About Me
Professor Elizabeth Rata is a sociologist of education in the School of Critical Studies, Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Auckland where she is Director of the Knowledge in Education Research Unit (KERU). Her main research areas are in knowledge in the curriculum, knowledge politics, ethnic revivalism, Māori education, research methods, and the history of New Zealand education.
Current Research
This section contains descriptions and publications related to my four main projects followed by media articles and speeches. All publications are available for private study by emailing me at e.rata@auckland.ac.nz
My research into knowledge in education is undertaken with colleagues in the Knowledge in Education Research Unit (KERU). KERU is a cross-faculty Research Unit located in the School of Critical Studies (CRSTIE) in the Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Auckland.
In 2018, KERU established the Knowledge-Rich School Project to trial the Curriculum Design Coherence Model (CDC Model). The project involves primary and secondary schools in New Zealand.
My major ongoing theoretical inquiry is about the connection between the type of knowledge taught in education systems like New Zealand’s and the viability of democracy in the 21st century. It has long been assumed that educated people will be committed to democratic principles.
“Bringing back academic knowledge into education so that all students, no matter what their background, have the opportunity to succeed at school.” -Elizabeth Rata