Research to benefit learners, teachers and communities
Our School conducts innovative, rigorous research which aims to transform the learning, development and wellbeing of children, adult learners, teachers and their communities.
Our research employs diverse methods and theoretical frameworks. It situates the individual learner within the broader ecology of family, institutional and community life, to support the informed development of policy and professional practice.
Research areas
Collectively, our work represents the following research areas.
Learning, development and wellbeing
Our researchers investigate individual and contextual factors that contribute to the learning, development and wellbeing of infants, children and young people.
Our research spans experiential, field based research through to experimental studies, and investigates social, emotional, cognitive, language and physical development as well as domain-specific processes that foster literacy, science, mathematics and creative arts.
Curriculum and pedagogy
Our research in this area examines how curriculum decisions, pedagogies and technologies enhance learning and development across the lifespan.
Contextualised studies include analyses of practice and policy and are conducted in formal educational settings such as early childhood centres, schools, and universities, as well as in informal or cultural settings such as museums, libraries, and community organisations.
Family and community studies
Our researchers explore how families and communities can be strengthened to enhance children's development, learning and wellbeing, and to promote community cohesiveness.
With an emphasis on promoting social and educational participation and partnerships, our studies include those conducted with Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse families and communities.
Accommodating diverse learners
Our research examines the education, inclusion and participation of diverse learners, including investigations of special educational needs, gender, ethnicity, language, socio-economic status, and family structure.
Studies aim to enhance educational and social justice and equity, and advance understandings of diverse perspectives.
Enhancing professional practice
Our research in this area investigates adult learning and professional practice, and includes streams on practice in prior-to-school, school and tertiary education settings, teacher identity and professional experience.
Our studies include pre- and in-service teacher education as well as educational leadership and reflective practice as conduits for professional and organisational change.
