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Dr. Amanda Bezzina is a Lecturer at the Institute for Education. She is a Teaching Practice tutor, dissertation examiner, and a supervisor. For the past years, she was the Head of the Department in Personal, Social, and Career Development within the Ministry for Education and Employment. For several years, she was a PSCD teacher, a mentor, and a guidance teacher. She is also a Visiting Assistant Lecturer at the University of Malta. She is also a member of the Board of Governors at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology. For ten years, she was the President of the Malta PSD Teachers’ Association. Her areas of specialisation and research interests are: holistic education, youth and community development, effective teaching strategies, facilitation and teaching skills.
Dr. Michelle Panzavecchia is a full-time Lecturer at the Institute for Education. She is Chairperson of the Research Ethics Committee for BEDU Primary. She has previously worked as an Assistant Head of School and as an Educator in the early and junior years. She is also a Visiting Lecturer at The University of Malta. Michelle holds a PhD in the field of Bilingualism, Multilingualism, and English Language Teaching from the University of Sheffield, UK. She also holds an M.Sc. in Language and Communication Impairment in Children from the University of Sheffield, UK, and a B.Ed. (Hons.) from the University of Malta. Her research domains include: Bilingual and Multilingual Education, Language Identity and Education, Fluid and Cross-linguistic Practices, English Language Teaching, Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching, Early Childhood and Primary Education, Language and Communication Impairment in Children, Peer Tutoring, Academic Writing, and Qualitative Research Methods
| Areas of expertise | Bilingual and Multilingual Education, Bilingual and Multilingual Teaching Practices, Translanguaging, Codeswitching, Professional Development, Initial Teacher Education, English Language Teaching, Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching, Primary Education, Language and Communication Impairment, Peer Tutoring |
| Contact | Send email |
| Publications | Panzavecchia, M. (2018, February 13). Giving back their childhood. Times of Malta. |
| https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/Giving-back-their-childhood-Michelle-Panzavecchia.670530 | |
| Panzavecchia, M. (2018, March 23). It’s all Maltese to me! Times of Malta. | |
| https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/its-all-maltese-to-me-michelle-panzavecchia.674162 | |
| Milton, J., & Panzavecchia, M. (2019, March 25-27). “Are you (in)experienced?” Beliefs about language use during English lessons in Maltese primary schools [Paper Presentation]. 2nd International Conference on Bilingualism, Valletta Campus, University of Malta, Malta. | |
| Milton, J., & Panzavecchia, M. (2019, September 16-18). From Bilingualism to Multilingualism Considerations and Implications for teacher education and English language teaching in Malta [Paper Presentation]. 6th International Symposium on New Issues in Teacher Education, Valletta Campus, University of Malta, Malta. | |
| Panzavecchia, M., & Little, S. (2019). Beyond Words: Language Hybridity in Post-Colonial Multilingual Classroom Environments – Malta’s Way Forward. In: V. Anderson & H. Johnson (Eds.), Migration, Education and Translation: Cross-disciplinary Perspectives on Human Mobility and Cultural Encounters in Education Settings (pp. 161-173). Abingdon: Routledge. | |
| Panzavecchia, M. (2020). In Other Words: Maltese Primary School Teachers’ Perceptions of Cross-linguistic Practices and Flexible Language Pedagogies in Bilingual and Multilingual English Language Classes (Doctoral dissertation, University of Sheffield). | |
| Panzavecchia, M., & Little, S. (2020). The Language of Learning: Maltese teachers’ views on bilingual and multilingual primary classrooms. E-JournALL, EuroAmerican Journal of Applied Linguistics and Languages, 7(1), 108-123 | |
| Panzavecchia, M. (2021, July 25). Language use in Maltese bilingual and multilingual classrooms. Times of Malta. | |
| https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/language-use-in-maltese-bilingual-and-multilingual-classrooms.889024 | |
| Panzavecchia, M. (2023, June 16-19). Lost for Words? : Maltese Teachers’ Views on Cross-linguistic Practices and Flexible Language Pedagogies in Bilingual and Multilingual Primary Classrooms [Paper Presentation]. The 2nd Paris Conference on Education, La Maison de la Chimie, Paris, France. |
Mr Oswald Tanti Rigos is a lecturer at the Institute for Education. Mr Tanti Rigos studied at the University of Malta where he obtained his undergraduate degree in education and a postgraduate degree in philosophy of education. He has presented works at various conferences both locally and abroad. Previously he worked as a lecturer of Philosophy at Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School and is still a visiting assistant lecturer at the University of Malta. At present he is conducting scholarly work primarily in the field of philosophy of education. His main areas of interest are the ethical, political, and epistemological issues raised by the theory and practice of schooling education.
| Areas of expertise | Philosophy of Education |
| Contact | Send email |
| Publications | Tanti Rigos, O. (2010). The Junior Lyceum Entrance Examination: A Foucaultian Genealogy. Unpblished Master’s thesis, University of Malta. |
| Presentations | Tanti Rigos, O. (2016, May 19-21). Breaking with the Norm: Reconceptualising teacher identity beyond fabricated truths and surveillance-bred conformity [Conference presentation]. International Teacher Education Policy in Europe (TEPE) University of Malta, Valletta Campus. |
| Tanti Rigos, O. (2017, June 23-24). Overcoming the Tension between Enculturation and Individuation [Conference presentation]. Young Researchers Meeting Conference, Malta. | |
| Tanti Rigos, O. (2018, February 26). Teacher Support and CPD Opportunities [Conference presentation]. Understanding Teachers’ Professional Lives and Careers, Malta. | |
| Tanti Rigos, O. (2019, September 16-18). Dnegel in l-Aqwa Zmien [Conference presentation]. International Symposium on New Issues in Teacher Education, Malta. | |
| Tanti Rigos, O. (2020, January 20-24). Schooling and the Need of an Absurdity (Reality) Test [Conference presentation]. Doctoral Winter Conference, Maynooth University, Ireland. | |
| Tanti Rigos, O. (2023, May 9-12). Critical Openings in Adult Education [Conference presentation]. International Conference on Critical Education (ICER), University of Malta, Valletta Campus. | |
| Tanti Rigos, O. (2023, October 16). What Do Educators Mean When They Ask Students to Be “Critical”?: Rummaging through Foucault’s toolbox. Educators in Conversation, Institute for Education, Malta. | |
| Tanti Rigos, O. (2023, November 16). Socrates: A Timeless Pedagogy. World Philosophy Day Seminar, Institute for Education, Malta. |
Ms Susanna Azzopardi is a full-time lecturer at Institute for Education. She holds a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from the University of Sheffield where her research area focused on the effective use of Big Books for shared reading with little children. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Administration and Management and a first degree B.Ed (Hons) from the University of Malta. She obtained a certificate in Proof Reading in Maltese from the University of Malta. Her career in schools started as a primary teacher, a position she held for 14 years. She was Assistant Head in a primary state school for 3 years, followed by 13 years of Headship. She is particularly interested in Early Years and Primary Education and the development of literacy skills in the early years. She has a passion for the Maltese language.
| Areas of expertise | Early Years and Junior Education, Early Childhood Development, Early Literacy Skills, School Leadership and Administration |
| Contact | Send email |
Dr Loredana Muscat is a full-time lecturer at the Institute for Education, Malta. She received her Doctorate degree in Communication Therapy at the University of Malta, which investigated aspects of reading development in Down syndrome. Dr Muscat also holds a Master’s degree in Education in Learning Difficulties and Disabilities from the University of Birmingham and a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Communication Therapy from the University of Malta. Dr Muscat worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist, a specialised teacher in learning difficulties, and an Inclusion coordinator. Her research interests include diversity in education and inclusion practices concerning individuals with learning difficulties and disabilities.
| Areas of expertise | Inclusive Education, Literacy difficulties, and language-related difficulties |
| Contact | Send email |
| Publications | Muscat, L. (2017). Phonological awareness and visual perceptual processing skills of Maltese children with Down syndrome. How is reading intervention affected? Malta Review of Educational Research, 11(1), 97-11. https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/20906 |
| Buckley, S., Grech, H., & Muscat, L. (2017). Identifying a protocol to assess literacy-related skills in Maltese children and adolescents with Down syndrome. Malta Journal of Health Sciences, 4(1), 34-39.https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/20550 | |
| Muscat, L. & Grech, H. (2023) Nonword reading and other reading-related skills in Down syndrome. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 00, 1– 19. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-3802.12604 | |
| Muscat, L & Grech, H. (2023) An Evaluation of the Maltese school literacy environments and practices of students with Down Syndrome. Paris Conference of Education (IAFOR), Conference Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2758-0962.2023.22 | |
| Muscat, L. (2023) Investigating Myths and Misconceptions within the Maltese Primary School Setting. Malta Journal of Education, 4(2), 67-97. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.20493.51688 | |
| Academic Presentations | Muscat, L., Grech, H. & Buckley, S. (2023) Literacy-related skills and literacy environments of Maltese Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome. Conference Presentation. ASLP National Conference Malta. |
| Muscat, L., Grech, H. & Buckley, S. (2020) Reading development in Maltese children and young adults with Down Syndrome. Presentation. Showcasing Recent Departmental Postgraduate Research Projects. Department of Communication Therapy. The University of Malta. | |
| Muscat, L., Grech, H. & Buckley, S. (2016) Exploring Phonological Awareness and Visual Perceptual Processing skills in children and young adults with Down Syndrome. Presentation at IALP World Congress Dublin. |
Dr Angele Pulis is a full-time Lecturer at the Institute for Education in Malta. She is the Chairperson of the Research Ethics Board at IfE. She sits on the committee of The Malta Society for Educational Administration and Management. Her research domains include educational leadership, quality assurance in schools, educational neuroscience, pupil voice, and mixed methods research. She holds a PhD from the University of Leicester, a Master’s in Philosophy from the University of Wales, a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Administration and Management and a Bachelor in Education (Hons) from the University of Malta. Her career in schools included various roles. She was a Head of a Primary school and an Assistant head of a sixth form and a secondary school in Malta. She has taught Integrated Science, Biology and Chemistry in various schools, at different levels, ranging from secondary to post-secondary
| Areas of expertise | Educational leadership, quality assurance in schools, educational neuroscience, pupil voice, and mixed methods research |
| Contact | Send email |
| Publications | Activating the Child’s Own Natural Desire to Learn: Educational Neuroscience and the Development of Meaningful Learning Experiences |
| 2023 | |
| International Journal of Childhood Education, 4(2), 59-69 | |
| https://diamondopen.com/journals/index.php/ijce/article/view/475 | |
| Co-authored with Darmanin, J. | |
| Constructive Resonance or Destructive Interference? Lessons Learnt from Joint Supervision Experiences in Higher Education in Malta | |
| 2023 | |
| Co-authored a book chapter with Schembri, H. | |
| In Cuschieri, R.A., Aquilina, A. & Lewak, A. (Eds.), Further and Higher Education in Malta: Challenges, Perspectives, Solutions | |
| Researching Pupils’ Perspectives’: What are the Quality Indicators of a Good School? | |
| 2023 | |
| Malta Journal of Education, Volume 3, No 2, 79-104 | |
| https://ife.edu.mt/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6.-Pulis-Angele-79-104.pdf | |
| School Self-Evaluation: Process and Perspectives | |
| 2023 | |
| The Educator, 8th edition, MUT Publication, 41-64 | |
| https://mut.org.mt/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Educator-2023.pdf | |
| The Fun Imperative during Learning: A Neuroscientific Perspective | |
| 2023 | |
| Malta Journal of Education, Volume 3, No 1, 67-85 | |
| https://ife.edu.mt/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Institute-for-Education-Symposium-vol-03-no01-LR-67-85.pdf | |
| Pupils as Assessors in Quality Assurance of Schools | |
| 2018 | |
| https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/pupils-as-assessors-in-quality-assurance-of-schools.687657 | |
| An article on Times of Malta, providing a synopsis of the two main strands in the research area explored in my doctoral studies: pupil voice and quality assurance of schools, within the local context. | |
| Post on the BERA Blog (29th April 2016) ‘Pupil Voice in Quality Assurance of Schools’ | |
| https://www.bera.ac.uk/blog/pupil-voice-in-quality-assurance-of-schools | |
| Professional Development of Teachers at Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School (Malta): Contributions from a Stake Holding Think-Tank | |
| 2015 | |
| Co-authored a paper in Mediterranean Review of Educational Research Vol 9, No 1, June 2015 | |
| https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/bitstream/123456789/20659/1/8. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS AT MALTAGÇÖS GIOVANNI CURMI HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL CONTRIBUTIONS FROM A STAKE-HOLDING THINK TANK.pdf | |
| Mixed Methods Research on the role of pupils as assessors in quality assurance of schools in Malta | |
| 2015 | |
| https://doi.org/10.1177/0892020617748152 | |
| British Educational Leadership, Management and Administration Society Journal, ‘Management in Education’ 32(1) 40-47 | |
| This paper is based on the presentation to the British Educational Research Association, Educational Leadership Special Interest Group, April 2015. |
Mr Mario Mallia is a full-time lecturer at the Institute for Education. He was a Head of a primary and secondary school for sixteen years, and a deputy head for three years. Before that, he was a teacher of Physics, Biology, Integrated Science and Maths with teaching remaining a part of his duties as a head of school. He holds a Masters in Education, a Post Graduate diploma in School Administration and Management and a B.Ed (Hons) degree from the University of Malta. Until recently he served as a board member of the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality and as a board member on the Foundation of Educational Services for many years, besides being active in the public and social sphere for many years.
| Areas of expertise | Sociology of education, critical pedagogies, gender and race issues, diversity in education, multiculturalism, inclusion, leadership, policy sociology, sociology of work, building communities in schools, building cultures of encounter and intercultural dialogue, and access to learning. |
| Contact | Send email |
| Publications | Sultana R (ed) (1997). ‘Bells and Punchclocks’; a contribution in ‘Inside/Outside Schools’ |
| Sammut J., Sultana R. (eds). (1996) ‘The ideology of Work in Maltese Schools’: a contribution in ‘Careers Guidance in Malta’ (ed. Sammut J.,Sultana R. ed.) (1996) |
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