Institute of Education London

Dr Ruth Wheeldon

• Qualifications and position:
  • BSc(Eng)(Hons), PhD, PGCE, MA
  • Lecturer in Science Education
  • PGCE Science tutor (Chemistry)
• Faculty:
  • Faculty of Children and Learning
• Department:
  • Department of Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment
• Summary:
  • I am a lecturer in science education.
    
    Before joining IOE I taught science (chemistry) for 12 years in comprehensive schools in west London, latterly as an Advanced Skills Teacher which involved mentoring and training science teachers.
    
    My main interests are in Chemistry education; especially connected to students understanding of models in chemistry and mentoring PGCE Science students.
• Teaching:
  • PGCE Science / Chemistry
• Research Projects:
  • • Students' explanations of Equilibrium
    Considering factors that enable A' level chemistry students to show deeper understanding of equilibrium systems i.e. particulate explanations rather than those based purely on Le Châtelier's principle. (With Ralph Levinson and teacher collaborators)
    
    • Developing pre-service teachers' explanations of subsequent ionisation energy values.
    Considering the efficacy of interventions aimed to allow pre-service teachers to adapt their atomic models and hence improve their application of electrostatic properties to the atom.
• Conferences/presentations:
  • 'Examining student teachers' use of atomic models in explaining subsequent ionisation energy values.' NARST 2010 Annual Meeting (Philadelphia, PA)