UC Spark

Dr Jo Fletcher

School of Teacher Education

Fields of Research

  • Literacy acquisition
  • Pasifika students
  • Adult literacy

Researcher Summary

Jo has been actively researching in several areas. Her PhD addressed better understandings of the wider systemic factors that support 11- to 13-year-old students in reading. Jo’s doctoral studies have resulted in numerous international publications and conference presentations. Her doctoral study was part of a Cognition Education Research Trust funded project investigating ‘Reading programmes in Year 7-8 primary classes that support effective literacy practices: What is happening and where to next?’

Her earlier research focused on Pasifika students’ literacy achievement. She took a lead role as part of a research team, working with the guidance of matai (chiefs) to develop a Pasifika appropriate research methodology. She has also undertaken research with Faye Parkhill on supports and barriers to literacy learning for Asian school students.

These research investigations ignited her interest in adult literacy and second chance diverse learners. Jo was the principal co-investigator with Professor Niki Davis in a research project funded by the MOE to investigate ‘E-learning, mixed mode and distance learning for adult literacy, language and numeracy’. This research has led to international work in the area of adult literacy for speakers of English as a second language and exploring how e-learning can support English literacy acquisition.

Subject Area: Disciplines

Research Projects

Research Groups

Future Research

  • E-learning and adult literacy
  • Pasifika students’ literacy achievement and attitudes to learning during the transition from Year 8 to Year 9: What works?

Key Methodologies

  • Socio cultural theories

Affiliations

Prizes and Awards

  • Recipient of the New Zealand Association of Research in Education, Pasifika Group Award (2006)

Publications


  • Fletcher, J., Grimley, M., Greenwood, J. and Parkhill, F. (2013) Raising reading achievement in an 'at risk', low socioeconomic, multicultural intermediate school. Journal of Research in Reading 36(2): 149-171. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9817.2011.01497.x. (Journal Article)
  • Parkhill, F.F., Fletcher, J.F., Greenwood, J., Grimley, M. and Bridges, S. (2013) Who says you need to teach reading to 11-13 year olds? Education 3-13 41(2): 160-177. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03004279.2011.565780. (Journal Article)
  • Nicholas, K., Fletcher, J. and Parkhill, F. (2012) Immigrant students: Barriers and facilitators to understanding in a new socio-linguistic setting. In A.S. Yeung, E.L. Brown and C. Lee (Ed.), Communication and Language Surmounting Barriers to Cross-Cultural Understanding: 253-271. Charlotte: Information Age Publishing Inc. (Chapter in Book)
  • Fletcher, J., Grimley, M., Greenwood, J. and Parkhill, F. (2012) Motivating and improving attitudes to reading in the final years of primary schooling in five New Zealand schools. Literacy 46(1): 3-16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-4369.2011.00589.x. (Journal Article)
  • Nicholas, K., Fletcher, J. and Davis, N. (2012) Raising numeracy and literacy to improve vocational opportunities. Journal of Vocational Education & Training 64(4): 433-451. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13636820.2012.727850. (Journal Article)
  • Nicholas, K., Fletcher, J. and Parkhill, F. (2012) Supporting 11 to 13 year old students' reading: Perceptions of the parents. International Journal about Parents in Education 6(2): 1-11. (Journal Article)
  • Fletcher, J. (2012) The wider systematic conditions that support reading for 11 to 13 year-old students. PhD, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. http://hdl.handle.net/10092/6636. (Thesis - Doctor of Philosophy)
  • Fletcher, J., Greenwood, J., Grimley, M. and Parkhill, F. (2012) What are the school-wide strategies that support sustained, regular effective instructional reading programmes for 10 to 13 year old students? A New Zealand experience. Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practice 18(4): 399-416. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2012.696043. (Journal Article)
  • Fletcher, J., Greenwood, J., Grimley, M., Parkhill, F. and Davis, N. (2012) What is happening when teachers of 11-13-year-old students take guided reading: A New Zealand snapshot. Educational Review 64(4): 425-449. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00131911.2011.625112. (Journal Article)
  • Fletcher, J., Greenwood, J. and Parkhill, F. (2011) A case study of a low socio-economic, multicultural intermediate school improving reading achievement. Institute of Education, London, UK: British Educational Research Association (BERA) Annual Conference 2011, 6-8 Sep 2011. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)
  • Fletcher, J., Greenwood, J., Grimley, M. and Parkhill, F. (2011) Raising literacy achievement in reading: how principals of 10- to 12-year-old students are making this happen. International Journal of Leadership in Education 14(1): 61-83. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13603124.2010.496873. (Journal Article)
  • Nicholas, K., Fletcher, J. and Parkhill. F. (2011) Supporting 11 to 13 year old students' reading: Perceptions of the parents. Hobart, Australia: Australian Association for Research in Education Annual Conference (AARE), 27 Nov-1 Dec 2011. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)
  • Fletcher, J. (2011) Supporting adult English language learners using a web based programme. Journal of Adult Learning Aotearoa New Zealand 39(1): 14-25. (Journal Article)
  • Fletcher, J., Parkhill, F. and Harris, C. (2011) Supporting young adolescent students from minority cultural groups who are underachieving in learning. Support for Learning: British Journal of Learning Support 26(3): 122-126. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9604.2011.01490.x. (Journal Article)
  • Nicholas, K., Fletcher, J. and Somekh, B. (2011) The role of fathers in supporting their children's reading development. Journal of Reading, Writing and Literacy 5(2): 1-21. (Journal Article)
  • Fletcher, J. and Nicholas, K. (2011) What role does a father play in influencing a child's reading ability? Institute of Education, London, UK: British Educational Research Association Annual Conference 2011 (BERA), 6-8 Sep 2011. In British Education Index-Line http://www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/documents/204270.pdf. (Conference Contribution - Paper in published proceedings)
  • Nicholas, K. and Fletcher, J. (2011) What role does a father play in influencing a child's reading ability? Institute of Education, London, UK: British Educational Research Association Annual Conference 2011 (BERA), 6-8 Sep 2011. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)
  • Nicholas, K. and Fletcher, J. (2011) What works in supporting lifelong learners in literacy and numeracy? Hobart, Australia: Australian Association for Research in Education Annual Conference (AARE), 27 Nov-1 Dec 2011. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)
  • Fletcher, J., Greenwood, J. and Parkhill, F. (2010) Are schools meeting their clients' expectations? Parents voice their perceptions about children learning to read in schools today. Teaching and Teacher Education 26(3): 438-446. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2009.05.011. (Journal Article)
  • Parkhill, F. and Fletcher, J. (2010) Asian student voices: Approaches in reading that motivate or provoke dissonance in their journey towards being successful readers of English. In J. Fletcher, F. Parkhill and G. Gillon (Ed.), Motivating Literacy Learners in Today's World: 111-120. Wellington: NZCER Press. (Chapter in Book)
  • Davis, N. and Fletcher, J. (2010) E-learning and motivating adults with literacy needs to improve their literacy. University of Warwick, Coventry, UK: BERA Annual Conference 2010, 1-4 Sep 2010. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Nicholas, K., Davis, N. and Fletcher, J. (2010) How can e-learning and ICT support second-chance adult learners? Christchurch, New Zealand: Ulearn 10, 6-8 Oct 2010. In Proceedings of Ulearn10 - Research Stream 49-55. (Conference Contribution - Paper in published proceedings)
  • Fletcher, J., Greenwood, J., Grimley, M. and Parkhill, F. (2010) Improving Reading Comprehension: What Works for 10- to 12-year-old Students? Coventry, UK: British Educational Research Association (BERA) Annual Conference 2010, 1-4 Sep 2010. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Fletcher, J., Parkhill, F. and Gillon, G. (Ed.) (2010) Motivating Literacy Learners in Today's World. Wellington: NZCER Press. 148pp. (Edited Book)
  • Fletcher, J., Parkhill, F. and Gillon, G. (Ed.) (2010) Motivating Literacy Learners in Today's World. Wellington: NZCER Press. 148pp. (Edited Book)
  • Fletcher, J., Parkhill, F., Fa'afoi, A. and Taleni, T. (2010) Motivating Pasifika students in literacy learning. In J. Fletcher, F. Parkhill and G. Gillon (Ed.), Motivating Literacy Learners in Today's World: 99-110. Wellington: NZCER. (Chapter in Book)
  • Nicholas, K., Davis, N. and Fletcher, J. (2010) Raising numeracy and literacy levels for adult learners with e-learning: What do the stakeholders have to say? Christchurch, New Zealand: Ulearn 10, 6-8 Oct 2010. In Proceedings of Ulearn 10 - Research Stream 49-55. (Conference Contribution - Abstract)
  • Phillips, J. and Fletcher, J. (2010) Reading Recovery: What Happens a Few Years on? A Literature Review. Reading Forum New Zealand 25(3): 11-15. (Journal Article)
  • Fa'afoi, A., Parkhill, F. and Fletcher, J. (2010) What Do the Teachers and Parents of Pasifika Students Perceive Supports Literacy Learning? Auckland, New Zealand: 23rd World Congress on Reading, 12-15 Jul 2010. (Conference Contribution - Abstract)
  • Greenwood, J., Parkhill, F. and Fletcher, J. (2010) What is Happening in the Teaching of Reading for the Students in the Final Years of Their Primary Schooling? Auckland, New Zealand: 23rd World Congress on Reading, 12-15 Jul 2010. (Conference Contribution - Abstract)
  • Greenwood, J., Parkhill, F. and Fletcher, J. (2010) What is Happening in the Teaching of Reading for the Students in the Final Years of their Primary Schooling? Auckland, New Zealand: 23rd World Congress on Reading, 12-15 Jul 2010. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Greenwood, J., Fletcher, J., Grimley, M., Parkhill, F. and Bridges, S. (2009) Improving literacy outcomes for all students through leadership in learning. Vancouver, Canada: 22nd International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement (ICSEI), 4-7 Jan 2009. (Conference Contribution - Paper in published proceedings)
  • Fletcher, J., Greenwood, J. and Parkhill, F. (2009) Leading schools in raising reading achievement: A case study of principals making a difference. University of Manchester, Manchester, UK: British Educational Research Association (BERA) Annual Conference, 2-5 Sep 2009. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Fletcher, J., Parkhill, F., Fa'afoi, A., Taleni, L.T. and O'Regan, B. (2009) Pasifika students: teachers and parents voice their perceptions of what provides supports and barriers to Pasifika students' achievement in literacy and learning. Teaching and Teacher Education 25(1): 24-33. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2008.06.002. (Journal Article)
  • Fletcher, J. (2009) Second chance diverse literacy learners: Factors that influence their learning. Canberra, Australia: 2009 Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) International Education Research Conference, 29 Nov-3 Dec 2009. http://www.aare.edu.au/09pap/fle091178.pdf. (Conference Contribution - Paper in published proceedings)
  • Fletcher, J. (2009) Student voices: What students (and other related stakeholders) have to say about learning and developing reading literacy. University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand: New Zealand Collaboration Action Research Network (NZCARN) Inaugural Research Symposium, 28-29 May 2009. (Conference Contribution - Abstract)
  • Fletcher, J., Greenwood, J. and Parkhill, F. (2009) Students' voices: What do they have to say about reading? Canberra, Australia: 2009 Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) International Education Research Conference, 29 Nov-3 Dec 2009. (Conference Contribution - Abstract)
  • Davis, N. and Fletcher, J. (2009) The co-evolution of e-learning and adult literacy and numeracy: A nested case study of a polytechnic. University of Manchester, Manchester, UK: British Educational Research Association (BERA) Annual Conference, 2-5 Sep 2009. (Conference Contribution - Abstract)
  • Davis, N., Fletcher, J., Groundwater-Smith, S. and Macfarlane, A. (2009) The Puzzles of Practice: Initiating a collaborative action and research culture within and beyond New Zealand. Rotorua, New Zealand: NZARE Conference & Annual Meeting, 30 Nov-4 Dec 2009. In Proceedings 14pp. (Conference Contribution - Paper in published proceedings)
  • Davis, N., Fletcher, J. and Groundwater-Smith, S. (2009) The Puzzles of Practice: Initiating a collaborative research culture. Canberra, Australia: 2009 Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) International Education Research Conference, 29 Nov-3 Dec 2009. http://www.aare.edu.au/09pap/dav091506.pdf. (Conference Contribution - Paper in published proceedings)
  • Davis, N., Fletcher, J., Harcourt, E. and Earle, D. (2009) Towards excellence in e-learning for adults with needs in literacy language, and numeracy. Palmerston North, New Zealand: Teaching & Learning Conference meets eFest, 30 Sep-2 Oct 2009. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)
  • Fletcher, J., Greenwood, J. and Parkhill, F. (2009) What do parents have to say about their children's schooling: Are we teaching reading effectively? University of Manchester, Manchester, UK: British Educational Research Association (BERA) Annual Conference, 2-5 Sep 2009. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Greenwood, J., Fletcher, J., Parkhill, F., Bridges, S. and Grimley, M. (2009) What happens to reading progress in New Zealand Year 7-8 classes? The plateau, literacy leadership and the remaining tail. In M. Sinclair (Ed.), A Journey of Discovery: Facilitating the Initiation and Application of Schooling Research: 43-58. Auckland: Cognition Institute. (Chapter in Book)
  • Greenwood, J., Fletcher, J. and Parkhill, F. (2009) What happens to reading progress in NZ year 7-8 classes? Hyatt Hotel, Auckland, New Zealand: Cognition Education Trust and Cognition Education Research Trust Thought Leader Symposium, 29 Oct 2009. (Oral Presentation)
  • Fletcher, J., Bridges, S., Greenwood, J., Grimley, M. and Parkhill, F. (2009) What supports reading achievement? What doesn't? 10 to 12 year old students in New Zealand in five schools voice their views. The Journal of Reading, Writing and Literacy 4(3): 56-86. (Journal Article)
  • MacGibbon, L., Gilmore, F., Gilmore, A., Parkhill, F., Fletcher, J. and Johnson, J. (2008) An Evaluation of the Use of School Journal and Ready to Read Series to Support Effective Literacy Practice. Ministry of Education. 130pp. (Report for External Body)
  • Parkhill, F. and Fletcher, J. (2008) Asian students in New Zealand classrooms: Their perceptions of supports and barriers to reading achievement. set: Research Information for Teachers 2008(2): 39-42. (Journal Article)
  • Fletcher, J. and Parkhill, F. (2008) Asian students voice their perception of barriers and supports to reading achievement. Edinburgh, UK: British Education Research Association (BERA) Annual Conference, 3-6 Sep 2008. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)
  • Davis, N., Brooker, B., Gillon, G., Fletcher, J., Mackey, J. and Morrow, D. (2008) E-learning for adult literacy, language and numeracy: What is possible? Wellington, New Zealand: Distance Education Association of New Zealand Annual Conference 2008 (DEANZ), 17-20 Aug 2008. (Conference Contribution - Poster presentation)
  • Fletcher, J. and Parkhill, F. (2008) How students' ethnic and cultural identification influence learning. A discussion based on a series of studies of culturally diverse learners in today's classrooms. Gothenburg, Sweden: ECER 2008 Gothenburg: The European Conference on Educational Research, 8-12 Sep 2008. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)
  • Fletcher, J.F., Parkhill, F.F., Fa'afoi, A. and Taleni, L.T. (2008) Influences on Pasifika students' achievement in literacy. Set: Research Information for Teachers 1: 4-9. (Journal Article)
  • Brooks, D. and Fletcher, J. (2008) Integrated use of ICT in primary schools: A case study of a high decile school. Set: Research Information for Teachers 1: 35-39. (Journal Article)
  • Fletcher, J. and Williams, J. (2008) Motivating adult learners to improve their literacy skills: Barriers and supports. New Zealand Journal of Adult Learning 36(2): 20-39. (Journal Article)
  • Parkhill, F., Fletcher, J., Greenwood, J., Grimley, M. and Bridges, S. (2008) Reading programmes in Year 7 -8 primary classes that support effective literacy practices: What is happening and where to next? Education-line: British Education Index Online: 22pp. (Journal Article)
  • Greenwood, J., Fletcher, J.F., Parkhill, F.F., Grimley, M. and Bridges, S. (2008) Reading programmes in Year 7-8 primary classes that support effective literacy practices: What is happening and where to next? Edinburgh, UK: British Education Research Association (BERA) Annual Conference, 3-6 Sep 2008. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Fletcher, J., Parkhill, F., Greenwood, J., Grimley, M. and Bridges, S. (2008) So we have taught them to read. Is it enough? Gothenburg, Sweden: ECER 2008 Gothenburg: The European Conference on Educational Research, 8-12 Sep 2008. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Fletcher, J.F., Parkhill, F.F., Fa'afoi, A. and Taleni, L.T. (2007) Pasifika children's perspectives of supports and barriers for literacy achievement in New Zealand schools. New Plymouth, New Zealand: New Zealand Reading Association (NZRA) Conference, 23-26 Sep 2007. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)
  • Fletcher, J. and Parkhill, F. (2007) Pasifika Students Voice Their Classroom Realities on What Supports or Hinders Their Literacy Learning. Honolulu, HI, USA: 31st Annual Conference of the Pacific Circle Consortium, 25-29 Jun 2007. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Taleni, L.T., Parkhill, F., Fa'afoi, A. and Fletcher, J. (2007) Pasifika Students: What Supports them to Become Better Readers? Pacific-Asian Education 19(2): 64-82. (Journal Article)
  • Parkhill, F.F. and Fletcher, J.F. (2007) What are the effective literacy practices in New Zealand primary classrooms as perceived by Year 7-8 Asian students who are successful at reading in English? New Plymouth, New Zealand: New Zealand Reading Association (NZRA) Conference, 23-26 Sep 2007. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Fletcher, J. and Parkhill, F. (2007) What supports reading achievement? What doesn't? The views of Asian students. The Journal of Reading, Writing and Literacy 2(3): 105-137. (Journal Article)
  • Fletcher, J. and Parkhill, F. (2007) Year 7-8 Asian student's perceptions of supports and barriers to becoming successfully readers in English? University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand: 2007 New Zealand Association for Educational Research (NZARE) Conference: Education in the Pacific, 4-7 Dec 2007. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Parkhill, F. and Fletcher, J. (2006) Culturally responsive research methods. Christchurch College of Education, Christchurch, New Zealand: TL801 Masters Students Research Forum, 14 Mar 2006. (Oral Presentation)
  • Parkhill, F. and Fletcher, J. (2006) Influences on Pasifika students’ achievement in literacy. Fremantle, Australia: Australian Teacher Education Association (ATEA) Conference 2006, 5-8 Jul 2006. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Fletcher, J., Parkhill, F., Fa'afoi, A. and Taleni, L.T. (2006) Pasifika Students' Perceptions of Barriers and Support to Reading and Writing Achievement in New Zealand Schools. New Zealand Journal of Educational Studies 41(2): 163-182. (Journal Article)
  • Fa'afoi, A., Parkhill, F. and Fletcher, J. (2006) Strengthening Pasifika and palagi research collaboration in the Aotearoa research context. In C. Mutch (Ed.), Challenging the Notion of "Other": Reframing Research in the Aotearoa New Zealand Context: 99-118. Wellington: NZCER Press. (Chapter in Book)
  • Parkhill, F., Fletcher, J. and Fa'afoi, A. (2006) What Makes for Success? Current Literacy Practices and the Impact of Family and Community on Pasifika Children's Literacy Learning. New Zealand Journal of Educational Studies 40(1/2): 61-84. (Journal Article)
  • Fletcher, J. and Brooks, D. (2006) What makes for successful integrated use of ICT in a low-decile primary school? Set: Research Information for Teachers 1: 9-14. (Journal Article)
  • Parkhill, F., Fletcher, J. and Fa'afoi, A. (2005) Factors influencing Pasifika children’s achievement in literacy. Reading Forum New Zealand 20(3): 5-13. (Journal Article)
  • Fletcher, J., Parkhill, F. and Fa'afoi, A. (2005) What factors promote and support Pasifika children in their reading and writing? Set 2: 2-8. (Journal Article)
  • Fletcher, J., Fa'afoi, A., Parkhill, F. and Taleni, T. (2005) What underachieving Pasifika children have to say about the barriers to their learning. Christchurch, New Zealand: the South Island Pasifika Education Reference Group fono, 22 Aug 2005. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)
  • Fa'afoi, A., Fletcher, J.F. and Parkhill, F.F. (2004) Learning to read. Spasifik 5(66) (Journal Article)
  • Fa'afoi, A. and Fletcher, J.F. (2002) Na hakahita ki tagata Pahefika I te akoga haka haiakoga: Identifying barriers for Pacific Island student teachers. Many Voices 19: 24-31. (Journal Article)
  • Fletcher, J. and Fa'afoi, A. (2001) How can we support Pacific Island students in teacher education? Christchurch College of Education Journal of Educational Research 6(1): 61-78. (Journal Article)
  • Fletcher, J. (2000) Assessing the cooperative education of student teachers. Rotorua, New Zealand: Third Annual New Zealand Association for Co-operative Education (NZACE) Conference, 24 Mar 2000. 23-39. (Conference Contribution - Paper in published proceedings)
  • Fletcher, J. (1999) A paper on the selection of primary programme applicants at the Christchurch College of Education. Rotorua, New Zealand: Second Annual New Zealand Association for Co-operative Education (NZACE) Conference, 26 Mar 1999. 37-47. (Conference Contribution - Paper in published proceedings)