How our transdisciplinary research drives educational change

The Transforming Curriculum, Assessment and Pedagogy group examines how curriculum, assessment and teaching methods can adapt to the evolving landscape of contemporary learning. We engage diverse voices and perspectives to influence education policy and practice.

Our research covers various educational settings, including early childhood, primary and secondary education, vocational training, higher education and community initiatives.

Our research areas

The Transforming Curriculum, Assessment and Pedagogy group focuses on two key research streams.

Transforming knowledge practices

We examine various theoretical and methodological perspectives to critically analyse current curriculum and knowledge practices.

Innovating teacher practice

We work with teachers to explore and develop innovative strategies for curriculum design, student assessment and effective pedagogy.

Help us impact student outcomes

Deakin ranks among the top 1% globally for arts and humanities research and holds the #2 position in Australia for education and education research.

Our researchers

Our group convenors bring a range of disciplinary expertise based on decades of combined experience.

Dr Maria Nicholas has an interest in students' learning and education in pre-school, primary and secondary school settings, including high-ability and gifted teaching and learning, most especially as it relates to students' literacy development.

Dr Rebecca Cairns is a senior lecturer in humanities education in the School of Education. Her research investigates how contemporary and historical socio-political conditions shape curriculum.

Meet our research team

Robyn Barallon, Learning Designer

Dr Robin Bellingham, Senior Lecturer, Education (Pedagogy and Curriculum)

Dr Ros Black, Senior Lecturer, Education (Humanities, Societies And Environments)

Dr Rebecca Cairns, Senior Lecturer in Education, Humanities

Dr John Cripps Clark, Lecturer In Education (Science Education)

Dr Kerri Garrard, Lecturer in Education (Humanities, Societies and Environments)

Dr Karen Guo, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education

Dr Shelley Hannigan, Senior Lecturer, Education (Arts Education)

Penny Harry, Lecturer in Education

Associate Professor Dawn Joseph, Associate Professor of Education (Arts Education)

Dr Arif Kabir, Teaching Scholar, Curriculum, Pedagogy and Professional Learning

Dr Merida Kelly, Lecturer in Education (Arts Education)

Will King, Site Director, Warrnambool Alliance (Teaching Scholar)

Dr Elizabeth Little, Lecturer in Education (Language and Literacy)

Dr Genee Marks, Lecturer, Education (Inclusive Education)

Dr Lucinda McKnight, ARC DECRA Fellow

Dr Fiona Phillips, Lecturer in Education (Arts Education)

Associate Professor Michiko Weinmann, Associate Professor in Education (Languages Education)

Featured projects

Our partnerships with government, community and industry enable us to conduct impactful research that seek solutions beyond conventional boundaries.

Navigating the curriculum resource marketplace

Navigating the curriculum resource marketplace

To address the rising digitisation of education, escalating workload demands and the growing need for high-quality curriculum resources, this project aims to create a comprehensive map of Australia’s expanding curriculum resource marketplace.

Student perspectives on studying history

Student perspectives on studying history

This project surveyed secondary school students across Australia to examine their experiences on studying history. The national survey data provides valuable insights into the factors influencing students' subject choices and their perceptions of history's relevance in education.

Our partnerships

We actively collaborate with a diverse range of policy actors to promote partnerships among government entities, educators and academic institutions, including:

  • curriculum and assessment authorities
  • departments of education
  • government and non-government schools
  • other educational and community organisations.

Our members play a vital role in shaping public discourse through research publications, media articles, and expert commentary, in addition to delivering invited presentations. We engage directly with education stakeholders to collaboratively develop materials related to assessment, curriculum and pedagogy.

Contact us

Our team is here to answer your questions and help you learn more about the Transforming Curriculum, Assessment and Pedagogy group. Visit the TCAP blog to read more about our work.

Dr Maria Nicholas
Email

Dr Rebecca Cairns
Email