Jenise Boland

Educational Theory and Practice doctoral student in the Faculty of Education

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

Hailing from Northern Canada, I am grateful for the opportunity to study and collaborate with international educators and draw inspiration from the experiences of both new and seasoned teachers and professionals.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

Having completed both my BEd at SFU, I was already familiar with the excellence of its faculty and global reputation. When studying at universities abroad I often found was assigned academic readings authored by none other than my former professors at SFU - namely Drs. Ann Chinnery and Roland Case. Returning for my doctoral studies was an easy decision. Additionally, the PhD in ETAP program is complex and aligned very well with my research interests which focus on the nexus of education, engagement and curriculum theory. The staff and faculty of the department, particularly my supervisor, Dr. Stephen Smith, were also very supportive during my initial PhD search process.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

The ETAP program is intentionally broad so as to include a range of fields of study, theories, and practices in education. As a full time classroom practitioner teaching not only in the K-12 system but also adult and post-secondary learner, the program enables me to examine the theories and practices of instructional design and delivery at every stage of learning.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Engagement, instructional design, teaching practice

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

Having the opportunity to TA and TM multiple Faculty of Education course throughout my studies has contributed to my professional understanding and practice.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research

I am very grateful for the travel support grant offered by SFU which enabled me to attend the Asian Conference on Education in Kobe, Japan, to receive the The Stuart D. B. Picken Grant and Scholarship, awarded to postgraduate students whose work demonstrates academic excellence.

Contact Jenise:jkboland@sfu.ca

Additional Links

• LinkedIn