The Faculty of Education at UBC is advancing educational research and understanding in ways that celebrate diversity, equity, and innovation, and welcomes international collaboration in an increasingly borderless world.

UBC’s Faculty of Education, one of the world’s leading education faculties, has served the local, national, and international education community through leadership in research, teaching, service and advocacy for more than 60 years. As the largest Faculty of Education in British Columbia, it plays a critical and influential role in the advancement of education in the province, shaping and participating in education’s possibilities and potential as a social good. 

Today, the Faculty of Education creates conditions for transformative teaching, innovative learning, and leading-edge research guided by the highest standards of scholarship and the principles of collaboration, social justice, inclusion and equity. Offering undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as professional development opportunities, the Faculty of Education enrolls thousands of students each year on two campuses and ranks 10th in the world, according to QS World University Rankings (2021).

UBC’s Faculty of Education prepares more than 45% of the elementary and the majority of secondary educators in British Columbia, and a significant proportion of British Columbia’s school counsellors, administrators, special education professionals, and school psychologists. With more than 57,000 alum located in 100 countries, the UBC Faculty of Education truly is a global entity. 

The Faculty of Education is home to four departments (Curriculum and Pedagogy, Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education, Educational Studies, and Language and Literacy Education) and two schools (the School of Kinesiology and the Okanagan School of Education).

Mission
To advance education's role in the well-being of people and communities.
 

Research Centres

Research Facilities

We provide outstanding research facilities for faculty and graduate students that promote leading-edge research. Our Education Library is a specialized resource with access to all of UBC’s research and special collections, including the X̱wi7x̱wa Library with materials produced by Indigenous organizations, tribal councils, schools, researchers and publishers.

The Faculty’s Education Research and Learning Commons at Ponderosa Commons features technology-enhanced teaching and learning spaces and also informal learning spaces. A number of faculty manage their own research labs, situated throughout campus. 

Many of our PhD students have been selected as UBC Public Scholars and have received other honours.

Research Highlights

https://ivet.educ.ubc.ca/Notable strengths are in literacy education and multilingualism; struggling and marginalized youth; Indigenous education, decolonization, and research; transformational program and curriculum design and inclusive pedagogies for schools, community organizations and higher education; sexual orientation and gender-identity inclusive education; social-emotional learning and well-being; autism; exercise physiology, socio-cultural aspects of health; neuromechanical studies; and multidisciplinary research in diversity, health, early childhood education, and digital media. The School of Kinesiology ranks 1st in Canada and 4th in the world by QS World University Rankings (2021).

UBC’s Faculty of Education is the national leader in the number of education graduate student fellowships received from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Additionally, the Faculty of Education is home to six Canada Research Chairs, one CIHR chair and nine donor-funded research chairs and professorships. 

Schools / Departments

School

Department

Graduate Degree Programs

Research Supervisors in Faculty

or browse the list of faculty members in various academic units. You may click each unit to view faculty members appointed in that unit. View the full faculty member directory for more search and filter options.
Name Academic Unit(s) Research Interests
Abdi, Ali Department of Educational Studies Comparative and cross-cultural education; Decolonizing philosophies of education, Development education, Critical research methodologies,; Human rights education
Ahenakew, Cash Department of Educational Studies Cultural studies, Higher Education, Indigenous Studies, Leadership and Organizations, Post-colonial studies, Race/ethnicity, Research methodologies, Social justice, Sociology of Education
Ahmed, Anwar Department of Language & Literacy Education Languages and literature
Anderson, David Department of Curriculum & Pedagogy Curriculum, pedagogy and didactics; Science, technology and engineering curriculum, pedagogy and didactics; Specialized studies in education; Cultural Institutions (Museums, Libraries, etc.); Informal Learning; Long-term Memory; Metacognition; Museum Education; Nostalgia; Science Education; Visitor Studies
Andres, Lesley Department of Educational Studies Higher education; life course research; international comparative higher education; sociology of higher education
Beauchamp, Mark School of Kinesiology Kinesiology; social determinants of health; Health Promotion; Quality of Life and Aging; Mental Health and Society; Children; Exercise Psychology; Group Processes; Health Psychology; Intervention; Leadership; Older Adults; Physical Activity; Social Cognition; Sport Psychology
Bedi, Robinder Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, and Special Education Counselling psychology; The Contextual Model of Counselling/Psychotherapy / Viewing Psychotherapy as a Cultural Practice; Counselling psychology disciplinary and professional issues; Counselling/psychotherapy in India; Counselling/psychotherapy/mental health with Punjabi/Sikh individuals
Belliveau, George Department of Language & Literacy Education Art education, drama education, pedagogy, teacher research
Bennett, Erica School of Kinesiology Sport and exercise psychology; stress, emotion, and coping; Aging; sport; chronic illness; disability; Physical Activity; community and critical perspectives in physical activity psychology
Berard, Marie-France Publics; Artistic and Literary Theories; Social Impact of Artistic Education; Educational Approaches; Emerging Forms of Art; Cultural Industries; Modes and strategies of dissemination
Blouin, Jean-Sebastien School of Kinesiology Kinesiology; sensorimotor integration; Motor System; robotics and automation; Trauma / Injuries; Physiology; Balance robot; Computational approaches; Head and neck; Sensorimotor physiology; Sensory virtualisation; Standing balance; Whiplash injuries
Borgen, William Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, and Special Education Career Counselling, Career/life transitions, Developmental approaches to counselling, Group counselling
Boushel, Robert School of Kinesiology, Department of Family Practice Kinesiology
Bredin, Shannon School of Kinesiology human motor learning, expertise and development, physical education, teacher preparation and effectiveness, Human motor behaviour (motor learning, development, and expertise), life span physical activity and health, physical and health literacy, health knowledge, health-related physical fitness, interactive gaming, telehealth, psychomotor markers of performance
Bryson, Mary Department of Language & Literacy Education technology, media, cultural studies, gender, queer theory, deviance studies, post-colonial pedagogies, Sociology, Women's Studies, Education, media and gender, media and education
Buchanan, Marla Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, and Special Education Counsellor Stress, Narrative Inquiry, School Counselling, Traumatic Stress
Bundon, Andrea School of Kinesiology Kinesiology; Social Contexts; critical disability studies; disability; Paralympics; social media; sociology; sport
Butler, Deborah Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, and Special Education special education, learning disabilities, inclusive educational practices, intervention research for students with learning disabilities, Collaboration and co-regulation in teachers' professional learning, collaborative professional development models, learning disabilities in adolescence and adulhood, mathematics, metagocnition and self-regulated learning, research methods in educaiton, strategic performanc ein reading, writing
Cannon, Joanna Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, and Special Education language and literacy acquisition of students who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) and struggling readers
Carpenter, Mark School of Kinesiology neural control of movement, fear of falling, Neural control of movement, postural control, fears of falling, balance disorders, Parkinson's disease
Christensen, Carly Special education and disability; Inclusive education, special education, culturally-responsive special education, transition planning
Chua, Romeo School of Kinesiology Human perceptual-motor control, vision and action, perceptual-motor compatibility, coordination
Clark, Penney Department of Curriculum & Pedagogy history education, Curriculum Studies Research, History Education and Historical Consciousness, History of Education, Pedagogy, Social Studies Education Research
Cloth, Allison Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, and Special Education Adolescence, Adolescent development, Child and Family Counseling in School Settings, Interventions, Mentoring, Program Evaluation, Social Justice, Young People Placed
Code, Jillianne Department of Curriculum & Pedagogy Curriculum, pedagogy and didactics; Specialized studies in education; Educational Context; Educational Technologies; Formative assessment; Immersive learning; Learner agency; Learning and Memory; Learning design; Self-efficacy; Self-regulated Learning; Situated and embodied cognition; Virtual augmented and mixed reality for learning; Virtual learning environments

Pages

Graduate Student Stories

Alana Cook

Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology (PhD)

The decolonization and Indigenization of mixed martial arts

Jade LaFontaine

Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Literacy Education (PhD)

Creating language resources for nłeʔkepmx youth

Jia Yu Xu

Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (MEd)
Hesse Cassandra's image

Cassandra Hesse

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (PhD)

The influence of pornography on adolescents
Edward Gabrielle's image

Gabrielle Edwards

Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum Studies (PhD)

Experiences implementing a school garden program

Laura Brass

Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Literacy Education (PhD)

Immigrant women language teachers’ identities

Aisha Ghani

Doctor of Philosophy in School and Applied Child Psychology (PhD)

Canadian South-Asian youth experiences of caregiver-child relationships

Zhen Lin

Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Literacy Education (PhD)

A posthuman investigation of Chinese-Canadian children's heritage language resources at home
All Student Stories

Alumni on Success

Brigid Goitse Conteh

Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Literacy Education (PhD) [2020]

Job Title
Lecturer

Employer
University of Botswana

Olen Gunnlaugson

Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (PhD) [2009]

Job Title
Associate Professor in Leadership and Organizational Development

Employer
Université Laval

Andrea Bundon

Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology (PhD) [2014]

Job Title
Assistant Professor

Employer
The University of British Columbia - School of Kinesiology

Suzanne Windsor-Liscombe

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy (EdD) [2014]

Job Title
Teacher-Administrator

Employer
Retired Educator from the Burnaby School District

Ashwani Kumar

Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum Studies (PhD) [2011]

Job Title
Associate Professor

Employer
Mount Saint Vincent University

Ryan van den Berg

Master of Arts in Educational Studies (MA) [2016]

Job Title
Analyst

Employer
Library of Parliament

Randy Wollf

Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (PhD) [2008]

Job Title
President

Employer
PaperLift Document Editing

Kenneth Tupper

Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (PhD) [2011]

Job Title
Director of Implementation & Partnerships

Employer
BC Centre on Substance Use
All Alumni Stories

Recent Publications

This is an incomplete sample of recent publications in chronological order by UBC faculty members with a primary appointment in the Faculty of Education.

 

Predicting high quality of participation in adaptive snow-sports for individuals with disabilities: An exploratory study
Publication: Psychology of Sport and Exercise
UBC Author(s): Andrea Bundon (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education)
ISSN: 14690292
Volume: 69
Publication Date: November 2023

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“I think the best athletes use it”: Masculinities and self-compassion among men varsity athletes
Publication: Psychology of Sport and Exercise
UBC Author(s): Moss Norman (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education), Erica Bennett (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education)
ISSN: 14690292
Volume: 69
Publication Date: November 2023

View Publication
Prenatal depressive symptoms are associated with altered structural brain networks in infants and moderated by infant sleep
Publication: Journal of Affective Disorders
UBC Author(s): Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen (Educational & Counselling Psychology & Special Education / Faculty of Education)
ISSN: 01650327
Volume: 339
Page Range: 118-126
Publication Date: 15 October 2023

View Publication
COVID-19 and indigenous youth wellbeing: A review
Publication: Current Opinion in Psychology
UBC Author(s): Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen (Educational & Counselling Psychology & Special Education / Faculty of Education)
ISSN: 2352250X
Volume: 53
Publication Date: October 2023

View Publication
Canadian healthcare workers’ mental health and health behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from nine representative samples between April 2020 and February 2022
Publication: Canadian Journal of Public Health
UBC Author(s): Eli Puterman (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education)
ISSN: 00084263
Volume: 114
Page Range: 823-839
Publication Date: October 2023

View Publication
Physical activity and recreational screen time change among adolescents in Canada: Examining the impact of COVID-19 in worsening inequity
Publication: Preventive Medicine
UBC Author(s): Guy Faulkner (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education)
ISSN: 00917435
Volume: 175
Publication Date: October 2023

View Publication
Determinants of the maximal functional reserve during repeated supramaximal exercise by humans: The roles of Nrf2/Keap1, antioxidant proteins, muscle phenotype and oxygenation
Publication: Redox Biology
UBC Author(s): Robert Boushel (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education)
ISSN: 22132317
Volume: 66
Publication Date: October 2023

View Publication
Reduce, re-use, re-ride: Bike waste and moving towards a circular economy for sporting goods
Publication: International Review for the Sociology of Sport
UBC Author(s): Brian Wilson (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education)
ISSN: 10126902
Volume: 58
Page Range: 911-931
Publication Date: September 2023

View Publication
Exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia in female masters athletes
Publication: Respiratory Physiology and Neurobiology
UBC Author(s): William Sheel (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education), Michael Koehle (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education)
ISSN: 15699048
Volume: 315
Publication Date: September 2023

View Publication
Integrating person-centred care and social justice: a model for practice with larger-bodied patients
Publication: Medical humanities
UBC Author(s): Moss Norman (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education)
Volume: 49
Page Range: 436-446
Publication Date: 1 September 2023

View Publication
Air Pollution and Arrhythmias
Publication: Canadian Journal of Cardiology
UBC Author(s): Michael Koehle (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education)
ISSN: 0828282X
Volume: 39
Page Range: 1253-1262
Publication Date: September 2023

View Publication
Prediction Versus Explanation in Educational Psychology: a Cross-Theoretical Approach to Using Teacher Behaviour to Predict Student Engagement in Physical Education
Publication: Educational Psychology Review
UBC Author(s): Mark Beauchamp (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education)
ISSN: 1040726X
Volume: 35
Publication Date: September 2023

View Publication
Sleep duration change among adolescents in Canada: Examining the impact of COVID-19 in worsening inequity
Publication: SSM - Population Health
UBC Author(s): Guy Faulkner (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education)
Volume: 23
Publication Date: September 2023

View Publication
Access at elevation: Strategies used to support participation for people with disabilities in adaptive snowsports
Publication: Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
UBC Author(s): Andrea Bundon (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education)
ISSN: 22130780
Volume: 43
Publication Date: September 2023

View Publication
The role of torque feedback in standing balance
Publication: Journal of neurophysiology
UBC Author(s): Mark Carpenter (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education)
Volume: 130
Page Range: 585-595
Publication Date: 1 September 2023

View Publication
Cultivating resilience among Hong Kong's underprivileged ethnic minority groups in the face of a pandemic through a social justice lens
Publication: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
UBC Author(s): Suna Eryigit Madzwamuse (Educational & Counselling Psychology & Special Education / Faculty of Education)
ISSN: 20407149
Volume: 42
Page Range: 829-847
Publication Date: 22 August 2023

View Publication
Identifying Risk Profiles for Nonadherence to the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth 6 Months Into the COVID-19 Pandemic
Publication: Pediatric exercise science
UBC Author(s): Guy Faulkner (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education)
Volume: 35
Page Range: 155-164
Publication Date: 1 August 2023

View Publication
Validation of a Measure of District Systems Implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
Publication: Remedial and Special Education
UBC Author(s): Sterett Mercer (Educational & Counselling Psychology & Special Education / Faculty of Education)
ISSN: 07419325
Volume: 44
Page Range: 259-271
Publication Date: August 2023

View Publication
Air athletes breathe: weighing benefits against harm
Publication: Thorax
UBC Author(s): Michael Koehle (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education)
Volume: 78
Page Range: 743-744
Publication Date: 1 August 2023

View Publication
Plasma metabolomic response to high-carbohydrate meals of differing glycaemic load in overweight women
Publication: European Journal of Nutrition
UBC Author(s): Cameron Mitchell (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education)
ISSN: 14366207
Volume: 62
Page Range: 2257-2267
Publication Date: August 2023

View Publication
Prenatal mental health data and birth outcomes in the pregnancy during the COVID-19 Pandemic dataset
Publication: Data in Brief
UBC Author(s): Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen (Educational & Counselling Psychology & Special Education / Faculty of Education)
Volume: 49
Publication Date: August 2023

View Publication
Cold water immersion in recovery following a single bout resistance exercise suppresses mechanisms of miRNA nuclear export and maturation
Publication: Physiological reports
UBC Author(s): Cameron Mitchell (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education)
Volume: 11
Page Range: e15784
Publication Date: 1 August 2023

View Publication
Bilingual Home Literacy Experiences and Early Biliteracy Development among Chinese–Canadian First Graders
Publication: Education Sciences
UBC Author(s): Lee Paul Gunderson (Language & Literacy Education / Faculty of Education)
Volume: 13
Publication Date: August 2023

View Publication
Risk for Developmental Delay Among Infants Born During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Publication: Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP
UBC Author(s): Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen (Educational & Counselling Psychology & Special Education / Faculty of Education)
Volume: 44
Page Range: e412-e420
Publication Date: 1 August 2023

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Predicting the Risk of Injuries Through Assessments of Asymmetric Lower Limb Functional Performance: A Prospective Study of 415 Youth Taekwondo Athletes
Publication: Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine
UBC Author(s): Darren Warburton (School of Kinesiology / Faculty of Education)
Volume: 11
Publication Date: August 2023

View Publication

Pages

Recent Thesis Submissions

Doctoral Citations

A doctoral citation summarizes the nature of the independent research, provides a high-level overview of the study, states the significance of the work and says who will benefit from the findings in clear, non-specialized language, so that members of a lay audience will understand it.
Year Citation Program
2023 Dr. Karangu investigated non-refugee teachers' teaching experiences in a long-term refugee camp, Dadaab, Kenya. His analysis demonstrates that there is little known about these non-refugee teachers. This research brings forward the voices of underrepresented teachers as it mattered to them through an Afrocentric lens. Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum Studies (PhD)
2023 Dr. Parent examined adolescent development and wellbeing in the current socio-technological context. Her findings illustrate the complex ways in which digital devices contribute to adolescents' wellbeing - suggesting that these may have both positive and negative effects. Her work has important implications for research and practice in adolescence. Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (PhD)
2023 Dr. Fagan examined if physical activity prevents substance use among Canadian youth. Overall, there was no evidence that physical activity confers broad, universal benefits in prevention. However, sport participation may provide a contextual experience that enhances school connectedness which in turn is associated with substance use prevention. Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology (PhD)
2023 Dr. Vergara explored the uptake of Latin American literature in Metro Vancouver classrooms. She found that sometimes teachers and students used stereotypes and misrepresentations when interpreting such texts. This research illuminates the complexity of teaching diverse literature and discusses ways of supporting teachers and students in the process. Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Literacy Education (PhD)
2023 Dr. Jones explores the ways apocalyptic poetry can be used to deepen understandings of living within dying systems. Drawing from the hypothetical example of drug coverage in a stage of systems collapse and the effects on persons living with disease, her work provides insight into mourning and relationality as key competencies in death pedagogy. Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy (EdD)
2023 Dr. Yogev examined the reliability and validity of wearable near-infrared spectroscopy during exercise, to better inform practitioners about the utility of measuring muscle oxygenation in field conditions. His work provides valuable guidelines for muscle oxygenation monitoring in real-time during exercise. Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology (PhD)
2023 Dr. Siedlaczek studied the influences leading to a new quality assurance policy in BC higher education. Her analysis demonstrates the impact of global discourses on local policymaking and the increasing focus on quality assurance as a policy issue. The research provides insight on institutionalizing quality assurance practices in higher education. Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy (EdD)
2023 Dr. Beyer investigated the role of embodiment in young women's experience of sexual satisfaction. Research findings illustrated how young women's experiences of embodiment are intertwined not only with sexual satisfaction, but related aspects of sexuality including sexual desire and pleasure. Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)
2023 Dr. Leahy studied the effect of age and sex on the human skeletal muscle metaboreflex. His studies further our understanding on the effects of healthy ageing on reflex cardiovascular function, as well as sex differences in blood flow distribution and ventilatory control during exercise. Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology (PhD)
2023 Dr. Anokwuru's dissertation examined how narratives of people with disabilities, their families, educators, and policymakers can inform inclusive education in Nigeria. Research findings advance the importance of self-advocacy, collaboration, and aligning change efforts across structures and roles, thereby designing an ecology of inclusive education. Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum Studies (PhD)

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Fostering Inclusivity Through SOGI Education: A Shared Commitment

September 20, 2023 A Message from Jan Hare, Dean pro tem Today, I want to underscore our shared commitment to cultivating educational environments that are truly inclusive and diverse, with a particular emphasis on the critical importance of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) education....

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New Annual Award: MET Award for Indigenous Students

August 31, 2023 UBC Faculty of Education is delighted to offer the new annual MET Award for Indigenous Students In support of the UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan and the goals outlined the Final Report of the Dean’s Task Force on Race, Indigeneity, and Social Justice, the MET Award for...

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Welcome Message from the Dean

September 5, 2023 Message from Dr. Jan Hare, Dean pro tem Aanii – Greetings! As we prepare for the commencement of a new academic year, I extend a heartfelt welcome to all members of the UBC Faculty of Education, including those joining us in person and for virtual programming. September marks a...

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Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen is appointed Canada Research Chair in Mental Health and Intersectionality

August 29, 2023 Congratulations to the newest Canada Research Chair in the Faculty of Education, Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen Canada Research Chairs’ excellence in the pursuit of knowledge elevates Canada’s position as a worldwide leader in research. The Faculty of Education is home to six Canada...

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UBC Faculty of Education’s online training course receives Government of Canada Early Learning and Child Care Innovation Program funding

July 5, 2023 Photo description: UBC Education Dean Jan Hare with Parliamentary Secretary Ya’ara Saks and Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City John Aldag at Collingwood Neighbourhood House on July 4, 2023.  The Government of Canada’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC)...

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Dr. Surita Jhangiani appointed David Lam Chair in Multicultural Education

June 29, 2023 Congratulations to Dr. Surita Jhangiani being appointed David Lam Chair in Multicultural Education for a three-year term. We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Surita Jhangiani from the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS)...

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