5H - Roundtable discussions
Tracks
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Wednesday, July 9, 2025 |
3:30 PM - 4:55 PM |
River View Room 4 - Level 2 |
Overview
River View Room 4 - Level 2
Speaker
Mrs Shireen Junpath
University Of Auckland
Customised academic skills support for first year undergraduate Business students
Biography
Shireen Junpath is a Professional Teaching Fellow in the Learning and Teaching team (ILT) at the University of Auckland. She provides academic and literacy skills support to a diverse undergraduate and postgraduate student body in the Business School. Her role involves designing and implementing discipline-specific academic skills programmes to scaffold students' learning. Additionally, Shireen contributes to the Faculty of Business through initiatives such as Peer Mentoring and training programmes for Graduate Teaching Assistants.
Ms Susan Gough
Language tutor
University of Auckland
Co-presenter
Biography
Sue Gough is a language tutor and provides language and academic skills support to a diverse range of students across the Business school, developing resources and teaching workshops tailored to student need across first year courses, and other courses in the Business school. Sue collaborates with the teaching staff to provide the type of support the students require.
Dr Amanda Richardson
University Of South Australia
“Everyone’s benefiting”: Supporting student transition through embedding academic skills development and peer support into the first-year curriculum
Biography
Amanda Richardson is a lecturer in Academic Development and holds a PhD in Health Sciences. Her research interests include student and staff wellbeing, first-year curriculum design, and embedding student support into curricula. She also teaches into a short course designed specifically for university teaching staff to strengthen their online teaching skills.
Dr Shuiyun Liu
Beijing Normal University
Are my classmates my enemies? Involution (Neijuan) behaviors of students at elite Chinese universities
Biography
Dr. Shuiyun Liu is an associate professor in the Faculty of Education at Beijing Normal University (China). She got her PhD from Institute of Education, UCL, in 2011, and her Mater degree was from University of Oslo, Norway (Erasmus Mundus Programme). Her main research interests include educational policy and educational equality, and higher education quality assurance. Dr. Liu has published in a number of journals, including Higher Education, Studies in Higher Education, International Journal of Educational Development and Cambridge Journal of Education, etc. Her book, Quality Assurance and Institutional Transformation: The Chinese Experience was published by Springer in 2016; External Higher Education Quality Assurance in China was published by Routledge in 2018. Besides, she also contributed to six other books with separate chapters.
Assoc Prof Peter Cook
University Of Southern Queensland
Collaborative HDR Supervision: Working with a school-based cohort - A Work-in-Progress Study
Biography
Peter Cook is Head of School and Dean, Education, and Associate Professor Arts Education, at University of Southern Queensland, Australia, substantively focussing on Dance and Creativity in Teacher Education. Peter’s interest and expertise in dance education developed through his 20-year Dance teaching career in secondary and primary schools, including state-wide Dance/Arts positions. Peter’s research centres on understanding learning with and through dance, education, creativity, and their associated practices. His work extends into the interdisciplinarity of creativity in education and more broadly transitions, initial teacher education and creative administration. A/r/tography as an arts-based educational research methodology is central to much of Peter’s choreographic inquiries. Peter’s creative practice explores interactive digital choreographed works and their pedagogical potential.
Dr Sabrina Syed
Charles Sturt University
Motivation and Choice: A Study of International Female Students in Australian HDR programs
Biography
Dr. Sabrina Syed is an accomplished academic and researcher with extensive experience in education and equity. Currently a Lecturer in Educational Psychology at Charles Sturt University (CSU), she is based in Port Macquarie and works remotely from Newcastle. With over a decade of experience in academia, she specialises in advancing educational equity and addressing intersectional discrimination. Dr. Syed earned her PhD with research focused on women's experiences in higher education, contributing significantly to understanding systemic barriers and opportunities. She has published in academic journals, book chapter, and online platforms, showcasing her commitment to transformative education. Dr. Syed also collaborates on international projects and is the Chief Investigator on a global grant initiative exploring educational practices. Beyond academia, she is deeply engaged in community and cultural activities, fostering inclusive spaces for dialogue and growth. Her work reflects a dedication to creating meaningful change through education and research.
Dr Sonia Raghav
Lecturer
Curtin University
Enhancing Intercultural Interactions and Competence in Multicultural Group-based Assessment Tasks: A qualitative investigation.
Biography
Dr Sonia Raghav is a lecturer and researcher in Organisational Behaviour at Curtin Business School, Curtin University, in Perth, Western Australia. She completed her PhD in Organisational Behaviour at the University of Western Australia (UWA) Business School. Her research is in the area of multiple identities, intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, team dynamics and group processes, and workplace performance. Sonia is very passionate about research and teaching and aims at doing meaningful research that has practical implications.
Dr Simran Kaur
Monash University Malaysia
Collaborative approaches to integrating artificial intelligence in higher education teaching and assessment: Opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations
Biography
Simran is a Senior Lecturer and the Head of Education Academy as Monash University Malaysia. She is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and continues to be committed to quality education. Simran is also a trained facilitator in the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method for Higher Education.
As an academic, her passion lies in engaging in continuous learning and seeking innovative solutions to issues within the field of Management/Marketing, with a special interest in behavioural research. Simran's focus within academia is twofold: conducting impactful research to advance knowledge and fostering critical thinking through teaching. By nurturing a classroom environment that encourages curiosity and analytical reasoning, she aims to empower her students to question prevailing assumptions, challenge established norms, and develop independent thought. Through active, participatory, and collaborative learning activities, she strives to inspire and nurture the next generation of scholars, instilling in them a life-long love for knowledge and intellectual pursuits. Her goal is to make meaningful contributions to the academic community by advancing our understanding of human behaviour and decision-making, while also equipping students with the knowledge and capabilities to excel in their future endeavours.
Ms Fran Corcoran
Senior Lecturer
Australian Catholic University
Gamification or Game-based Learning: Defining and exploring the differences
Biography
Fran is a nurse of 30 years. During this time, she has worked around Australia in various clinical roles including acute medical-surgical, palliative care, paediatrics and in the military. She has also had a strong history in nursing education having worked at 4 universities, one TAFE and as a nurse educator in two hospitals.
Currently she is a Senior Lecturer at Australian Catholic University with roles including Deputy Head of School, Course Coordinator and Learning and Teaching Governance. Her research interests are learning and teaching focused with projects including escape games, game-based learning and branching scenarios.
Dr Jessica Frawley
Senior Lecturer
University Of Sydney
Advancing understandings of how we evaluate professional learning in a context of rapid change and modularisation.
Biography
Jessica Frawley is a Senior Lecturer in Academic Development and Leadership within Educational Innovation, a part of the DVC (Education) Portfolio at the University of Sydney. She leads students as partners for teaching and learning and is the Director of the AdvanceHE accredited Sydney Educational Fellowship Program.
Dr Martina Costello
Lecturer
Edith Cowan University
Educational Experiences of Regional Nursing Students: An Exploratory Study at a Western Australian University Campus
Biography
Martina is a distinguished nurse, academic, and researcher with a Doctorate in Nursing, professional recognition as a HERDSA Fellow and an Advance HE Fellow, and a Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice (GCAP). She is currently the Course Coordinator for the Master of Nursing program at Edith Cowan University, where she also supports the transition of Enrolled Nurses to Registered Nurses through dedicated initiatives.
Martina's research focuses on the social and emotional support needs of practising nurses, addressing workplace challenges to enhance resilience, well-being, and the sustainability of the nursing workforce.
As an Associate Fellow at the SCGH Research Centre, Leticia integrates academic innovation with clinical expertise, maintaining active practice to ensure her work is grounded in contemporary healthcare contexts. She is passionate about advancing nursing education, developing leadership capacity within the profession, and promoting high-quality patient care
Dr Jody Watts
University Of Sydney
A generative AI tool for rubric-aligned assessment marking and feedback
Biography
Dr Jody Watts is an Associate Lecturer in Design (Education Focused) at the DesignLab, School of Architecture, Design and Planning, University of Sydney, with expertise in Human Computer Interaction (HCI). She holds a PhD in Design (HCI) from the University of Wollongong (Australia), a BCA (Design/Hons) from the University of Wollongong (Australia) and a BAVA from the University of Newcastle (Australia). Jody's teaching focus in 2025 is coordinating and tutoring in IDEA9106 Design Thinking, a large core unit in the Masters of Interaction Design and Electronic Arts. At the School level, she provides senior leadership in education in her role as the Discipline Education Lead for the DesignLab. Her research examines human, nonhuman and more-than-human agents, and their agency as active participants in design education and practice.
Dr Alice Huang
The University of Sydney
How can we close the achievement gap for international students?
Biography
Alice Huang is an education-focused lecturer in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences. Her interests include science education, student support and educational design, particularly in the context of teaching and assessment in large, diverse cohorts. She has completed a Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Higher Education) and is an Advance HE Senior Fellow (SFHEA).
Dr Dewa Wardak
Senior Lecturer
The University of Sydney Business School
Co-presenter
Biography
Dewa Wardak is a Senior Lecturer in Business Educational Development at the University of Sydney Business School. She is a Sydney Horizon Educator with a background in Learning Sciences and Technologies. Dewa leads the co-design, development, and evaluation of large units of study, collaborating with academics to transform the learner experience through co-designing engaging and authentic learning experiences. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and previously served on the University of Sydney’s Human Research Ethics Committee for three years. Dewa's research interests span learning and teaching in Higher Education, networked learning, postdigital, pattern languages, object-based learning, multimodal approaches to learning and teaching, and ethics.
Ms Larissa Pickalla
Director, First Nations Teacher Education Hub
Charles Darwin University
Embedding Indigenous Knowledges through Co-Design: Strengthening Equity and Retention in First Nations Teacher Education at CDU
Biography
Grace Skehan, Larissa Pickalla, Laura Fairbrother, and Laura Chiappara-Estevez are key contributors to the development of Higher Education at Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory, bringing diverse expertise in curriculum and learning in education, educational research, and cultural responsiveness. Their work focuses on developing culturally responsive curriculum and pedagogy, engaging academics in innovative learning experiences that embed First Nations perspectives. Through co-design, professional learning, and curriculum transformation, they are shaping a new generation of educators who are equipped to teach in culturally diverse and remote Northern Territory contexts.
Larissa Pickalla, Director of the First Nation Teacher Education Hub, leads strategic initiatives to increase the number of Aboriginal teachers and educational leaders. She works closely with academics and stakeholders to embed Indigenous knowledges into teacher education programs.
Grace Skehan supports culturally responsive curriculum development, facilitating co-design workshops that empower educators to integrate First Nations perspectives into their teaching practices.
Laura Chiappara-Estevez is the Associate Director Learning Experience and represents CDU in the Australasian Council on Open, Distance and E-Learning (ACODE), indicating her involvement in advancing open and distance learning initiatives.
Laura Fairbrother is the Associate Director of Curriculum, Assessment, and Teaching Development at CDU's Student Success and Educational Excellence division. With nearly 20 years of experience in education, she specializes in collaborative teaching, training, and learning. Laura has been instrumental in implementing the Course Design Institute at CDU
Dr Pegah Marandi
Associate Lecturer
Western Sydney University
Context-Dependent Connotations: Improving Gen AI's Language Interpretation Through Cognitive Linguistics
Biography
Dr. Pegah Marandi is an associate lecturer, professional experience advisor, and researcher at the School of Education at Western Sydney University. With over 14 years of experience in teaching and researching higher education, Pegah has developed a robust academic and research portfolio both in Australia and internationally. Her research interests are diverse and impactful, encompassing Higher Education, the Critical Integration of AI in Initial Teacher Education (ITE), International Students' Journeys, and the Education in Anthropocene. Dr. Marandi's work reflects her deep commitment to advancing educational practices and understanding the evolving landscape of education in the modern world.
Dr John Ley
APA Professional Practice
Western Sydney University
Co-presenter
Biography
Dr John Ley is a passionate and innovative mathematics educator teaching in secondary schools for 30 years. John has a wealth of experience. His qualifications include a Ph.D.in Mathematics Education (WSU), B.Sc., Dip Ed. (UNSW) M.A Pure Mathematics (Syd.U), Grad Dip RE (ACU), Diploma in Children’s Services. Since 2014 John has lectured in mathematics and mathematics education, to Primary and Secondary pre-service teachers, at WSU becoming permanent staff in 2024. His Ph.D. research focused on improving student learning outcomes, increasing engagement, and reducing examination anxiety. John was an experienced senior marker for the HSC, a member of the assessment committees setting the HSC calculus course examinations over three years. He is an experienced textbook author, for over 25 years writing the Insight series published by Oxford University Press. He has presented many workshops on mathematics teaching in Australia and Internationally.
Madame Yvette Kalubi Kashama
Association des Etudiants pour le Développement de l'Afrique "AEDA"
Empowering teenage mothers in Kinshasa: Social and academic inclusion challenges in peri-urban areas via Design Thinking in Sub-Saharan Africa
Biography
Yvette Kalubi Kashama is a Computer Engineer specializing in analysis and programming. She is also a project manager for community development in rural areas and serves as a webmaster at the Association of Students for African Development (AEDA). Her work focuses on education and the empowerment of girls in peri-urban and rural areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sub-Saharan Africa. She is dedicated to social inclusion and combating gender inequalities.
Mr Ben Levy
PhD Candidate
University Of Waikato
Higher Education Research at the Interface of Diverse Knowledge Systems in Moana Oceania
Biography
Ben Levy is a higher education scholar-practitioner with 25+ years of experience on 6 continents. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and a Master of Arts in International Development. Currently he is completing Ph.D. research titled “Navigating National Priorities, Regionalism and Internationalisation in National Universities of Moana Oceania”. Ben has published various journal articles and book chapters on the intersections between indigenous knowledge, education, research, development and policy. Additionally, he serves as a Research Associate - Educational Policy & Planning in the Pacific for the Institute of Education at the University of the South Pacific and as an International Programmes Development Advisor with the University of Otago. Finally, he participates in various projects for Pacific Education Consultants, including the recent Education Sector Analysis and Plan for Samoa, funded by UNICEF.
Dr Phuntsho Choden
Torrens University Australia
Unlocking Engagement: International Students' Voices on Flipped Learning
Biography
As an academic and researcher in Nursing and Public Health, Dr Phuntsho is dedicated to advancing health and wellbeing through education and innovative research. With a strong background in teaching and mentoring, she aims to promote educational experience and foster engagement in diverse learning environment. Her research primarily focuses on epidemiology, nursing education and gender-based violence.
Professor Catherine Rogers
Professor
Torrens University Australia
Co-presenter
Biography
Professor Cath's research interests center around peoples' journeys through health transitions. She has researched and published extensively in the area of resilience and it's role in assisting people through challenging acute and chronic illnesses. As a Nurse Academic, she passionately believe in the value of high quality education, grounded in an evidence based framework, to inspire and prepare new generations of health and education professionals.
Associate Professor Accamma Oommen
Head of Nursing
Torrens University Australia
Co-presenter
Biography
Dr. Accamma Oommen is an accomplished nursing academic and researcher with extensive experience in higher education for around two decades. She is passionate about SoTL and enhancing student learning experiences and integrates best-practice pedagogy for advancement of nursing education, student's learning experience and academic engagement.
Tania Lawther
Torrens University Australia
Co-presenter
Biography
Bridget Mackenzie
Torrens University Australia
Co-presenter
Biography
Ingrid Camatta
Torrens University Australia
Co-presenter
Biography
Wendy Newton
Torrens University Australia
Co-presenter
Biography
Bevlyn Grant
Torrens University Australia
Co-presenter
Biography
