Dr Kristina Turner

Biography

Qualifications:
Doctor of Philosophy, Research Major in Education, Latrobe University, Thesis topic: Affordances of 1:1learning for teaching practice and student learning: A mixed methods study.
Bachelor of Education with Honours, Latrobe University. (Generalist Teacher Primary/Middle Years), Honours thesis topic: How four teachers in a Bendigo school conceptualize and implement the thinking curriculum.
Post Graduate Studies in Secondary Mathematics Teaching, Murdoch University (Years 7 -12 Mathematics).
Other Relevant Qualifications:
Full VIT registration
Mental Health First Aid (Certified workplace practitioner)       
Emotional Intelligence (Yale University RULER program)
Positive Psychology (Psychology of Happiness)       

Dr Kristina Turner is a Lecturer in Primary Education at Swinburne University. Kristina is the Course Director for the Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Master of Teaching (Primary) courses. Kristina has worked in a variety of school and university settings. Kristina's research interests are in positive education, teacher wellbeing, teachers’ pedagogical practice and pre-service teacher emotional intelligence.

Kristina’s current research project involves using a qualitative phenomenological approach to explore teachers’ perspectives on the effect using positive psychology strategies has on their­­ teaching practice and student learning. Findings to date include that when teachers intentionally use PERMA wellbeing strategies to support their wellbeing there are flow on effects in their teaching practice, student learning, perception of meaning at work, use of character strengths at work and relationships with colleagues. This study is unique and addresses a gap in current knowledge around teacher wellbeing and its effects on teaching practice and student learning.