual learning

Teacher Training & Curriculum Development – Improving STEM education methodologies

Sustainability in Education – Developing eco-conscious teaching frameworks

Educational Technologies – Integrating digital tools for interactive learning

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Recognized for Excellence in Science Education Research

Research Fellowships funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal

Active member of the Portuguese Association of Science Education (APEduC)

Selected Publications 📚

Teaching for the Contextualised Learning of Science: A Checklist-Based Science Curriculum Analysis
Authors: Morgado, S.; Leite, L.; Dourado, L.
Journal: Journal of Turkish Science Education (2022)
Volume: 19(4), Pages: 1072–1095
Citations: 3

Teacher Education and Popular Culture: Proverbs about the Climate and Weather
Authors: Leite, L.; Dourado, L.; Morgado, S.; Antunes, M.C.
Journal: Journal of Turkish Science Education (2019)
Volume: 16(1),Pages: 1–17
Citations: 6
Teaching Science in the Laboratory: A Study on Portuguese School Science Teachers’ Perspectives
Authors: Dourado, L.; Leite, L.; Morgado, S.
Journal: Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology (2017)
Volume: 2017(December Special Issue INTE)
Pages: 54–65
In-Service Science Teacher Education in Portugal: An Analysis of the Short Courses Available
Authors: Dourado, L.; Leite, L.; Morgado, S.
Journal: Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology (2017)
Volume: 2017(November Special Issue INTE)
Pages: 1065–1076
Learning About Safety, Prevention, and Quality of Life Through PBL: Implications for Teacher Education
Authors: Leite, L.; Dourado, L.; Morgado, S.; Vale, M.; Madureira, C.
Journal: Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology (2017)
Volume: 2017(November Special Issue INTE)
Pages: 375–386