Associate Professor Christine Woodrow

Associate Professor Christine Woodrow

Associate Professor,
Early Childhood Education

Biography

Christine Woodrow is Associate Professor in the School of Education and Deputy Director of the Centre for Educational Research at the University of Western Sydney. Her most recent research has been focused on developing sustainable models of pedagogical land community leadership with a particular focus on early childhood literacy and numeracy pedagogies and parent engagement in vulnerable contexts.   Her research also includes early childhood policy analysis, transnational investigations of professional identities, the place of visual research methodologies in program evaluation and capacity building,  and the nexus between early childhood education and school. Dr Woodrow has been the Australian project leader for an innovative transnational program, Futuro Infantil Hoy in northern Chile for the last 6 years.  Christine’s other current projects include a cross- national study of early childhood professional identity, and family participation in children’s literacy learning. She has been an activist in the early childhood policy arena both nationally and regionally in Australia and has a deep understanding of the early childhood policy context, nationally and internationally. She was a recent keynote speaker at the International IRECE conference in Santiago, Chile and has presented her research in numerous international forums. Christine has been involved in diverse curriculum projects in Australia, including  the development of the early childhood curriculum: National Early Years Learning Framework: Being, Belonging and Becoming. She is also a chief investigator for a study researching curriculum and quality improvement in early childhood in western Sydney.

Previous research includes a 7 country international study of conceptualisations of professionalism in early childhood contexts, school readiness and the role and effectiveness of the supported playgroup model in effective transitions to school.

This information has been contributed by Associate Professor Woodrow.

Qualifications

  • PhD Central Queensland University
  • MEdStud Flinders University of South Australia
  • BA South Australian College of Advanced Education

Organisational Unit (School / Division)

  • Early Childhood Education

Contact

Email: C.Woodrow@westernsydney.edu.au
Phone: (02) 47360 184
Mobile:
Location: J.G.17
Penrith (Kingswood)

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Publications

Books

  • Grace, R., Bowes, J. and Woodrow, C. (2022), 'Children, Families and Communities', : Oxford University Press 978010337407.
  • Cole, D. and Woodrow, C. (2016), 'Super Dimensions in Globalisation and Education', : Springer 9789811003103.
  • Woodrow, C., Newman, L., Staples, K. and Arthur, L. (2015), 'Estrategias de Aprendizaje', : Ediciones de la Junji 9789568347734.
  • Newman, L. and Woodrow, C. (2015), 'Practitioner Research in Early Childhood: International Issues and Perspectives', : Sage 9781446295342.

Chapters in Books

  • Grace, R., Townley, C. and Woodrow, C. (2022), 'Understanding the child in context : an ecological approach to child development', Children, Families and Communities, Oxford University Press 9780190337407.
  • Woodrow, C. and Staples, K. (2019), 'Relational approaches to supporting transitions into school : families and early childhood educators working together in regional Chile', Supporting Difficult Transitions: Children, Young People and Their Carers, Bloomsbury Academic 9781350052765.
  • Press, F. and Woodrow, C. (2018), 'Marketisation, elite education and internationalisation in Australian early childhood education and care', Elite Education and Internationalisation: From the Early Years to Higher Education, Palgrave 9783319599656.
  • Woodrow, C. and Press, F. (2018), 'The privatisation/marketisation of ECEC debate : social versus neoliberal models', The SAGE Handbook of Early Childhood Policy, SAGE 9781473926578.
  • Arthur, L. and Woodrow, C. (2018), 'Effective pedagogies for enhancing preschoolers' engagement with learning in disadvantaged communities', Resisting Educational Inequality: Reframing Policy and Practice in Schools Serving Vulnerable Communities, Routledge 9781138089303.
  • Power, A., Woodrow, C. and Orlando, J. (2018), 'Ideas of community : assembling new governance in early childhood education', Resisting Educational Inequality: Reframing Policy and Practice in Schools Serving Vulnerable Communities, Routledge 9781138089303.
  • Cole, D. and Woodrow, C. (2016), 'Super dimensions in globalisation and education', Super Dimensions in Globalisation and Education, Springer 9789811003103.
  • Qi, J. and Woodrow, C. (2016), 'Super-epistemic diversity : intersectional interplay of educational knowledge in programa Futuro Infantil Hoy', Super Dimensions in Globalisation and Education, Springer 9789811003103.
  • Woodrow, C. (2016), 'In the pursuit of social justice : methodologies for growing leadership and mobilising change', The Anti-bias Approach in Early Childhood, Multiverse Publishing 9780995379503.
  • Woodrow, C. and Newman, L. (2015), 'Recognising, valuing and celebrating practitioner research', Practitioner Research in Early Childhood: International Issues and Perspectives, SAGE 9781446295342.
  • Newman, L., Woodrow, C., Rojo, S. and Galvez, M. (2015), 'Collaborative capacity building in early childhood communities in Chile', Practitioner Research in Early Childhood: International Issues and Perspectives, SAGE 9781446295342.
  • Woodrow, C., Arthur, L. and Newman, L. (2014), 'Futuro Infantil Hoy and community capacity building : an international early childhood literacy project', Diverse Literacies in Early Childhood: A Social Justice Approach, Australian Council for Educational Research 9781742860220.
  • Black, A., Busch, G. and Woodrow, C. (2014), 'Contemplative practices for teaching, leadership and wellbeing', Health & Wellbeing in Childhood, Cambridge University Press 9781107652262.
  • Woodrow, C. (2012), 'Relationships, reflexivity and renewal : professional practice in action in an Australian Children's Centre', Early Childhood Grows Up: Towards a Critical Ecology of the Profession, Springer 9789400727175.
  • Woodrow, C. (2010), 'Challenging identities: a case for leadership', Professionalization, Leadership and Management in the Early Years, SAGE 9781849205535.
  • Press, F. and Woodrow, C. (2009), 'The giant in the playground: Investigating the reach and implications of the corporatisation of childcare provision', Paid care in Australia: Politcs, Profits, Practices, Sydney University Press 9781920899295.
  • Fasoli, L., Scrivens, C. and Woodrow, C. (2007), 'Challenges for Leadership in Aoterea/New Zealand and Australian Early Childhood', Theorising Early Childhood Practice: Emerging Dialogues, Pademelon Press 9781876138264.
  • Woodrow, C. (2004), 'Umkamptftes Terrain: Neuordnung des cirrciulums im Australischen Kontext', Fruhpadagogik international: Bildungsqualitat im blickpunkt, VS Verlag fur Sozialwissenschaften 3810033782.

Journal Articles

  • Townley, C., Grace, R., Woodrow, C., Baker, E., Staples, K., Locke, M. and Kaplun, C. (2023), 'Educator perspectives on embedding Acknowledgement to Country practices in early learning centres in Australia', Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, vol 48, no 2 , pp 86 - 98.
  • D'warte, J. and Woodrow, C. (2023), 'Engaging methods for exploring 'funds of identity' in early childhood contexts', Education Sciences, vol 13, no 1 .
  • Alchin, I., Arthur, L. and Woodrow, C. (2019), 'Evidencing leadership and management challenges in early childhood in Australia', Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, vol 44, no 3 , pp 285 - 297.
  • Press, F., Woodrow, C., Logan, H. and Mitchell, L. (2018), 'Can we belong in a neo-liberal world? : neo-liberalism in early childhood education and care policy in Australia and New Zealand', Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, vol 19, no 4 , pp 328 - 339.
  • Newman, L., Woodrow, C. and Arthur, L. (2016), 'Visible difference : photostory as capacity building, research and evaluation method', NZ Research in Early Childhood Education, vol 19 , pp 73 - 86.
  • Newman, L., Arthur, L., Staples, K. and Woodrow, C. (2016), 'Recognition of family engagement in young children's literacy learning', Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, vol 41, no 1 , pp 73 - 81.
  • Skattebol, J., Adamson, E. and Woodrow, C. (2016), 'Revisioning professionalism from the periphery', Early Years, vol 36, no 2 , pp 116 - 131.
  • Pardo, M. and Woodrow, C. (2014), 'Improving the quality of early childhood education in Chile : tensions between public policy and teacher discourses over the schoolarisation of early childhood education', International Journal of Early Childhood, vol 46, no 1 , pp 101 - 115.
  • Cole, D. and Woodrow, C. (2014), 'Introduction to 'globalisation : now'', Knowledge Cultures: A Multidisciplinary Journal, vol 2, no 4 , pp 11 - 21.
  • Singh, M., Han, J. and Woodrow, C. (2012), 'Shifting pedagogies through distributed leadership : mentoring Chilean early childhood educators in literacy teaching', Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, vol 37, no 4 , pp 68 - 76.
  • Ortlipp, M., Arthur, L. and Woodrow, C. (2011), 'Discourses of the early years learning framework: Constructing the early childhood professional', Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, vol 12, no 1 , pp 56 - 70.
  • Woodrow, C. and Busch, G. (2008), 'Repositioning early childhood leadership as action and activism', European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, vol 16, no 1 , pp 83 - 93.
  • Woodrow, C. (2008), 'Discourses of professional identity in early childhood : movements in Australia', European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, vol 16, no 2 , pp 269 - 280.
  • Ashton, J., Woodrow, C., Johnston, C., Wangmann, J., Singh, L. and James, T. (2008), 'Partnerships in learning : linking early childhood services, families and schools for optimal development', Australian Journal of Early Childhood, vol 33, no 2 , pp 10 - 17.
  • Woodrow, C. and Press, F. (2007), '(Re)Positioning the child in the policy/politics of early childhood', Educational Philosophy and Theory, vol 39, no 3 , pp 312 - 325.
  • Woodrow, C. (2007), 'W(H)Ither the early childhood teacher: Tensions for early childhood professional identity between the policy landscape and the politics of teacher regulation.', Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, vol 8, no 3 , pp 233 - 243.
  • Sawyer, W., Singh, M., Woodrow, C., Downes, T., Johnston, C. and Whitton, D. (2007), 'Robust Hope and Teacher Education Policy', Asia Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, vol 35, no 3 , pp 227 - 242.
  • Press, F. and Woodrow, C. (2005), 'Commodification, corporatisation and children's spaces', Australian Journal of Education, vol 49, no 3 , pp 278 - 291.

Conference Papers

  • Perry, B., Mason, T., Gilbert, S., Dockett, S., Skattebol, J., Whitton, D. and Woodrow, C. (2006), 'Successful transition programs from prior-to-school to school for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children: Methodological considerations', Annual conference of the Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE - 2005), UWS Parramatta Campus.

Other Publications

  • 2023, ''We Love Sharing Your Land': What Children Say About Acknowledgement of Country Practices in Early Learning Centres', Report
  • 2023, 'The Future of Work and Childcare: Towards Equity and Justice for Western Sydney Communities', Report
  • 2023, 'Co-Design of an Integrated Intergenerational Model: Uniting Generations Through Shared Spaces', Report
  • 2022, 'Check-ups Before School (Cubs): Final Report of the Pilot Study', Report
  • 2021, 'Acknowledgement of Country practices in Early Learning Centres', Report
  • 2020, 'Leadership: Cumberland City Council Learning and Leadership Program: Research and Evaluation Report', Report
  • 2017, 'Evaluation of Early Childhood Schools and the Koori Preschool Program', Report
  • 2016, 'Researching Parent Engagement: A Qualitative Field Study', Report
  • 2010, 'A Research Evaluation of the School-Centred Community Hub Initiative', Report

Current Projects

Title: Engagement in early childhood education in the context of disadvantage [via UNSW]
Funder:
  • Australian Research Council (ACRG)
Western Researchers: Christine Woodrow
Years: 2020-05-01 - 2024-06-28
ID: P00025081

Previous Projects

Title: Scholarship to Paul Prichard to undertake a Doctor of Philosophy degree through the Centre for Educational Research
Funder:
  • The Tasmanian Early Years Foundation
Western Researchers: Christine Woodrow
Years: 2013-10-28 - 2015-10-27
ID: P00021879
Title: Barriers and Facilitators of Early Childhood Education in the Blue Mountains: Enhancing Access and Equity
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney
  • Blue Mountains City Council
Western Researchers: Christine Woodrow, Christine Johnston, Jean Ashton and X
Years: 2006-01-10 - 2007-01-31
ID: P0014935
Title: Parental Engagement - Qualitative Research
Funder:
  • Australian Research Alliance for Children & Youth
Western Researchers: Christine Woodrow, Margaret Somerville and Loshini Naidoo
Years: 2015-08-19 - 2016-04-01
ID: P00022968
Title: Early Childhood Schools and Koori Preschools Program Review
Funder:
  • ACT Education and Training Directorate
Western Researchers: Anne Power, Christine Woodrow and Joanne Orlando
Years: 2015-06-12 - 2016-09-30
ID: P00023074
Title: Standing tall on shifting grounds: Local early childhood professionals, children, families and managers addressing quality in times of global paradigm shifts
Funder:
  • Penrith City Council
  • University of Western Sydney
Western Researchers: Christine Woodrow and Roslyn Elliott
Years: 2008-07-08 - 2009-12-31
ID: P00016181
Title: Building leadership capacity through collaborative practitioner research networks
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney
Western Researchers: Jennifer Skattebol, Leonie Arthur and Christine Woodrow
Years: 2007-09-12 - 2008-09-11
ID: P0015802
Title: Developing Leadership in Early Childhood Education
Funder:
  • Junta Nacional de Jardines Infantiles
  • Desarrollo y Educacion Incluya Limitada
Western Researchers: Christine Woodrow and Leonie Arthur
Years: 2015-10-02 - 2016-05-31
ID: P00023054
Title: Futuro Infantil Hoy and the professional development of leaders in Early Childhood Education: A sociological study of transnational knowledge exchange between Australia and Chile
Funder:
  • Fundacion Minera Escondida
Western Researchers: Michael Singh, Christine Woodrow, Steve Wilson and Juan Francisco Salazar Sutil
Years: 2010-06-01 - 2011-03-30
ID: P00018220
Title: A photo-elicitation pilot study on children's views of play opportunities in Greater Western Sydney
Funder:
  • University of Western Sydney
Western Researchers: Son Truong and Christine Woodrow
Years: 2012-10-24 - 2014-03-31
ID: P00021132
Title: Supporting School Readiness: Locating health and developmental screening in local community sites.
Funder:
  • United Way Australia
Western Researchers: Rebekah Grace, Christine Woodrow and Christine Johnston
Years: 2020-02-10 - 2022-03-31
ID: P00026358
Title: Evaluation of Blue Mountains School-Centred Community Hub
Funder:
  • Connect Child and Family Services
Western Researchers: Christine Woodrow and Michael Singh
Years: 2010-03-08 - 2010-08-31
ID: P00018180
Title: Our Place 'Mirrung': The Ashcroft Wellbeing Hub
Funder:
  • Council of Social Service of NSW
Western Researchers: Rebekah Grace, Gabrielle Drake, Christine Woodrow, Christine Johnston, Teddy Nagaddya and Cathy Kaplun
Years: 2022-03-07 - 2022-10-31
ID: P00027871
Title: Futuro Infantil Hoy: The Development of Leaders in Early Childhood Education: A sociological study of transnational knowledge exchange - Australia and Chile: Phase 2
Funder:
  • Fundacion Minera Escondida
Western Researchers: Christine Woodrow, Michael Singh, Leonie Arthur and Kerry Staples
Years: 2011-09-12 - 2014-12-15
ID: P00020456
Title: CONNECT-ED Practitioner Research Project
Funder:
  • Connect Child and Family Services
Western Researchers: Christine Woodrow
Years: 2021-07-16 - 2022-03-31
ID: P00027404

Supervision

Associate Professor Woodrow is available to be a principal supervisor for doctoral projects

Current Supervision

Thesis Title: Young Children's Perceptions of Danger and Risk During Play
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Pedagogies of Professional Learning: A Retrospective Visual Case Study of the Programma Futuro Infantil Hoy
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Engaging Children in Inclusive Early Childhood Settings
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Pedagogical Leadership: A Transformative Cutting Edge
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Walking the Journey Together: How can we embed Aboriginal Culture into Early Childhood Practice?
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Within the Context of Moving towards Interdisciplinary Collaboration, what are the Essential Ingredients for Practice Change that Improve Outcomes for Children and Families
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Exploring Management Capability in the ECEC Sector
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Is it Enough to have Consistent Assessment Validation in the VET Sector to Ensure Consistent Training
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Young Children's Perceptions of Danger and Risk During Play
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Spaces for Reflection. Reflective Practice in Early Childhood in Action
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Engaging Children in Inclusive Early Childhood Settings
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Both-Ways Pedagogies for International Students: Uneven Knowledge Transfers Between Eastern and Western Education
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Raising the Competence of Teachers to Ensure Quality Education as Part of Integrated Services
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Pedagogical Leadership: A Transformative Cutting Edge
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Child Friendly Cities: The Development of a Tool to Access the Voice of the Young Child
Field of Research:

Previous Supervision

Thesis Title: Promoting Information and Communication Technology in Hong Kong Kindergartens: Principals' Leadership
Field of Research: Teacher Education: Higher Education; Teacher Education: Early Childhood
Thesis Title: Questioning Sociocultural Approaches to Young Children's Literacy Learning in a Global/Local Context: A Photographic Case Study
Field of Research: Teacher Education: Early Childhood
Thesis Title: The Engagement of Female Muslim Students in School Sporting Activities: A Case Study of NSW Public Schools
Field of Research: Society And Culture, N.e.c.; Sport And Recreation, N.e.c.
Thesis Title: Critique Based Multilingual Knowledge Co-construction: Staging Dissensus in Transnational Teacher Education Programs
Field of Research: Language And Literature, N.e.c.
Thesis Title: Interrupting the Uneven Transfer in Critical Theorising between Western and Eastern Education: A Study of Pedagogies for the Transnational Knowledge Exchange of Critique and Criticality
Field of Research: Education
Thesis Title: Transformations in parenting: New possibilities through peer-led interventions
Field of Research: Human Welfare Studies And Services; Other Education; Education, N.e.c.
Thesis Title: Mentoring as a Professional Learning Approach to Support Early Childhood Educators in the Implementation of the National Quality Standards in Australia
Field of Research:

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