Our people
Staff
Our experts teach mathematics, science and technology education subjects, supervise research higher degree students, and conduct their own original and ground-breaking research.
Honoraries
A/Prof Robyn Pierce
Robyn Pierce is a Principal Fellow at the University of Melbourne. She initially taught mathematics in secondary schools and then at university level with a focus on first year mathematics, statistics and critical thinking with data. Working with students from a wide range of disciplines highlighted the challenges of teaching and learning mathematics. A move to Education presented opportunities to work with teachers in post graduate courses on the use of technology for teaching mathematics, numeracy for life, school and work, probability and statistics at junior and senior secondary levels and research supervisions. Robyn has conducted mathematics education research involving primary, secondary and tertiary students as well as preservice and practicing teachers. This has covered a range of issues as diverse as: mathematics anxiety, algebraic insight, effective use of computer algebra systems, engaging students through real-world problems and IT, teachers’ professional statistical
Dr Hilary Hollingsworth
Dr Vicki Steinle
Vicki’s PhD involved the design of a test to diagnose children’s misconceptions, which is currently used for research and by practitioners. This research involved a cross-sequential study which combined both longitudinal and cross-sectional methods in an attempt to both shorten the length of the research and minimise developmental assumptions. This research has provided Vicki with a deep understanding of suitable methodologies for probing children’s thinking and expertise in longitudinal analysis of data. Vicki has extensive expertise in research methods, for example, papers on Rasch analysis, relative risk and odds ratios. She has been involved in the ARC-funded SMART project which provides teachers with online tests that they can use to formatively assess their students before they teach a certain topic.
Dr Gail FitzSimons
I have been an Honorary member of staff since 2010. During that period I have • prepared and conducted a post-graduate numeracy unit and given other lectures and public seminars at this level. • acted as a critical friend for graduate students and visiting scholars in the preparation of journal articles and doctoral seminars. • conducted literature reviews for members of staff as part of their project work. • worked to support staff and students in implenting a culturally sensitive numeracy program at the Academy of Sport, Health and Recreation [ASHE] in Shepparton. • prepared monthly lists of new journal alerts for mathematics and science. • edited the 2018 Mathematical Association of Victoria annual conference proceedings & co-edited 2015 proceedings with Jill Vincent. • given plenary lectures and run workshops at international conferences and published journal articles
Dr Sarah Buckley
Dr Sarah Buckley is a Senior Research Fellow in the Educational Research, Policy and Development Division at the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). Sarah’s area of expertise is in mathematics engagement and motivation. She has led several initiatives designed to address mathematics anxiety in schools and in preservice teachers, build mathematical resilience and improve valuing of maths in the Mathematics Anxiety and Engagement Strategy (MAES) at ACER. Sarah has also worked on numerous projects investigating equity and engagement in STEM including a recent project for CSIRO exploring ways to improve young female students’ engagement in digital technology. She has also worked on international projects aimed at improving international educational systems. Publications: See https://works.bepress.com/sarah_buckley/