Educational research
About
Research into contemporary higher education with the goal of contributing to evidence-based teaching practice and high quality student learning experience.
Our role as educators is to provide students with a high-quality and transformative experience at university, that enables them to contribute to society in meaningful ways. Education research creates evidence-based knowledge that informs teaching practice and promotes student learning. Researchers in this group investigate diverse areas including assessment and feedback, employability, the first year experience, scientific skill development, blended learning, and technology in teaching and learning.
The objective of this research is to contribute to the body of knowledge on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, and ultimately to the creation of science graduates ready to face the challenges of the 21st century.
Research projects
Engaging students with critical analysis of literature
Group leader: A/Prof. Colleen Thomas
We have designed a scaffolded authentic assessment (recently adopted internationally) which is intended to prepare students for employability in research academia by increasing higher order thinking skills (by submitting a review report to a fictional journal editor) and increasing communication skills to peers (in written and graphical form). This project aims to evaluate student experience of the task.
Expanding open access etextbook
Group leader: Dr. Brianna Julien
Open access etextbooks are available freely anytime and anywhere and this is particularly important for students at an economic disadvantage.
Evaluation of employability curriculums
Group leader: Dr. Louise Lexis
An evaluation of careers and employability learning (CEL) modules embedded in the Bachelor of Health Sciences curriculum.
Student and staff experiences
Group leader: Dr. Laura Whitburn
Student and staff experiences, and student outcomes, of team teaching in a second year anatomy subject