Barbara came to WITT in 1990 and developed the Learning Skills Unit. Her role as a learning skills tutor involves working with students as they adjust to an academic life and learn the skills necessary to successfully participate in their mainstream programmes.
With a background as a primary school and SPELD trained teacher she then transferred to adult education Training Opportunities programmes and finally onto WITT. She returned to study as an adult and began with the completion of a Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education, followed by Post Graduate Diploma in Adult Education and finally, in 2009, completed a Master of Education with first class honours.
Barbara’s interest in research developed as a result of participating in a post graduate programme through Massey University and through presenting her research through the Association of Tertiary Learning Advisors Aotearoa New Zealand (ATLAANZ) national conferences. This led to her presenting at the First Year Experience International Conference.
Her research interests include adults and adolescents with specific learning disabilities (SLD), commonly known as Dyslexia, and special education in general; English speakers of other languages with SLD; exploring the most effective ways of implementing academic literacies (study skills) for mainstream students; understanding tertiary academic cultures; and the development of effective academic resources. This resulted in the publishing of two booklets on APA referencing (a resource booklet and a self-teaching booklet) and a Study for Success booklet. Her current research has involved exploring early identification of learning issues for tertiary students and effective transitions to tertiary education.
Barbara is currently the national secretary of the Association of Tertiary Learning Advisors Aotearoa New Zealand (ATLAANZ), a national professional body representing learning centre staff from universities, polytechnics, teachers' colleges and private providers. Barbara presents papers regularly at ATLAANZ national/international conferences.
RESEARCH OUTPUTS
Research Publications and Presentations
Books & Monographs
Morris, B. (2006). APA Self-help Work Book. New Plymouth: Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki.
Morris, B. (2006). APA Referencing Guide (revised edition). New Plymouth: Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki.
Morris, B. (2005). APA Referencing: a Self-help Workbook for Students and Staff. New Plymouth: Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki.
Morris, B. (2005). Compiled 2004 ATLAANZ Conference Proceedings: Building Bridges - Diversity in Practice. New Plymouth: Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki.
Morris, B. (2004). APA Referencing Guide. New Plymouth: Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki.
Journal Publications
Morris, B. (2008, Winter). ESOL learning disability: An enigma in tertiary classrooms? Te Iarere Wavelength, 3, 37-49.
Morris, B. (2008). Learning centre’s role in institutional success, retention and completion of qualifications. In E. Manalo, J. Bartlett-Trafford, & S. Crozier (Eds.), Walking a tightrope: The balancing act of learning advising - Refereed proceedings of the 2007 Association of tertiary learning advisors Aotearoa/New Zealand (ATLAANZ) (pp. 86-102), Auckland, New Zealand: ATLAANZ.
Morris, B. A. (2007, November 21). Murky waters: English speakers of other languages with learning disabilities. Anchoring Our Practice: Perspective, Partnerships, Projects. ATLAANZ Refereed Conference Journal, (2), 101-116.
Conference Presentations
Morris, B. (2007, November 20-23). Learning Centres’ institutional role –differentiating visions of success and retention/attrition. Paper presented at ATLAANZ Conference 2007. AUT, Auckland.
Brown, J. & Morris, B. (2006, November 21-23). Playing with PEAT. Paper presented at ATLAANZ Conference 2006. Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Tauranga.
Morris, B. (2006, November 21-23). Murky Waters: English for Speakers of Other Languages with Learning Disabilities. ATLAANZ Conference 2006. Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Tauranga.
Morris, B. (2006, November 21-23). Adapting to a Changing Environment: Self-paced Study Skills Packages. ATLAANZ Conference 2006. Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Tauranga.
Scholarly Activity
WITT Research Forum
Morris, B. (2008, September 9). The role of the learning centre in institutional success and student retention. Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki, New Plymouth.
Morris, B. (2006, November 8). Identification of International Students with Specific Learning Disabilities. Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki, New Plymouth.
Professional Practice: Achievements & Distinctions
Morris, B. (2008). Re-elected National Secretary of the Association of Tertiary Learning Advisors Aotearoa New Zealand.
Morris, B (2008). Master of Education (Adult Education) (Hons). MasseyUniversity.
Morris, B. (2007, November). Reviewer of articles for ATLAANZ Conference Proceedings/Journal.
Morris, B. (2007, November). Secretary. ATLAANZ National Executive.
Morris, B. (2006, March 31). Reviewer for ATLAANZ 2006 Conference Refereed Proceedings.
Morris, B. (2006, November 24). Secretary for ATLAANZ National Executive.
Morris, B. and O’Connor, J. (2005, November 11). Rewards for Innovation and Excellence: 2005. Professional Individual, Innovation and Leadership. Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki. New Plymouth.
Unpublished Papers, Essays
Morris, B. (2005). Power and knowledge: education in a global context.
Membership of Institutional Research Committee
Morris, B. (2008-2010). Committee member and Te Iarere Wavelength Committee member.