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Queen Mary Academy

Dr Zahid Naz

Director of Scholarship SLLF, Lecturer in Academic and professional Education, School of Languages Linguistics and Film. 

Describe some of the scholarship projects you have been a part of throughout your career. 

My scholarship encompasses the concepts of 'quality' and 'excellence' in educational policymaking and teaching practices, principles that I also strive to integrate into my own pedagogical approach. A significant focus of my research examines how education policies intersect with classroom practices. I have published numerous articles exploring how education policies function as sites where knowledge is produced and regulated, thus shaping teachers' identities and behaviours. Additionally, I have authored a book on the politics of quality improvement policies and have presented at several international conferences. I have also published opinion pieces on issues related to educational practices in the national press. 

How has the work contributed to your career progression?

Before joining Queen Mary University of London, I held various teaching and management positions in the Further Education sector and taught on teacher education and training programs internationally. After completing my doctorate in education studies, my projects have enabled me to explore new collaborations with external colleagues, broadening my professional network. The scholarship I have developed at QMUL has been both fulfilling and has greatly contributed to my success in obtaining the Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. Furthermore, this scholarship has strengthened my application for the anticipated transition from lecturer to senior lecturer. Additionally, I am frequently invited to serve as an external examiner for different universities and to participate in peer review panels for high-impact journals in educational research. 

How would you describe the impact of your scholarship?

As I teach qualitative research methods, I have used my own practice to create a resource for students to gain understanding and proficiency in ethnographic research. This resource was published by Sage Research Methods Case Studies earlier this year, in 2024. Initially developed for Queen Mary postgraduate students in Humanities and Social Sciences to support their dissertations, this resource is also applicable for undergraduate students conducting ethnographic research. 

My educational research on problematising the conception of excellence in education has been included in the reading lists of several UK universities for their education policy and teacher education modules. 

Leveraging my background in educational research, I have also taken on a mentoring role, guiding colleagues in their professional development. and I have supervised postgraduate students in their research projects, providing guidance and support throughout the process. 

What advice would you give to academics about the importance of scholarship to academic careers? 

Academics in the educational field can significantly benefit from integrating scholarship into their careers by capitalising on their teaching and learning experiences. By embarking on scholarly projects rooted in their professional contexts, practitioners can conduct authentic educational research that addresses personalised challenges and innovations within their field. This approach not only enhances the relevance and applicability of their scholarly work but also optimises the utilisation of available time and resources. By taking advantage of their own practice and reflections as valuable data, educators can produce scholarly outputs that contribute to the dissemination of best practices within their institution and beyond, promoting a culture of knowledge-sharing and continuous improvement at QMUL and within the wider academic community. This approach facilitates educational researcher and practitioners in establishing a robust scholarly foundation rooted in their own professional experiences, thereby enhancing their academic credibility, fostering professional growth, and contributing to the advancement of educational discourse. 

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