Associate ProfessorLihua Xu

Lihua Xu is an Associate Professor in Science Education. She is a convenor of the research group ‘Teacher Professional Learning, Lives and Leadership’ in the School of Education. Lihua's research is driven by her lifelong passion for transforming the ways science and mathematics are taught and learned in schools. Over the last two decades, her work has been dedicated to exploring the intricate dynamics of classroom teaching and learning, aiming to generate new insights that can enhance learning experiences for all students. She draws on cutting-edge learning theories and research methodologies, such as Distributed Cognition, Variation Theory, and Social Semiotics, to explore the complexities of teaching and learning in science and mathematics.

Lihua has been a key player in large-scale, international comparative studies of classrooms, which sparked a fresh perspective on the concept of "teaching as a cultural practice." These studies not only challenged existing educational norms but also led to exciting new collaborations in video-based research methods, reshaping how researchers and teachers approach classroom practices.

Currently, Lihua is developing and pioneering innovative approaches to support student interdisciplinary STEM learning and teacher professional learning. Her research aims to develop strategies for enhancing teacher expertise and student learning within and across the disciplinary boundaries of STEM, and to identify conditions for innovative and sustained STEM practices in education institutions.