Publications, Presentations & Workshops

A sample of the research activity, publications and professional development delivered by the Focus Consultancy team. Michael's research record is permanently archived on Zenodo with citable DOIs; his complete, current record is maintained on his Research Outputs page.

Dr Christine Fenton, MRSNZ

Theses

Fenton, C. (2010). Identifying an appropriate science curriculum for undergraduate nursing in New Zealand [Doctoral thesis, University of Waikato]. Centre for Science and Technology Education Research.

Fenton, C. D. (1994). The isolation and characterisation of Caulobacter from Manawatu water systems [Master's thesis, Massey University].

Authorship

Fenton, M., & Fenton, C. (2026). Design materials for distance-delivered science and mathematics teacher professional development: Open Polytechnic qualifications (2011–2019). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20078593

Fenton, C. (Ed.). (2012). 40 years: Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki. Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki. (Editor, writer and project manager.)

Fenton, C. (2010). Laboratory manual: Safe science in secondary schools.

Fenton, C. (2010). Theory and achievement standards β€” Microbiology.

Research reports

Fenton, C. D., & Karena, T. Designing an appropriate methodology to examine if the manifestation of Māori values in a tertiary trade-based school were positively influencing the retention and achievement of Māori students. Report PDF

Fenton, C. D., & Karena, T. Role of Māori values on student retention. Report PDF

Edited journal contributions

Fenton, C. (Ed.). (2011, Summer). Te Iarere Wavelength, 5.

Fenton, C. (2011, Summer). Reflections on practice. Te Iarere Wavelength, 5, 5–6.

Fenton, C. (2011, Summer). Resistant learners: What aren't they telling you? Te Iarere Wavelength, 5, 47–52.

Fenton, C. (Ed.). (2010, Summer). Te Iarere Wavelength, 4.

Fenton, C. (2010, Summer). Demystifying research. Te Iarere Wavelength, 4, 5–7.

Conference presentations

Fenton, C., Handley, R., Lockett-Kay, J., West, G., & Wineera, T. (2012, November). What has worked well for WITT? Kia oti ā runga, kia oti ā raro ka puta ai ki waho. ITP Conference 2012, Wellington, New Zealand.

Fenton, C. (2011, November). Identifying an appropriate science curriculum for undergraduate nursing in New Zealand. Australasian Nurse Educators Conference, Hamilton, New Zealand.

Fenton, C. (2010, November–December). Presenter. New Zealand Microbiological Society Annual Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.

Fenton, C. (2009, July). Do nurses need to learn science? Centre for Science and Technology Education Research Graduate Conference, Hamilton, New Zealand.

Workshops

Fenton, C. (2014–present). Quality management and qualification design workshops for clients.

Fenton, C. (2013). Achievement standards and standards-based assessment. Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki.

Fenton, C. (2013). SOLO taxonomy. Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki.

Fenton, C. (2011). Do I have to research? Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki.

Fenton, C. (2011). QA processes β€” are they still important in an evaluative world? Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki.

Fenton, C. (2010, November). Microbiological workshop for secondary teachers. New Zealand Microbiological Society Conference 2010, University of Auckland.

Peer review and professional bodies

  • Reviewer, The Journal of Doctoral Studies (2013–2016)
  • Reviewer, Informing Science: The International Journal of an Emerging Transdiscipline (2007–2016)
  • Chapter reviewer (Microbiology): Hanson, M., Excellence in Biology: Year 11 NCEA Level 1, Cengage Learning (2010)
  • Academic quality representative, New Zealand Board of Engineering Diplomas and QA Committee (2013)
  • Academic quality representative, Targeted/Mandatory Review of Qualifications, NZQA (2013)
  • NZQA panellist, review of science qualifications (2010–2011); sector advisor, NZQA National Qualifications Services science review panel (2009–2010)
  • Convenor, Special Interest Group (Education), New Zealand Microbiological Society Conferences (2007–2010)

Michael Fenton, MRSNZ

A 35-year research record running from molecular microbiology to low-cost science instrumentation and education research. The outputs below are archived on Zenodo with permanent DOIs.

Research outputs archived on Zenodo

  1. Fenton, M. (2026). Casio Graphing Calculator Serial Interface: Priority Disclosure of Timing Discoveries, Encoding Invention, and Operational Modes (FX-9750 and FX-9860 Series). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19303911
  2. Fenton, M. (2026). RIGEL-WEB: The Real-World Interactive Games and Electronics Link as a Self-Contained HTML Sensor Interface Invented by Subverting Web Browser Architecture for Authentic STEM Learning. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20541487
  3. Fenton, M. (2026). SMART: The Sound-to-Motion Analysis and Recording Tool, a Self-Contained HTML Science Instrument Invented by Subverting Web Browser Audio Architecture for Authentic STEM Learning. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20542011
  4. Fenton, M. (2026). RIGEL β€” Real-World Interactive Games and Electronics Link: A Universal Sensor Interface Invented by Subverting Game Design Software for Authentic STEM Learning. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19508521
  5. Fenton, M., & Fenton, C. (2026). Design materials for distance-delivered science and mathematics teacher professional development: Open Polytechnic qualifications (2011–2019). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20078593
  6. Fenton, M. (2026). Skill Standards: Navigating Old Narrative Traps β€” A Briefing Note for Instructional Designers in New Zealand Vocational Education and Training. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20337481
  7. Fenton, M. (2025). Rediscovering the 3-Pin Port: A Novel RECEIVE() Protocol Discovery Enabling Low-Cost Classroom Data Logging on Casio FX-9750 and FX-9860 Series Calculators. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19281514
  8. Fenton, M. (2024). The B9 Robot Mobile Laboratory: A Low-Cost AI-Enabled Science Communication and STEM Engagement Tool for New Zealand Classrooms. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19528980
  9. Fenton, M. (2011). Using a Digital Multi-meter as an Inexpensive Data Logger Substitute. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19325413
  10. Fenton, M. (2009, May 26). RIGEL β€” Learning From Life: Communities of Learning via a Connected Curriculum. Microsoft Partners in Learning Regional Innovative Teachers Conference, Kuala Lumpur. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19334228
  11. Fenton, M. (2008). Authentic Learning Using Mobile Sensor Technology With Reflections on the State of Science Education in New Zealand. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19302276
  12. Fenton, M., & Fenton, C. (2004). Space Pioneer: William H Pickering, Rocket Man. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19346544
  13. Fenton, M., & Fenton, C. (2003). DNA and Genetic Engineering: Practical Protocols for School Science, Including an Original Human Cheek Cell DNA Extraction Method. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19347896
  14. Fenton, C. D., & Fenton, M. (1999). Nexus (Nexus Research Group). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19365952
  15. Fenton, M., Brown, T. J., Clarke, J. M., Ionas, G., Kelly, P., & Pickering, M. (1994). Giardia and giardiasis in New Zealand. In Giardia: From molecules to disease (pp. 124–125). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19423966

Peer-reviewed research journal publications

Fenton, M., & Jarvis, B. D. W. (1991). Plasmid transfer in soil/plant environments. New Zealand Microbiological Society Newsletter, August.

Jarvis, B. D. W., & Fenton, M. (1994). Expression of the symbiotic plasmid from Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii in Sphingobacterium multivorum. Canadian Journal of Microbiology, 40, 873–879.

Rao, J. R., Fenton, M., & Jarvis, B. D. W. (1994). Symbiotic plasmid transfer in Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii and competition between the inoculant strain ICMP2163 and transconjugant soil bacteria. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 26, 339–351.

Brown, T. J., Kelly, P. J., Ionas, G., Clarke, J. M., Fenton, M., & Pickering, M. (1994). Giardia and giardiasis in New Zealand. In R. C. A. Thompson, J. A. Reynoldson, & A. J. Lymbery (Eds.), Giardia: From molecules to disease (pp. 124–125). CAB International.

Peer-reviewed government and council research reports

Fenton, M. (2008). Authentic learning using mobile sensor technology with reflections on the state of science education in New Zealand [E-Learning Fellowship research report]. CORE Education Ltd / Ministry of Education.

Fenton, M. (2008). Pedagogy and student involvement. In Energy conservation and renewable energy generation (EnviroPower) pilot β€” Completion report. Venture Taranaki Trust. Report PDF

Peer-reviewed conference proceedings (full papers)

Fenton, M., & Fenton, C. (2016). Teachers' experiences of professional development in science and mathematics by distance learning. In Proceedings of the ULearn 2016 Conference. Rotorua, New Zealand.

Fenton, M. (2009). RIGEL β€” Learning from life: Communities of learning via a connected curriculum. In Proceedings of the Microsoft Partners in Learning Regional Innovative Teachers Conference. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Fenton, M. (2008). Interactive eLearning tools for mathematics, science and robotics: The RIGEL project. In Proceedings of the ULearn 2008 Conference. Christchurch, New Zealand.

Bishop, R., Ryan, C., Durdle, B., Fenton, C., & Fenton, M. (2006). An integrated monitoring, control and biochemical system to reduce the reliance of biological filtration in recirculation seawater aquaculture systems. In Proceedings of the World Aquaculture Society, Aqua 2006.

Fenton, C. D., Fenton, M., & Raynes, A. (2001). Microbiology misconceptions in secondary schools. In Proceedings of the New Zealand Microbiological Society Conference. Wellington, New Zealand.

Fenton, M., & Fenton, C. D. (1999). Light photomicroscopy using an internet webcam digital camera. In Proceedings of the New Zealand Microbiological Society Conference. Dunedin, New Zealand.

Peer-reviewed conference proceedings (workshop papers)

Fenton, M. (2018). Beyond fair tests β€” Other investigation strategies to engage reluctant learners. In Proceedings of the NZASE SciCon Conference. Christchurch, New Zealand.

Fenton, M. (2018). Inspiring tomorrow's scientists: Doing science through the digital technologies curriculum. In Proceedings of the NZASE SciCon Conference. Christchurch, New Zealand.

Fenton, M. (2017). The digital technology curriculum: Inspiring the coders of tomorrow or yesterday? In Proceedings of the ULearn2017 Conference. Hamilton, New Zealand.

Fenton, M. (2017). Gamification and digital technologies for effective mathematics teaching. In Proceedings of the ULearn2017 Conference. Hamilton, New Zealand.

Fenton, M. (2017). Reclaiming the maker space for effective science teaching. In Proceedings of the ULearn2017 Conference. Hamilton, New Zealand.

Fenton, M. (2015). Primary mathematics teaching online: Rich tasks for cross-curricula learning. In Proceedings of the NZAMT Conference. Auckland, New Zealand.

Fenton, M. (2013). Students leading learning in science and mathematics at home or school: New uses for multimeters. In Proceedings of the ULearn13 Conference. Hamilton, New Zealand.

Winter, M., Anderson, D., Fenton, M., & Glasson, B. (2010). Supporting the primary science teacher fellows β€” Transforming primary science. In Proceedings of the NZASE SciCon 2010 Conference. Nelson, New Zealand.

Fenton, M. (2007). Interactive ICT tools for mathematics, science and robotics β€” Getting the most from Game Maker. In Proceedings of the NZAMT Conference. Auckland, New Zealand.

Broad, J., & Fenton, M. (2001). Education under the microscope. In Proceedings of the New Zealand Microbiological Society Conference. Wellington, New Zealand.

Professional journal articles (peer-reviewed)

Fenton, M. (2011). Using a digital multi-meter as an inexpensive data-logger substitute. SCIOS, Science Teachers Association of Western Australia.

Fenton, M. (2010). Digital and dirty in maths and science. INTERFACE, 22.

Fenton, M. (2009). Teaching and the F-word: Fun. INTERFACE, 19(761).

Fenton, M. (2004). Bill Pickering, rocket scientist. The New Zealand Science Teachers Journal, Term 1.

Fenton, M., & Fenton, C. D. (2003). DNA and genetic engineering. The New Zealand Science Teachers Journal, 103.

Invited keynote addresses

Fenton, M. (2016, July). From Galileo to LIGO: Reclaiming the maker space for science [Keynote address]. SciCon2016 Conference, Lower Hutt, New Zealand. Presentation PDF

Fenton, M. (2014, July). Enlightenment and education: A journey through time and space [Keynote address]. Open Polytechnic Learning Conference, Wellington, New Zealand.

Thesis

Fenton, M. (1994). The expression in soil bacteria of the symbiotic genes from Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii [Master's thesis, Massey University]. Massey University Research Repository.

Major qualification, curriculum and course design

  • 2023–2025 β€” New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Trade (Level 4) β€” General Electrical. EarnLearn. (Michael, lead author/designer)
  • 2022 β€” New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Levels 3 and 4), including Physical Sciences III and IV β€” first NZ secondary school accreditation. (Christine: qualification design and NZQA application; Michael: STEM content, instructional and assessment design)
  • 2020 β€” Robotics / game design / digital technology courses. (Michael)
  • 2019 β€” Applied Robotics: STEAM inquiry-based future-focused learning course. (Michael)
  • 2016 β€” New Zealand Board for Engineering Diplomas: assessment and moderation online training package. (Christine and Michael)
  • 2014–2016 β€” Graduate Diploma in Primary Mathematics Teaching (Level 7), The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand. (Michael, lead author)
  • 2011–2012 β€” Graduate Diploma in Primary Science Teaching (Level 7), The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand. (Michael, lead author)
  • 2006–2010 β€” NCEA Levels 1–3 course content and assessment: science, physics, calculus, applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, games design, robotics/coding. (Michael)
  • 2005 β€” Level 5 courses, Diploma in Information & Computer Technology, Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki. (Michael)
  • 2002 β€” Level 2 NCEA Physics Interactive CD-ROM, World Interactive Software, distributed by Roadshow Entertainment (NZ) Ltd. (Michael)

Design materials for the Open Polytechnic qualifications are openly archived: Fenton, M., & Fenton, C. (2026). Design materials for distance-delivered science and mathematics teacher professional development. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20078593

Research mentorship and support

We supervise action research and support staff to publish β€” ask how.

Contact us