Meet The Education Researcher

Prof. Dragan Gašević (Monash University) talks about his pioneering work in the field of learning analytics Dragan talks about the increasing application of data science and computer science in education research. He reflects on where the field is heading, and the inherently inter-disciplinary and entrepreneurial nature of conducting such work.

Prof. Joanne Deppeler (Monash University) talks about her work on inclusive education and disadvantage. We talk about the challenges of researching in international contexts, as well as tips for developing lasting industry and government partnerships. We also talk about what makes for a successful PhD project – drawing on Joanne’s many years overseeing doctoral programs at Monash.

Prof. John Loughran (Monash University) talks about his work in the areas of teacher knowledge and expert teaching. We talk about John’s leading work in the development of self-study methodology, as well as how to keep researching and writing in the face of a heavy admin load.

Prof Bill Green (Charles Sturt University) has been described as “one of Australia’s most recognized education researchers” In this podcast, Bill talks to Neil Selwyn about his long career researching literacy, teacher education, curriculum history and rural education. Bill reflects on the need for persistence in education research, his fascination with social theory … as well as why academics tend to write badly (and what they can do about it).

Prof. Gilah Leder (Monash & La Trobe) talks about her work in the field of mathematics education Gilah talks in the podcast about her various interests – especially issues of gender equity and maths. She also reflects on entering academia over fifty years ago … and how education research and scholarship has changed over the decades.

A/Prof Jane Wilkinson (Monash University) talks about her research on educational leadership, gender and ethnicity. She also explores the reasons that Australia has developed its own particular tradition of critical leadership research … as well as the importance of finding a mentor early in your academic career.

Dr. Ruth Jeanes (Monash University) talks about her research on sport and education - ranging from studies of community park-runs in Melbourne to PE lessons in Zambian schools. We talk about Ruth's work exploring the potential of sport as a space for transformation - while also tackling the ways in which dominant values and inequalities can be reproduced in sporting contexts ... We also reflect on the experience of UK academics coming to work in Australia!

A/Prof Sonya Horsford (Columbia University) talks about her research on the history and politics of race, inequality, and leadership in US education. The conversation ranges from WEB du Bois to what it now means to work as an education researcher in the times of Trump. Sonya also reflects on the insights to be gained from applying historical and community perspectives to contemporary education issues.

Dr. Kristin Reimer (Monash University) talks about her research on inclusive education, restorative justice and relational approaches in education. We talk about viewing education in terms of mutual (rather than controlling) relationships, how teaching in Pyongyang opened Kristin’s eyes to the radical possibilities of the classroom, and the benefits of being an ‘international’ academic.

Dr. John Potter (University College London, UK) is a prominent voice in the field of media education. In this interview John talks about his research around the areas of digital media, culture and education. The discussion covers John’s current interest in ‘dynamic literacies’, ‘digital curation’ and ‘third spaces’, the trials of carrying out co-research with young people, and a reminder of the privilege of being able to do academic work for a living.

Prof. Alex Kostogriz(Monash University) talks about his dual research agendas around the topics of languages education and the professional learning of teachers. We talk a lot about using social theory and education research as a political act ... as well as Alex's recent thinking around 'proximal ethnography', and the benefits of moving between different universities.

Dr. Amanda Heffernan(Monash University) talks about her research on education leadership and how school principals enact education policy. We talk about Foucault, academic conference tactics, juggling the pressures of being an early 'early career researcher', and the benefits of getting involved with social media.

Dr. Ben Williamson (University of Stirling, UK) has developed some of the most insightful critical analyses of how education futures are being shaped by commercial high-tech interests. In this interview Ben talks about his work tracing the political implications of classroom apps, personalised learning and bio-social technologies in the classroom.

Prof Susie Garvis (Gothenburg University) talks about her work in the area of early childhood education - in particular her recent work in the areas of quality and policy. Susie talks about making the move to Sweden from Monash a couple of years ago, and her experiences of being a 'travelling academic'. The conversation ranges from how the Russians see Vygotsky through to the challenge of getting European funding.

A/Prof Umesh Sharma (Monash University) talks about his research in the area of inclusive education in developing and developed countries. Amongst other things, Umesh talks about the challenges of research in the Asia-Pacific contexts, how to develop international networks, and the motivation of influencing education policy.

Eleanor Christie (commissioning editor from Palgrave Macmillan) talks about how education researchers can get their work published in book form. The conversation covers the secret of successful proposal writing; how to turn a PhD thesis into a book; the importance of a book's identity; and future trends in academic book publishing.

Dr. David Bright (Monash University) talks about his research and writing on the topics of teaching English as a second language, global citizenship & 'difference'. We talk about Deleuze, fitting into North American conferences, ethnography as 'slow' research, and how to seek out research opportunities across all aspects of our academic work.

A/Prof Andrea Rupert (Monash University) talks about her work on mental health and well-being in families. We talk about making yourself credible with medical research funders, how prestigious offers usually come from small less-prestigious bits of work, and the need for education researchers to focus on improving the 'public understanding of education'.

Dr. Deana Leahy (Monash University) talks about her work in the critical studies of health education. We talk about how to combine critical approaches with successful grant funding, how to build international networks of like-minded scholars and future directions for education research in times of austerity.

Dr. Rosie Welch (Monash University) talks about her research in the area of health & physical education ... approached through the lens of Foucault, Deleuze and materialist critiques. The discussion starts by unpacking Rosie's biog by-line of "Teacher Education, Content, Knowledge & Pedagogy: issues of Biography, Embodiment & Wellbeing" ...