Dr. Shirley Ann Gauci

Dr Shirley Ann Gauci is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) within the Institute of Community Services at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). She contributes to both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and is actively engaged in the supervision and examination of undergraduate and master's dissertations at MCAST and the University of Malta, occasionally serving as Chairperson on viva voce boards. Shirley graduated with a B.Ed. (Hons) degree from the University of Malta, specialising in Early Childhood and Primary Education. She later pursued a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Management at the University of Leicester, where her studies included action research on interdisciplinary curriculum integration in primary education. Building on her academic foundation, Shirley pursued a PhD at the University of Sheffield, specialising in ECEC, supported by a fully-funded scholarship. Her doctoral research focused on the pedagogy of thinking, curriculum change and the reculturing process in schools. Before joining MCAST, Shirley had extensive experience in primary school leadership, serving for several years in the roles of Deputy Head and Head of School where she was actively engaged in curriculum development, pedagogical leadership, and school improvement. In these roles, she has led various Erasmus+ projects focused on literacy, well-being, and digital literacy in ECEC and primary education. Shirley’s current research focuses on ECEC curriculum change, inclusive leadership in ECEC, intergenerational learning and teacher training in higher education. She is an active member of local and international research groups exploring ECEC, higher education, and innovative approaches to teacher training. Shirley is currently leading a locally funded transdisciplinary project called Supporting Early ChiLdhood Education in Blue Skills with Generative Artificial Intelligence (SELBI) that bridges artificial intelligence, blue skills and ECEC. She regularly presents her research at international conferences, contributing to global discussions on ECEC, curriculum innovation, teacher training and dual education. In addition to her research work, Shirley serves as a peer reviewer for local and international journals and academic books, contributing to the dissemination and advancement of knowledge in her fields of expertise.