Kumara Ward

About

I am a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and committed education professional specialising in early childhood and primary curriculum and pedagogy, leadership and management. As of August 2019, my current position is as Senior Lecturer: Teaching and Research in the Master of Education Program at the University of Dundee Scotland. My previous role was as Director of Academic Program: Early Childhood at Western Sydney University: School of Education. My key remit was to oversee development, implementation, assessment and reporting of the Master of Education (Birth-5/Birth–12 Years), education components of the Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Birth-5/Birth-12 Years), and the development of a new online Bachelor of Education (Birth – 5 Years) course. My key areas of expertise are Curriculum and Pedagogy and this was realised in this context, through a focus on curriculum integration, arts, natural sciences and sustainability education in contemporary childhood contexts. My research program concentrates on education for sustainability and the significance of the human/nature connection. Whilst pursuing a number of strands, it investigates ways in which we can support children and young people to live in conscious connection with the natural world so they can think and act innovatively in finding new ways of living sustainably in, and in a state of contented regeneration on, the earth. The strands include (also see below): sensing ecologically with young children and the pedagogical implications of this practice for early childhood educators in providing ecologically healthy, engaging learning environments; curriculum integration in early childhood/primary education between the arts and sustainability education for exploring and interpreting the natural world; psychological flexibility and Goethean science approaches for youth and young people at risk to support ecopsychological health; and community greening/gardening approaches to support wellbeing for all ages but in particular for those in community housing. My research has, individually and collaboratively, been supported by a total of AU$350,000 in grant funding, which, relative to opportunity while in leadership and governance roles, is substantial. This information below provides examples of recent and current research and collaboration. I am a fervent believer in developing education programs that support students to engage in theoretically informed practice, work effectively with children and families in their communities and have the discernment to choose relevant, excellent and ongoing quality professional development to support them in their careers as they unfold.

Education