As students progress through their university degrees, it is hoped that they develop a better understanding of themselves as learners and appreciate the different learning environments their lecturers create. For example, Curtin Chemistry utilises active learning environments in 1st year through to 3rd year with the view that students will develop the skills required to help them become lifelong learners. Online learning environments have changed in response to the Covid pandemic and students have changed the way they engage with university studies due to higher cost of living.
Aim
To understand how changes mentioned in the overview have influenced student learning.
Objectives
To answer some of the many questions that could be asked such as:
- Do students’ perceptions of active learning environments (or similar) change as they progress through their degrees?
- Do students in first year appreciate the efforts of their lecturers in creating such an environments? Or does an appreciation only eventuate in higher year levels.
- How have online environments changed and what are students’ perceptions of online environments?
- How do students’ identities as chemists develop over time, and what factors influence persistence or attrition in chemistry degrees?
- Are there ways cross-cultural collaborations can be supported without the need to travel?
- What strategies are students using to balance study and work in today’s society?
- How has AI influenced the way students learn?
Significance
Understanding how different learning environments influence student learning and student identity, will support retention efforts, inform departmental policies and most importantly, enhance student learning, experience, and support.
Ideal Candidate
This project is for an applicant interested in developing skills in science education research, particularly in quantitative and qualitative analysis. This project would suit an applicant with a science/education degree and/or experience in science education and interest in working with educators and students. Additionally, the applicants should meet the eligibility criteria for entry into a PhD program at Curtin University.
This project is open to Domestic applicants only.
Scholarship
If you are identified as the preferred candidate for this project, you may be considered for an RTP scholarship.
Enquires and How to Apply
For enquires about this opportunity contact Assosicate Professor Alexandra Yeung at Alexandra.Yeung@curtin.edu.au
To formally apply submit an Expression of Interest to A/Prof Alexandra Yeung during the Central Scholarship round (July 1st – July 31st 2026)