Bekalu Atnafu Taye | Pedagogy | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bekalu Atnafu Taye | Pedagogy | Best Researcher Award

Kotebe University of Education | Ethiopia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bekalu Atnafu Taye is a distinguished scholar in English Language Education with extensive expertise in TEFL, special needs education, and psychosocial determinants of learning. Holding a PhD and two MAs from Addis Ababa University, he has contributed significantly to research on language anxiety, multilingual education, and educational policy. His academic career spans multiple leadership roles, including Associate Professor at Kotebe University of Education, Director of Centres of Excellence in Research, and Associate Editor of the Kotebe Journal of Education. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bekalu Atnafu Taye has published extensively in national and international journals, authored monographs, prepared teaching materials, and supervised PhD students. He has coordinated and contributed to local and international research projects and grants, including collaborations with the University of Bristol and the East African Education Research Network. His professional services include journal peer reviews, training workshops, and consultancy for educational institutions. Recognized with multiple awards and appreciation letters, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bekalu Atnafu Taye exemplifies academic excellence, research impact, and leadership in advancing education in Ethiopia and beyond.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Taye, B. A. (2019). The medium of instruction in Ethiopian higher education institutions. African Journal of Teacher Education, 8(2), 1–24.

  • Taye, B. A. (2018). Language anxiety and achievement among freshman students of Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. African Journal of Teacher Education, 7(2).

  • Taye, B. A. (2017). Ethnic federalism and conflict in Ethiopia. African Journal on Conflict Resolution, 17(2), 41–66.

  • Taye, B. A. (2017). Verbal behaviors of teachers and student anxiety in language classes. Bahir Dar University Journal of Education, 17(1).

  • Taye, B. A. (2018). Ethnic cleansing in Ethiopia. Peace Research, 50(1), 77–104.

Carol Hordatt Gentles | Education | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Carol Hordatt Gentles | Education | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Carol Hordatt Gentles, School of Education, UWI. MONA, Jamaica

Dr. Carol Christine Hordatt Gentles (b. October 8, 1959) is a Senior Lecturer in Education at the Faculty of Humanities & Education, University of the West Indies, Jamaica. She specializes in Teacher Development and Teacher Quality. Dr. Hordatt Gentles holds a PhD in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning from the University of Toronto (2003), and an MPhil in Education from the University of the West Indies (1994). She is the President of the International Council of Education on Teaching (ICET) and the Chief Editor of the Caribbean Journal of Education. Additionally, she serves as Deputy Dean for Wellness and Success. 📚🎓🌍

 

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Academic Profile 📚🎓

Dr. Carol Christine Hordatt Gentles is a distinguished educator specializing in Teacher Development and Teacher Quality. She earned her PhD in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning from the University of Toronto (2003), focusing on Teacher Education. Her MPhil in Education (1994) from the University of the West Indies explored Educational Psychology. Dr. Hordatt Gentles also holds a Diploma in Education (1985) and a BA in Psychology (1984) from York University, Canada. Her research includes studies on pedagogical culture in Jamaican teachers’ colleges and authoritarianism in schools. She is a leader in education and a respected academic figure. 🌍📘

 

Training 🧑‍🏫💡

Dr. Carol Hordatt Gentles has continuously enhanced her expertise through various professional development programs. In 2015, she completed the Coursera course “Foundations of Teaching for Learning 1: Introduction.” She furthered her skills in qualitative research with QSR training in NVIVO 8 (2010). In 2006, Dr. Hordatt Gentles participated in the Harvard Graduate School Online Course on Coach Development, preparing for work as a coach for WIDE courses. She also took part in another Harvard online course in 2005 focused on Teaching to Standards with New Technologies, further enriching her knowledge in educational advancement. 📊🎓

Honours, Scholarships, and Awards 🏆🎓

Dr. Carol Hordatt Gentles has received numerous accolades for her outstanding contributions to education. In April 2023, she was honoured with the UWI Distinguished Teaching Award by the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. In 2017, she received an award from the University Council of Jamaica for her sterling contributions, particularly her work as Chair of the Accreditation, Curriculum, and Development Committee. Additionally, Dr. Hordatt Gentles was recognized in 2022 and 2010 at the UWI/Guardian Life Teaching Awards for consistently high course evaluations, reflecting her dedication to quality teaching. 🏅📚

 

Teaching and Related Experience 📚👩‍🏫

Dr. Carol Hordatt Gentles has consistently earned exceptional student evaluations (4.5–5). She has taught a wide range of courses including Introduction to Qualitative Research (EDRS6023), Applied Research Seminar (EDRS6004), Research Methods (EDRS6002), and Teacher Leadership (EDTE6024). Additionally, Dr. Hordatt Gentles developed courses such as Qualitative Research in Education (EDRS6024) for MPhil/PhD students and Theory and Practice of Educating the Teacher (EDTE6003), a foundational course for MA students in Teacher Education. Her courses provide students with in-depth engagement with research methodologies and teacher preparation theories. 📊🎓

 

Research Grants 💡📊

Dr. Carol Hordatt Gentles served as the lead researcher for the project Understanding Teacher Behaviour and Practice in Jamaica funded by the Special New Initiative Grant. The research, conducted between 2013 and 2017.  The project aimed to explore teacher behavior and practices in Jamaican schools. Its outcomes included a stakeholders’ seminar, three conference presentations, and two published papers. Dr. Hordatt Gentles collaborated with researchers Down, L., Newman, M., and Collins-Figueroa, M. to contribute valuable insights into teacher development and educational practices in Jamaica. 📚👩‍🏫

 

Work Experience 🏫🌍

Dr. Carol Hordatt Gentles has a wealth of teaching experience. From 2003-2004, she served as an Assistant Lecturer at the Institute of Education, University of the West Indies, Mona, focusing on curriculum and staff development for education courses in Jamaican teachers’ colleges. Earlier, she taught at Belair High School in Jamaica (1994-1997), where she was responsible for Geography and Social Studies for grades 7-12, including implementing the Social Studies ROSE Curriculum. Additionally, Dr. Hordatt Gentles taught at Providence Girls’ High School in Trinidad from 1978-1980, where she imparted knowledge in social studies. ✏️🌎

 

Research Focus

Dr. Carol Hordatt Gentles focuses on teacher development, teacher quality, and education for sustainable development (ESD). Her research explores critical areas like teacher education in the Caribbean, online teaching during the pandemic, and the challenges of teacher migration. She is dedicated to improving curricula in teacher training, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and teaching for change. Her studies also delve into qualitative research methods and professionalism among teachers, seeking innovative solutions to enhance educational practices. Dr. Gentles’ work highlights the integration of critical pedagogy and teacher leadership in shaping educational futures. 📖💡

 

 

Publication Top Notes

  • Latin American and Caribbean teachers’ transition to online teaching during the pandemic: Challenges, Changes and Lessons Learned 📖 – C H Gentles, T Haynes-Brown – Cited by: 52 – Year: 2021
  • Project-based Learning for Environmental Sustainability Action 🌱 – S Bramwell-Lalor, K Kelly, T Ferguson, CH Gentles, C Roofe – Cited by: 40 – Year: 2020
  • Learners’ experiences and marginalisation 🔍 – C Hordatt Gentles – Cited by: 39 – Year: 2021
  • Education for sustainable development (ESD) infusion into curricula: influences on students’ understandings of sustainable development and ESD 🌍 – T Ferguson, C Roofe, LD Cook, S Bramwell-Lalor, CH Gentles – Cited by: 27 – Year: 2022
  • Reorienting Jamaican teacher education to address sustainability: challenges, implications and possibilities 🏫 – C Hordatt Gentles – Cited by: 25 – Year: 2018
  • Teacher Experiences and Practices during Covid 19 🦠 – C Hordatt Gentles, M Leask – Cited by: 8 – Year: 2021
  • Stemming the Tide: A critical examination of issues, challenges and solutions to Jamaican teacher migration 🌎 – C H Gentles – Cited by: 8 – Year: 2020
  • Infusing education for sustainable development (ESD) into curricula: teacher educators’ experiences within the School of Education at The University of the West Indies, Jamaica 🍃 – C Roofe, T Ferguson, CH Gentles, S Bramwell-Lalor, LD Cook – Cited by: 7 – Year: 2021
  • Teaching as a work of heart. Why teaching teachers to care is important in ESD work in Jamaica ❤️ – C Hordatt Gentles – Cited by: 5 – Year: 2023
  • Concepts of Professionalism among Prospective Teachers in Jamaica 🧑‍🏫 – M Collins – Figueroa, L Down, C Hordatt Gentles, M Newman – Cited by: 5 – Year: 2011
  • The pedagogical culture of New College: a critical examination of pedagogy in a Jamaican teachers college 📚 – C Hordatt Gentles – Cited by: 5 – Year: 2004
  • Educating Teacher Educators: Towards a Curriculum for Preparing and Developing Teacher Educators in the Caribbean 📘 – C Hordatt Gentles, M Newman – Cited by: 4 – Year: 2016
  • Changes in teacher education provision: comparative experiences internationally 🌐 – S Van Nuland, S Dinitsa-Schmidt, M Assunção Flores, C Hordatt Gentles – Cited by: 3 – Year: 2024
  • A Rationale for the Critical Reorientation of Jamaican Teacher Education 🏫 – C Hordatt Gentles – Cited by: 3 – Year: 2006
  • The External Examiner in the Context of a Strengthened Quality Assurance Environment 🔍 – C Hordatt Gentles – Cited by: 2 – Year: 2011

 

Ju Lim | Education | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Global Academic Awards

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ju Lim | Education | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ju Lim, Georgia State University, United States

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ju Lim is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education at Georgia State University 🏫. With a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, her research explores critical digital pedagogy, technology integration in early education, and human-centered AI 🤖. Dr. Lim has presented her work at major conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals 📚. Her teaching focuses on enhancing digital competencies among educators. She has received multiple awards, including the Michael B. Salwen Scholarship 🏆, and actively contributes to the field through conference reviewing and mentoring initiatives 🎓.

 

Publication Profile

Orcid


Educational Background

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ju Lim holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison 🏫, specializing in Design, Informal, and Creative Education. Her dissertation, titled “Critical Digital Pedagogy in Early Childhood,” explores technology practices in PreK-3 classrooms 💻. Dr. Lim earned her M.A. in International Educational Development from Teachers College, Columbia University, with a thesis on the effects of digital technology use in early childhood education in Seoul, South Korea 🌐. She completed her B.S. in Early and Middle Childhood Studies from The Ohio State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude 🎖️.

 

Awards, Honors, and Recognition

 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ju Lim has been recognized for her academic excellence and contributions to educational research 🎓. She received the prestigious Michael B. Salwen Scholarship from the Korean-American Educational Researchers Association in 2023 🌍. Additionally, she was awarded travel grants from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in both 2022 and 2023 ✈️, highlighting her active participation in academic conferences. Earlier in her career, Dr. Lim earned the Teachers College Scholarship from Columbia University in 2016-2017, showcasing her dedication and outstanding performance in graduate studies 📚.

 

Research Experience

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ju Lim has extensive research experience in early childhood education and technology integration 🎓.  a Research Assistant for the “Responsible AI in Classrooms Project” at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2023-2024), she designed methodologies for data collection and conducted pilot studies 📊. In the “Global Pandemic Parenting Project” (2022), Dr. Lim collaborated with scholars from seven countries, contributing to international publications 🌍. She also engaged in community research for the “Ready To Learn Project” (2021), focusing on early learning gaps in underserved communities 🤝. Additionally, Dr. Lim contributed to the “Play Video Library Project” (2020), promoting educational play resources 🧩.

 

University Teaching Experience

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ju Lim has taught diverse courses at prestigious universities. At Georgia State University in Fall 2024, she instructed “Discourses of Human Development” for graduate students virtually 🌐. At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she taught “Cultural Foundations of Learning and Development” (2020-2024) and supervised the Elementary Education Program, enhancing field placements and student licensure 💼. As a Writing Center Instructor, Dr. Lim mentored doctoral students and led inclusive writing groups 📚✍️. Her roles also included teaching “Learning Environments for Initial Education Programs” and assisting in early childhood education courses, showcasing her dedication to fostering student success 👩‍🏫.

 

Research Focus

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ju Lim focuses on technology integration in early childhood education 👶💻. Her research explores how digital tools can be effectively incorporated into PreK-3 classrooms, enhancing learning experiences for young children 🎓✨. In her recent work, “Technology Integration as a Spectrum,” published in Teachers and Teaching (2024), Dr. Lim investigates varying levels of technology use by educators, highlighting the balance between traditional and digital pedagogies ⚖️📲. Collaborating with experts like Peter Wardrip, she aims to develop strategies that support creative, informed, and developmentally appropriate use of technology in early education settings 🏫🔍.

 

Publication Top Notes  

Technology Integration as a Spectrum: integrating technology in early childhood classrooms