Themesa Y. Neckles   Teachers’ Dip, Cert. Phys Ed, BSc (Hons), MEd, PG Dip. Ed. Admin

University Teacher
Director, Caribbean Programme

Tel: (+44) (0)114 222 8106
Fax: (+44) (0)114 222 8105
Email: themesa.neckles@sheffield.ac.uk
Room: 7.11

Research interests

Themesa is interested in using critical methodologies for inquiring into issues related to educational theory, policy and practice with focus on an emancipatory agenda for individuals’ lives, their work and the societies in which they live. She is also interested in engaging with theoretical issues around spirituality and education.

Her current research critically explores the work of John Dewey on the Theory of Experience with a view to reconceptualising physical education as an educational practice. Themesa’s research also demonstrates how a democratic process towards mass participation in school physical education can provide meaningful movement experiences at the school level, in order to establish a physical culture, where lifelong physical activity engagement is encouraged and maintained within a democratic society.

Teaching

Themesa directs the Caribbean MEd. Programme at the School of Education and is the module coordinator for the Educational Research and Transformations of Professional Practice modules. She also teaches these modules on the Certificate/Diploma/Masters (MEd) in Education, Globalisation & Inclusion on the Caribbean MEd. Programme. Themesa teaches the research modules on the BA Education, Culture and Childhood and contributes to the the MA Globalising Education, Taught Masters and the EdD Caribbean Programme.

Past Teaching and Examining Experience

Themesa has worked as a part-time Teaching Associate on the Caribbean Masters Programme and was previously a full-time Lecturer in Physical Education for the BEd. Teacher Education Programme at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad, West Indies. Themesa also taught physical education at all levels of the education system in Trinidad and Tobago as well as at Academies, 11 to 18 comprehensives and grammar schools in South Yorkshire, UK.

Masters students’ dissertations supervised:

•  An investigation into the approaches that grade five students of a primary school in St.Lucia use to solve mathematical worded problems
• An examination of how one principal’s beliefs and practices have been shaped by policies on inclusion
• Blackboard comes alive: Making blackboard more attractive to instructors at one higher learning institution in Trinidad and Tobago
• Pre-service primary school teachers’ perceptions of their understanding of an enquiry based approach to teaching primary school science
• A critical examination of instructional strategies used by one tutor to teach adults at a higher learning institution in Trinidad
• Management of the textbook loan programme at the level of the school
• An investigation into Pre-service Teachers’ perceptions of learning primary school science using the method of problem based Learning (PBL)
• Teacher Readiness and school preparation to implement the inclusive education policy in one primary school in the Victoria Education District of Trinidad Tobago

Currently supervising masters students’ dissertations in a range of research areas:

• An Exploration of how out-of-school suspension affected the social, emotional, academic and behavioural engagement of repeat offenders at a secondary school in Trinidad and Tobago
• An Exploration of students’ perceptions of the classroom management strategies implemented in their class during the last academic year
• School development planning in an early childhood education setting
• Establishing support systems: An action research case-study of managing challenging behaviours of students with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
• Developing an individual educational plan to improve the reading level of a standard five student
• An exploration of high socio-economic status children in the primary school
• Learning from role models: Exploring inclusion through the Very Special Arts Organization of Trinidad and Tobago

Activities /Awards

• Involved in research activities for the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Right on Track (ROT) Track and Field Development Programme
• Recipient of the University of Sheffield’s Vice Chancellor’s Award for Caribbean students - three year, full time doctoral studies in Education at the University of Sheffield, UK
• Recipient, University of Sheffield Alumni award, UK
• External examiner for Physical Education, National Secondary Certificate in Education, Trinidad, West Indies. Resident Tutor’s Academic Award for Outstanding students on the Certificate in Physical Education, University of the West Indies, School of Continuing Studies, Trinidad, West Indies

Publications

Sikes, P., Lavia, J., and Neckles, T. (2011) ‘... And this too shall pass!’ Spiritual striving and the academic life of three women, Journal for the Study of Spirituality, 1(1).