Research at Wesley Institute
Wesley Institute aspires to be a leading center of research activity in the Private Higher Education sector. The Institute has current areas of research excellence in education, the social sciences (particularly psychology) and theology; and developing research areas in leadership and the creative and performing arts.
The Institute retains a strong core of research-active academics that conducts the majority of its research. This core is being strategically supported and extended through the Office of the Director of Research. The Office provides research training and collaborative opportunities, both within the Institute and between the Institute and other Higher Education providers; and provides expertise that enables Institute academics to undertake thematic, interdisciplinary research addressing the Institute’s vision and mission.
The Institute’s Research Plan identifies ambitious but achievable goals, targets and strategies through which the Institute delivers research excellence. Excellence in research is critical in fostering our growing reputation as a quality provider of higher education, and facilitates the delivery of personal, social and spiritual dividends by directly supporting our mission to “benefit the community as we equip people for Christian life and leadership in a range of influential vocations.”
Research and research training is an integral part of Wesley Institute’s plans for growth towards University College status. The Institute is committed to supporting staff and student research in order to achieve that status – both for the Institute’s long-term interests and for the communities we serve.
Research Themes and Topics
Research at Wesley Institute is directed by the twin themes of integration and educational excellence. Integration is predicated on the conviction that understanding can only be fully developed when all the aspects of knowledge - spiritual, ethical, conceptual, and contextual - are viewed as a comprehensive, integrated whole. As such, research driven by the desire to integrate seeks the widest possible view of research topics, investigates the deeper significance and meaning of knowledge, and frames broad applications of knowledge in human life and activity.
Research in educational excellence investigates, and supports the creation of, optimal learning contexts, environments and strategies for student success and teacher professional growth. Wesley Institute has developed a strong reputation for excellence in teaching and learning, and research addressing educational excellence is, among other foci, actively engaged in documenting, reviewing and benchmarking Institute educational offerings and teaching methods.
Specific topics situated within our areas of research interest and addressing the themes above, include:
- the integration of theology and Christian worldviews with significant human concerns;
- exploring how insights from theology and contemporary culture can be mutually informative;
- investigating how people conceptualise and relate to God;
- nurturing values in younger and more mature people;
- promoting human flourishing throughout the lifespan; and
- documenting good practice in teacher education and education for the creative and performing arts.
Further Information
More information about research and research-related activities at Wesley Institute can be found by the following links below:
- Why research?
- Contact Director of Research
- Research partners
- Main areas of staff research
- Staff research in the last five years
- Current student research
- Forthcoming conferences of interest to staff and students
- Research meetings at Wesley Institute
- Teaching, Learning and Research in the Creative Arts
- Research News
