Dr Paula’s research examines how pedagogy, digital technologies and learning theories can be combined to improve teaching and learning across primary, secondary and higher education. He investigates how enquiry-based and learner-centred approaches, particularly in STEM and educational robotics, shape student engagement, motivation and aspirations. He also studies how these approaches can be adapted for culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms, including in the Global South. A recurring concern is teacher preparation: how student teachers and practising educators learn to design curricula, assess learning and reflect critically on their practice in real school settings. His work draws mainly on qualitative and mixed methods, including action research, practitioner enquiry, case studies and digital ethnography, alongside systematic analysis of curriculum and policy documents. It also includes comparative work on education in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Current projects
“Teaching and Learning on the Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP)”: the design, delivery and evaluation of the STEP Teaching and Learning modules, which prepare student teachers for Ismaili Religious Education Centres worldwide (2026–present)
“Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (ELAC) Study Group”: co-convener of an interdisciplinary group supporting comparative and international scholarship on education in the region, Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh (2025–present)
Teaching
Teaching and Learning modules (STEP, IIS)
Pedagogy, curriculum design and inclusive practice (PGDE Primary, University of Edinburgh)
Technologies and computational thinking using micro:bit (PGDE Primary, University of Edinburgh)
Social studies pedagogy (MA Primary Education with Gaelic, University of Edinburgh)
Qualitative and quantitative research methods (postgraduate)
Digital educational technology for in-service primary teachers (Alvorada City Council, Brazil)
Supervision and mentorship
Mentors student teachers in pedagogy, curriculum planning, assessment and reflective practice through university-based workshops and school placements
Supervised school placements and postgraduate dissertations, PGDE Primary programme, University of Edinburgh
Academic adviser and mentor to PGDE trainee teachers, University of Edinburgh
