Research student insight
Elsa Lee
Elsa Lee is in the final stages of completing her PhD focused on how involvement in primary school environmental groups can contribute to children’s development of action competence.
She is being supervised by Ms Elisabeth Barratt-Hacking and Professor Stephen Gough in the Department of Education.
Prior study
Elsa first completed her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at The University of Edinburgh and subsequently completed a PGCE at King’s College in London.
“My first career as a science teacher was motivated by my commitment to encouraging the development of environmental principles amongst my students.”
After teaching for a number of years, she then decided to further her interests in environmental issues, by completing and a Masters in Environmental Education at the University of Bath in 2007, achieving a Distinction. This then led to the formation of her research topic.
Research findings and impact
Presently, she is working on analysing the data that she has gathered as a participant observer in two different primary school green/eco groups.
“My data has revealed a strong potential for learning active citizenship skills through participation in green or eco groups; however the extent to which this occurs depends on the way that the club is managed.”
Her initial results suggest that clubs where children have more say in what tasks the club will perform, and where the adult in charge of the club is responsive to the group members and the local context, there is a greater development of skills such as critical thinking, leadership and communication skills.
This is a significant finding, as around 50 per cent of schools in England have a green/eco group. If managed successfully, these could be key forums for the development of active citizens.
Wider involvement
As well as attending a wide range of the seminars both within and outside the Department, she has also been a student representative alongside her PhD. This has enabled her to have more interaction with academic staff at different levels of the University.
“I have also worked on a couple of research projects and have organised a student led conference in the Department. This experience has given me an understanding of how the institution functions at a level beyond that which I experience as a postgraduate student.”
She has recently worked with the graduate Careers Service, which has helped her reflect on the skills development that she has gained during her time as a postgraduate research student.
Elsa is also currently editing a book about postgraduate research journeys with other research students Chloe Blackmore and Emma Seal.
Future plans
Elsa intends to make sure that the research she does has an impact on the way both children and adults learn, and the way society handles issues around sustainable development.
“I am not sure whether I will do this through an academic career or through working in the field of for example, corporate social responsibility, but I am determined that I will succeed in making my research impactful.”
She is also interested in making her research relevant to a global community and is investigating ways to do this.
Further information
If you would like to find out more about Elsa’s research then you can contact her by email: eul20@bath.ac.uk
