MrsJeanne Pearce

My research interest lies in the intersection between literacy development and educational psychology, with two key areas of focus. I examine evidence-based and inclusive pedagogical frameworks to improve motivation and outcomes across diverse educational levels, including the primary years through the transition to secondary school. A central aspect of my work explores how scaffolding techniques and instructional approaches designed to reduce cognitive load can enhance academic writing skills, recognising that learning to write is inherently complex and requires the coordination of planning, translating ideas into text and revising within limited working memory. I also investigate how beliefs about writing, including its value, perceived costs, autonomy and the nature of instructional practices, influence motivation and achievement. This research acknowledges that literacy is shaped by multiple communities of beliefs, practices and expectations, which affect how writing is taught, valued and experienced. I prioritise gathering perspectives from multiple stakeholders, including learners, parents, teachers, and policymakers.