Professor David Miller

David Miller

Biography

David Miller trained as a primary teacher in the early 70s, and taught in several schools in Scotland and abroad. During that time he had the privilege of working with several hundred children, and many excellent colleagues; he learned a great deal from them all.

In 1992, he gave up the post of deputy head of a large primary school to work in teacher education in Aberdeen. During that time he was heavily involved in pre-service teaching, particularly in professional studies, and CPD work, notably in assessment. He cites the knowledge and enthusiasm of colleagues in Northern College and in local schools as being influential in the development of his thinking.

Now working as a member of the School of Education, Social Work and Community Education at Dundee, his responsibilities include pre-service teaching with B.Ed. and PGDE students, together with inter-disciplinary work with students from other programmes. His CPD work now focuses mainly on assessment and aspects of pastoral care. He is very much involved with the development of research capacity within the school, and his own research interests relate to all aspects of classroom practice which impinge upon personal, social and emotional development.

When not working he enjoys family life with his wife Anne and daughter Kirsty. He has an interest in most sports, good food and wine, and music.

Degrees & Qualifications

Dip.C.E. (Dundee College of Education)
B.A. (Open University)
M.Ed. (University of Dundee)
D.Ed.Psy (University of Dundee)

Research Interests

Interaction in primary classrooms - in particular:
- The role of self-esteem and self-competence
- Formative assessment
- Peer learning
- Games-based learning

Research Funding

Some of the grants received include:

£30,000 from Department for International Development for research into Global Citizenship in primary schools
£29,000 from LTScotland for research into games based learning in primary schools
£3,700 from LTS for investigation into the use of games consoles in primary classrooms
£15,000 from LTS and Scottish Government (with Susan Rodrigues & Fiona Lavin) to investigate links between formative assessment and A Curriculum for Excellence.
£10,000 from LTS and Scottish Government (with Susan Rodrigues & Fiona Lavin) to investigate student teachers' experiences of formative assessment on ITE placements.
£18,000 from LTS and SEED (with Wendy Dow & Barbara Orr) to investigate how formative assessment is used across the curriculum.
£12,000 from LTS and SEED (with Fiona Lavin) for research into formative assessment and its effect on self-perceptions.
£5,000 (with Teresa Moran) from Dundee University to conduct research into self-esteem in primary schools.

Teaching

Pre-service teaching in educational studies
Pre-service and in-service work in the area of social, emotional and personal aspects of education
Research methods training at Undergraduate and Doctoral level
Supervision of Masters level and Doctoral students

Administration

Member of SESWCE Research Committee
Leader of Pedagogy Research Group
Reviews Editor of Scottish Educational Review

Publications

Books
Miller, D.J. & Moran, T.R., 2012	Miller, D.J. & Moran, T.R. (2012) Self Esteem: A Guide for Teachers. London: Sage
Chapters
Dunn, B., Shimi, J., Miller, D.J., & Wakefield, P. , 2010	Dunn, B., Shimi, J., Miller, D.J., & Wakefield, P. (2010) �This Whole Agenda Changes Attitudes and Dispels Myths.� A Study into Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development and its Place in Early Years Education. In T. Wisely, I. Barr, A. Britton & B. King, (Eds.) Education in a Global Space: Emerging Research and Practice in Initial Teacher Education. Edinburgh: IDEAS/SCOTDEC
Miller, D.J., Boswell, G., Cunningham, E., Dunn, B., Sangster, P., Keatch, B., Knight, M., Moran, T., Mulholland, L. & Wakefield, P., 2010	Miller, D.J., Boswell, G., Cunningham, E., Dunn, B., Fallone, P., Keatch, B., Knight, M., Moran, T., Mulholland, L. & Wakefield, P.. (2010) �They become completely involved.� What teachers say about the benefits of global citizenship in schools. In T. Wisely, I. Barr, A. Britton & B. King, (Eds.) Education in a Global Space: Emerging Research and Practice in Initial Teacher Education. Edinburgh: IDEAS/SCOTDEC
Miller, D.J., Wakefield, P. & Dunn, B., 2010	Miller, D.J., Wakefield, P. & Dunn, B. (2010) Where are they coming from? Education students� knowledge and attitudes towards global issues. In T. Wisely, I. Barr, A. Britton & B. King, (Eds.) Education in a Global Space: Emerging Research and Practice in Initial Teacher Education. Edinburgh: IDEAS/SCOTDEC
Jindal-Snape, D. & Miller, D.J., 2010	Jindal-Snape, D. & Miller, D.J. (2010). Understanding Transitions through Self-Esteem and Resilience. In D. Jindal-Snape (Ed.), Educational Transitions: Moving Stories from around the world. New York: Routledge.
Journal Papers
Miller, D., Robertson, D., Hudson, A. & Shimi, J., 2012	Miller, D., Robertson, D., Hudson, A. & Shimi, J. (2012) Signature Pedagogy in Early Years Education: A Role for COTS Game-Based Learning. Computers in the Schools, 29 (1-2) 227-247.
Tymms, P., Merrell, C., Andor, J., Topping, K.J., Thurston, A., & Miller, D.J., 2011	Tymms, P., Merrell, C., Andor, J., Topping, K.J., Thurston, A., & Miller, D.J. (2011). Improving attainment across a whole district: Peer tutoring in a randomised controlled trial. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 22 (3), 265-289. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09243453.2011.589859.
Miller, D.J. & Robertson, D.P., 2011	Miller, D.J & Robertson, D.P. (2011) Response to Logie and Della Sala: Brain training in schools, where is the evidence? British Journal of Educational Technology, 42 (5), E101-102.
Topping, K. J., Miller, D., Murray, P., & Conlin, N. , 2011	Topping, K. J., Miller, D., Murray, P., & Conlin, N. (2011). Implementation process in peer tutoring of mathematics. Educational Psychology, 31(5), 575-593.
Topping, K. J., Miller, D., Thurston, A., McGavock, K., & Conlin, N., 2011	Topping, K. J., Miller, D., Thurston, A., McGavock, K., & Conlin, N. (2011). Peer tutoring in reading in Scotland: Thinking big. Literacy, 45(1), 3-9.
Topping, K. J., Miller, D., Murray, P., Henderson, S., Fortuna, C., & Conlin, N. , 2011	Topping, K. J., Miller, D., Murray, P., Henderson, S., Fortuna, C., & Conlin, N. (2011). Outcomes in a randomised controlled trial of mathematics tutoring. Educational Research, 53(1), 51-63.
Miller, D.J. & Robertson, D.P., 2011	Miller, D.J. & Robertson, D.P. (2011) Educational benefits of using games consoles in a primary classroom: a randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Educational Technology, 42 (5), 850-864.
Miller, D.J. & Robertson, D.P., 2010	Miller, D.J. & Robertson, D.P. (2010). Using a games-console in the primary classroom: effects of �Brain Training� programme on computation and self-esteem. British Journal of Educational Technology, 41 (2), 242-255.
Miller, D., Topping, K. J., & Thurston, A., 2010	Miller, D., Topping, K. J., & Thurston, A. (2010). Peer tutoring in reading: The effects of role and organization on two dimensions of self-esteem. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 80(3), 417-433.
Jindal-Snape, D. & Miller, D.J. , 2008	Jindal-Snape, D. & Miller, D.J. (2008). A challenge of living? Understanding the psycho-social processes of the child during primary-secondary transition through resilience and self-esteem theories. Educational Psychology Review, 20, 217�236.
Miller, D.J. & Daniel, B. , 2007	Miller, D.J. & Daniel, B. (2007). Competent to cope, worthy of happiness? How the duality of self-esteem can inform a resilience-based classroom environment. School Psychology International, 28 (5), 605-622.
Miller, D.J. & Lavin, F.M., 2007	Miller, D.J. & Lavin, F.M. (2007). "But now I feel I want to give it a try": formative assessment, self-esteem and a sense of competence. The Curriculum Journal, 18 (1), 3-25.
Miller, D. J. & Moran, T.R , 2007	Miller, D. J. & Moran, T.R (2007). Theory and Practice in Self-Esteem Enhancement. Circle-time and efficacy-based approaches: a controlled evaluation. Teacher and Teaching: Theory and Practice, 13(6).
Miller, D.J. & Parker, D., 2006	Miller, D.J. & Parker, D. (2006). 'I think it's low self-esteem'. Teachers' judgements: a cautionary tale. Education 3-13, 34, (1), 19-25.
Miller, D. J. & Moran, T. R, 2006	Miller, D. J. & Moran, T. R. (2006). Positive self-worth is not enough: some implications of a two-dimensional model of self-esteem for primary teaching. Improving Schools, 9 (1), 7-16.
Miller, D.J. & Moran, T.R. , 2005	Miller, D.J. & Moran, T.R. (2005). One in three? Teachers� attempts to identify low self-esteem children. Pastoral Care in Education, 23(4), 25-30.
Miller, D.J. & Moran, T.R. , 2005	Miller, D.J. & Moran, T.R. (2005). Time to change the perspective on self-esteem? Circle-Time and beyond. Insights from teachers, support from theory, evidence from research. Topic, 34(2), 12-18.
Ewing, J.M. & Miller, D.J. , 2002	Ewing, J.M. & Miller, D.J. (2002). A framework for evaluating computer supported collaborative learning. Educational Technology & Society, 5 (1), 112-118
Miller, D.J. & Ewing, J.M., 2000	Miller, D.J. & Ewing, J.M. (2000). Beyond Knowledge Transmission? Journal of Information Technology for Teacher Education, 9 (3), 363-376.
Miller, D.J. & Ewing, J.M. , 2000	Miller, D.J. & Ewing, J.M. (2000). Beyond Knowledge Transmission? Journal of Information Technology for Teacher Education, 9 (3), 363-376.
Miller, D.J. & Fraser, E., 2000	Miller, D.J. & Fraser, E. (2000). Stress associated with being a student teacher. Scottish Educational Review, 32 (2), 142-154
Miller, D.J. & Fraser, E., 1998	Miller, D.J. & Fraser, E. (1998) A dangerous age? Age-related differences in students� attitudes towards their teacher training course. Scottish Educational Review, 30 (1), 41-51
Miller, D.J., 1993	Miller, D.J. (1993) Research into Logo - what are the lessons for primary schools? Scottish Educational Review, 25 (2), 104-108.
Conference Presentations
Jindal-Snape, D., & Miller, D.J., 2011	Jindal-Snape, D., & Miller, D.J. (2011). Effectiveness of games-based learning in primary and secondary education. Symposium on Researching the Effectiveness of Creative Approaches in Education. Paper presented at the Scottish Educational Research Association Conference, 24-25 November 2011, Stirling, Scotland.
Miller, D., Hudson, A., Miller, A. & Shimi, J. , 2011	Miller, D., Hudson, A., Miller, A. & Shimi, J. (2011) Nintendogs: the research evidence. Game to Learn Conference, University of Abertay, Dundee, March 2011.
Miller, D.J., Boswell, G., Cunningham, E., Dunn, B., Sangster, P., Keatch, B., Knight, M., Moran, T., Mulholland, L. & Wakefield, P., 2009	Miller, D.J., Boswell, G., Cunningham, E., Dunn, B., Fallone, P., Keatch, B., Knight, M., Moran, T., Mulholland, L. & Wakefield, P., (2009) Primary Schools and Global Citizenship. IDEAS Annual Conference �Taking a Global Approach to Initial Teacher Education: Policy and Research�. Stirling, 20th August, 2009.
Jindal-Snape, D., Hannah, E., Miller, D.J., & Zhou, Y., 2009	Jindal-Snape, D., Hannah, E., Miller, D.J., & Zhou, Y. (November 2009). Effective Transitions Symposium: Educational Transitions across all Stages. SERA Conference, Perth, Scotland.
Tymms, P., Merrell, C., Andor, J., Topping, K., Thurston, A. & Miller, D.J., 2009	Tymms, P., Merrell, C., Andor, J., Topping, K., Thurston, A. & Miller, D. (2009) �Improving attainment across a whole district: peer tutoring in a randomised controlled trial�. American Educational Research Association conference, San Diego, USA, April 2009.
Jindal-Snape, D., & Miller, D.J., 2009	Jindal-Snape, D., & Miller, D.J. (2009). Symposium on student mobility and transitions. Invited symposium at S-ICT conference, Amsterdam, 16-17 December 2009
Robertson, D.P. & Miller, D.J., 2009	Robertson, D. & Miller, D. (2009) �Learning gains from using games consoles in primary classrooms: a randomized controlled study�. World Conference on Educational Sciences, Cyprus, February 2009.
Thurston, A., Conlin, N., Merrel, C., Miller, D., Topping, K.J. & Tymms, P., 2009	Thurston, A., Conlin, N., Merrel, C., Miller, D., Topping, K.J. & Tymms, P. (2009). �A randomised trial of paired reading in elementary schools.� European Association of Research on Learning & Instruction, Amsterdam, August 2009.
Miller, D.J., Topping, K.J. & Thurston, A., 2009	Miller, D.J., Topping, K.J. & Thurston, A. (2009) �A randomized trial of paired tutoring in elementary schools: effects on self-esteem�. World Conference on Educational Sciences, Cyprus, February 2009.
Robertson, D.P. & Miller, D.J., 2008	Robertson, D.P. & Miller, D.J. (2008). The use of Nintendo DS in the primary classroom. Paper presented at the Scottish Learning Festival, SECC, Glasgow, September 2008.
Miller, D.J. & Moran, T.R., 2006	Miller, D.J. & Moran, T.R. (2006) Beyond Circle-Time? Invited presentation, Angus Council Head Teachers� Meeting, Piperdam, Angus, May 2006.
Miller, D.J. & Lavin, F.M., 2005	Miller, D.J. & Lavin, F.M. (2005c). "Formative assessment and children's views of themselves as learners". Paper presented at SERA, 25th November 2005.
Miller, D.J. & Lavin, F.M. , 2005	Miller, D.J. & Lavin, F.M. (2005) Formative assessment and children�s self-perceptions. Invited paper, AifL Conference, University of Stirling, April 2005.
Ewing, J. & Miller, D.J., 1999	Ewing, J. & Miller, D.J. (1999) �Computer supported interactive learning in teacher education�. International Conference on Technology and Education, University of Edinburgh, March 1999.
Miller, D.J. & Fraser, E., 1996	Miller, D.J. & Fraser, E. (1996). Mature Students: An Endangered Species? The story so far. Scottish Educational Research Association Conference, Dundee, September 1996.
Professional Publications
Miller, D.J., Hudson, A., Miller, A. & Shimi, J., 2010	Miller, D.J., Hudson, A., Miller, A. & Shimi, J. (2010) Nintendogs project April-June, 2010. Report for Learning and Teaching Scotland.
Jindal-Snape, D. & Miller, D.J., 2009	Jindal-Snape, D. & Miller, D.J. (2009). Transition to University: Conceptualisation and theoretical perspectives for effective practice. Proceedings of Student Mobility and ICT: Dimensions of Transition, Universiteit van Amsterdam, 16-17 December 2009, p 156-161.
Lavin, F.M., Miller, D.J. & Rodrigues, S., 2008	Lavin, F.M., Miller, D.J. & Rodrigues, S. (2008) Primary and secondary school student teachers� views on CfE and AifL. Report for LTS and SEED.
Miller, D.J., Dow, W. & Orr, B., 2007	Miller, D.J., Dow, W. & Orr, B. (2006) Formative assessment across the curriculum. Report for LTS.
Rodrigues, S., Miller, D.J. & Lavin, F.M., 2007	Rodrigues, S., Miller, D.J. & Lavin, F.M. (2007) Teachers� views on the implementation of, and inter relationship between, ACE and AifL. Report for LTS and SEED.
Thurston, A. & Miller, D.J. , 2006	Thurston, A. & Miller, D.J. (2006) Professional Doctorate at the University of Dundee. Report to the Professional Doctorate Task Group. Dundee: University of Dundee.
Miller, D.J. & Lavin, F.M., 2005	Miller, D.J. & Lavin, F.M. (2005). Formative assessment and children's views of themselves as learners. Assessment is for Learning, No. 7, p. 10-11.
Miller, D.J. , 2003	Miller, D.J. (2003). Review of N. Emler, Self-esteem: the costs and causes of low self-worth. Scottish Educational Review. Vol. 35, No. 1, pp. 76-78.
Miller, D.J. & Fraser, E., 1996	Miller, D.J. & Fraser, E. (1996) Mature Students � an endangered species? Dundee: Northern College of Education.

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