Dr Louise Jenkins - Researcher Profile

Biography

Louise's research and teaching are focussed in two diverse fields-performing arts and sociology. As a former classroom music teacher and instrumental music teacher, Louise has a particular interest in the History of Music Education in Australia, Women in Music Education, Support systems for Women in Music Education and Diversity in the Music Education classroom. Louise's PhD focussed on Australian Women Music Performers, Composers and Teachers from 1890 to 1950. This research contributed to the understanding of how Australian female musicians navigated their careers in a society which did not always encourage their professional pursuits. An interesting outcome was a detailed understanding of the support systems which underpinned the women's success. Louise is also a sociologist who worked previously as a Research Fellow in the Centre for Citizenship and Globalisation at Deakin University. As a Research Fellow Louise managed several national research projects about the impact of racism on the health and wellbeing of secondary school students, the development of social capital among migrant and refugee youth and curriculum modules for multicultural classrooms. Louise's co-authored book "Building Bridges: Developing a Culture of Diversity' which incorporates two modules of lessons for multicultural school classrooms, was distributed to all Victorian Secondary Schools for use in social science classes at years 9 and 10. Louise also worked as an Associate Director-Social Policy at Urbis consultancy.

Research & Supervision Interests

 

History of music education in Australia
Music education and diversity in the classroom
Support systems for women in education
Socially inclusive curriculum
Socially inclusive school environments
Developing globally competent teachers
Racism and its impact on the education system
Building social capital for migrant and refugee youth