
Overview
Background
Professor Robyn Gillies' major research interests are in the learning sciences, classroom discourses, small group processes, including co-regulated learning, classroom instruction, student behaviour, and students with disabilities. Professor Robyn Gillies has worked extensively in both primary and secondary schools to embed STEM education initiatives into the science curriculum. This includes helping teachers to embed inquiry skills into the science curricula so they capture students’ interests, provide opportunities for them to explore possible solutions to problems, explain phenomena, elaborate on potential outcomes, and evaluate findings. In short, through these investigations, students learn how to engage critically and constructively with others’ ideas, challenge and rebut proposals, and discuss alternative propositions. In so doing, they learn to talk and reason effectively together. These STEM education initiatives have been funded by research grants and contracts from the Australian Research Council, the Department of Education and Training (DET), the Queensland Museum Network (QMN), and the Office of Learning and Teaching (OLT). Professor Gillies is a Chief Investigator on the Science of Learning Research Centre (SLRC) where she has been instrumental in implementing two recent science-based research projects in primary and secondary schools to help teachers embed inquiry-science pedagogy into their science curricula. Her recommendations on how teachers can translate research into practice have been widely profiled in the international literature and on the website of the Smithsonian Science Education Center in Washington, DC.
Availability
- Professor Robyn Gillies is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Educational Studies, The University of Queensland
- Masters (Coursework) of Educational Studies (Adv), The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), University of Southern Queensland
Research interests
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Learning sciences
Learning and teaching
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Classroom discourses
Teacher and student classroom discourses
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Cooperative learning
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Classroom instruction
Pedagogical practices in the classroom
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Educational psychology
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Classroom behaviour
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Guidance, Counselling and Careers
Works
Search Professor Robyn Gillies’s works on UQ eSpace
2024
Journal Article
Challenges and strategies for international medical graduates in registration and integration into the Australian healthcare system: Protocol for a systematic scoping review
Li, Wen, Nisar, Mehwish, Gillies, Robyn, McGrail, Matthew and Khan, Asaduzzaman (2024). Challenges and strategies for international medical graduates in registration and integration into the Australian healthcare system: Protocol for a systematic scoping review. Figshare. doi: 10.6084/m9.figshare.27896436.v1
2024
Journal Article
Development and validation of an instrument to measure career decision-making challenges of international medical students in China
Li, Wen, Khan, Asaduzzaman, Gillies, Robyn and Sun, Hong (2024). Development and validation of an instrument to measure career decision-making challenges of international medical students in China. Perspectives on Medical Education, 13 (1), 572-584. doi: 10.5334/pme.1384
2024
Journal Article
The SOLIO taxonomy: an integrated model for assessing student learning and interest
Tan, Aik Lim, Gillies, Robyn and Jamaludin, Azilawati (2024). The SOLIO taxonomy: an integrated model for assessing student learning and interest. Cambridge Journal of Education, 54 (6), 1-18. doi: 10.1080/0305764x.2024.2409180
2024
Journal Article
A new model for tracing interest: the growth cycle of interest framework
Tan, Aik Lim, Gillies, Robyn and Jamaludin, Azilawati (2024). A new model for tracing interest: the growth cycle of interest framework. Current Psychology, 43 (41), 1-13. doi: 10.1007/s12144-024-06771-2
2024
Journal Article
Challenges and solutions of implementing cooperative learning in classroom environments: lived experiences of primary school teachers in Iran
Reza Keramati, Mohammad, Gillies, Robyn M., Ansarizadeh, Fahimeh and Keramati, Ali (2024). Challenges and solutions of implementing cooperative learning in classroom environments: lived experiences of primary school teachers in Iran. International Journal of Early Years Education, 1-18. doi: 10.1080/09669760.2024.2406374
2024
Journal Article
Challenges and strategies for navigating Australian healthcare access: experience from Chinese international students
Men, Qinglin, Li, Wen, Khan, Asaduzzaman and Gillies, Robyn M. (2024). Challenges and strategies for navigating Australian healthcare access: experience from Chinese international students. International Journal for Equity in Health, 23 (1) 189, 189. doi: 10.1186/s12939-024-02273-6
2024
Journal Article
Enhancing Student Engagement and Outcomes: The Effects of Cooperative Learning in an Ethiopian University’s Classrooms
Tadesse, Tefera, Ware, Hashim, Asmare, Aregu and Gillies, Robyn M. (2024). Enhancing Student Engagement and Outcomes: The Effects of Cooperative Learning in an Ethiopian University’s Classrooms. Education Sciences, 14 (9) 975, 975. doi: 10.3390/educsci14090975
2024
Journal Article
The process and solutions of implementing cooperative learning approach in elementary schools: a meta-synthesis study
Fahimeh Ansarizadeh, Keramati, Mohammad Reza, fazllolahi, sifollah and Gillies, Robyn M. (2024). The process and solutions of implementing cooperative learning approach in elementary schools: a meta-synthesis study. Majallah-i 'ulum-i Tarbiyyati (In Press). doi: 10.22055/edus.2024.44854.3511
2024
Other Outputs
EDA explorer data: application of neuroscience to improve student learning outcomes through interest driven learning
Tan, Aik Lim and Gillies, Robyn (2024). EDA explorer data: application of neuroscience to improve student learning outcomes through interest driven learning. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/8bdd0c8
2024
Journal Article
A qualitative study of career decision making among African and Asian international medical students in China: process, challenges, and strategies
Li, Wen, Sun, Hong, Khan, Asaduzzaman and Gillies, Robyn (2024). A qualitative study of career decision making among African and Asian international medical students in China: process, challenges, and strategies. Advances in Health Sciences Education, 29 (5), 1-24. doi: 10.1007/s10459-024-10329-z
2024
Book Chapter
Collaborative learning: the context for 21st century success
Gillies, Robyn M. (2024). Collaborative learning: the context for 21st century success. The future of collaborative learning. (pp. 157-177) edited by Alex M. Arnold. Hauppauge, NY, United States: Nova Science Publishers.
2024
Book Chapter
Promoting cognitive and affective dispositions through collaborative learning
Gillies, Robyn M. (2024). Promoting cognitive and affective dispositions through collaborative learning. The Routledge international handbook of gender beliefs, stereotype threat, and teacher expectations. (pp. 307-317) London, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003275763-30
2023
Journal Article
Using cooperative learning to enhance students’ learning and engagement during inquiry-based science
Gillies, Robyn M. (2023). Using cooperative learning to enhance students’ learning and engagement during inquiry-based science. Education Sciences, 13 (12) 1242, 1242. doi: 10.3390/educsci13121242
2023
Conference Publication
Collaborative learning in higher education in Greece and Australia: advantages and challenges
Andreou, Georgia, Gillies, Robyn and Gkantaki, Maria (2023). Collaborative learning in higher education in Greece and Australia: advantages and challenges. Innovations and Collaborative Solutions in Contemporary Science, Online, 15 December 2023. Futurity Research Publishing.
2023
Journal Article
Dialogic teaching in a Year 5 classroom during cooperative inquiry-based science
Gillies, Robyn M. (2023). Dialogic teaching in a Year 5 classroom during cooperative inquiry-based science. International Journal of Educational Research Open, 5 100290, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ijedro.2023.100290
2023
Journal Article
Concept of cooperative learning in Australia and Iran
Keramati, Mohammad Reza, Gillies, Robyn M., Ansarizadeh, Fahimeh and Keramati, Ali (2023). Concept of cooperative learning in Australia and Iran. Iranian Journal of Comparative Education, 6 (4), 2693-2708. doi: 10.22034/IJCE.2023.387792.1482
2023
Journal Article
The influence of student diversity on applying cooperative learning in Ethiopian polytechnic colleges
Gebremariam, Getachew Robo, Kidane, Befekadu Zeleke and Gillies, Robyn M. (2023). The influence of student diversity on applying cooperative learning in Ethiopian polytechnic colleges. Education Sciences, 13 (1048), 1-20. doi: 10.33901/educsci13101048
2023
Journal Article
The Influence of Student Diversity on Applying Cooperative Learning in Ethiopian Polytechnic Colleges
Gebremariam, Getachew Robo, Kidane, Befekadu Zeleke and Gillies, Robyn M. (2023). The Influence of Student Diversity on Applying Cooperative Learning in Ethiopian Polytechnic Colleges. Education Sciences, 13 (10) 1048, 1-20. doi: 10.3390/educsci13101048
2023
Journal Article
Strategies promoting dialogic talk during cooperative learning
Gillies, Robyn M. (2023). Strategies promoting dialogic talk during cooperative learning. Autonomy and Responsibility Journal of Educational Sciences, 8 (1), 7-16. doi: 10.15170/AR.2023.8.1.1
2023
Journal Article
The TEK design principles: integrating neuroscience and learning environment research
Tan, Aik Lim, Gillies, Robyn and Jamaludin, Azilawati (2023). The TEK design principles: integrating neuroscience and learning environment research. Education Sciences, 13 (7) 747, 1-17. doi: 10.3390/educsci13070747
Funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Robyn Gillies is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Built In or Bolt On? A Policy Analysis of Non-Government Programs in Indigenous Education
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Ian Hardy
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Doctor Philosophy
Thinking as collaboration: Exploring students thinking via collaborative endeavours in the primary school classroom
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Peter Ellerton
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Doctor Philosophy
Implementing Quality Management in Saudi Education by Designing a Program to Improve Teachers¿ Performance
Principal Advisor
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Master Philosophy
Giving Our Girls A Voice: Using Dialogic Teaching to improve gender equity in classrooms.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Deborah Brown
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Doctor Philosophy
Cultural Competence Strategies to Support Chinese International Students Studying in Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Elizabeth Edwards
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Doctor Philosophy
The Student and Teacher Relationship: Exploring Behavioural and Neuroscience Variables that impact upon Student and Teacher Wellbeing
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Chase Sherwell, Professor Ross Cunnington
-
Doctor Philosophy
Career Development and Career-Related Choices of China-Educated International Medical Students: Insights for Career Guidance
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Asaduzzaman Khan
-
Doctor Philosophy
Cultural Competence Strategies to Support Chinese International Students Studying in Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Elizabeth Edwards
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Master Philosophy
Pedagogies that promote cognitivee and academic success
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring Language Learning Strategies and Learners¿ Identities Using WhatsApp Chats to Enhance the Learning of Arabic Grammar in Cooperative Learning Settings Online
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Simone Smala
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Doctor Philosophy
Critical thinking reflected in the academic writing of Chinese and Australian PhD students
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Garth Stahl
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
The Student and Teacher Relationship: Exploring Behavioural and Neuroscience Variables that impact upon Student and Teacher Wellbeing
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Chase Sherwell, Professor Ross Cunnington
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Writing as a 21st century skill: A dialogic approach to literacy pedagogy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Deborah Brown
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Adolescent Curiosity in Science Class: A mixed methods study of student curiosity across early adolescence and its presence in learning science.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Tisha Morrell
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Cognitive Acceleration and the Science of Learning: In Search of the Plasticity of Intelligence
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Annemaree Carroll
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Bridging the gap between formal and informal learning: An application of neuroscience to improve student learning outcomes through interest-driven learning
Principal Advisor
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
The Strategies and Practices of Resilience: What Everyone Can Learn from Resilient Undergraduate Students from Low Socioeconomic Backgrounds
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Annemaree Carroll
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Teacher learning about dialogical pedagogy: A multiple case study of Vietnamese educators from a Bakhtinian perspective
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Ian Hardy
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Teacher attribute and student motivation: The exploration of specific attributes of English teachers teaching English as a foreign language in high schools of China
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Yunxia Zhu
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Collaborative Writing in Arabic as a Second Language (ASL) Classrooms in Saudi Arabia: A Mixed-method Study
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Obaid Hamid
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Communication disorders in primary school students with school refusal behaviour
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Annemaree Carroll
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Developing Social and Emotional Learning Competencies in Classrooms Implementing the Schoolwide Positive Behaviour Support Program: Three Case Studies.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Annemaree Carroll
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Pre-service teachers' perceptions of cooperative learning in a face-to-face and 3D virtual environment: An exploratory study
Principal Advisor
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Cooperative Learning (CL) in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Context: Investigating, Learning Outcomes, Processes, and Experiences
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Obaid Hamid
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Saudi Science Teachers' Questioning in Support of Students' Inquiry-learning: Investigating the ESRU Framework
Principal Advisor
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Beliefs of early-childhood teachers towards cooperative learning in the chilean context
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Monica Cuskelly
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the out-of-field teaching experience
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Annemaree Carroll
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
An exploratory investigation of how teachers foster self-regulated learning (SRL) among primary school students
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Adrian Ashman
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Designing a culturally-relevant pedagogy for Confucian heritage culture (CHC) college students: The case of cooperative learning in Vietnam
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Peter Renshaw
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Male ex-inmates living crime-free: A phenomenological study.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Annemaree Carroll
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2010
Doctor Philosophy
The nature of learning support as revealed through the practice of six exemplary Support teachers (learning difficulties) based in Queensland state primary schools
Principal Advisor
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Cognitive training, conflict resolution, and exercise: Effects on young adolescents' well-being
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Adrian Ashman
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2007
Doctor Philosophy
BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN IN LONG DAY CARE CENTRES: THE EFFECTS OF TRAINING ON CARERS' PRACTICES
Principal Advisor
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2006
Doctor Philosophy
DOMESTIC ABUSE: COPING STRATEGIES OF CHRISTIAN WOMEN
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Bob Lingard
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2005
Doctor Philosophy
An explorative study of the effect of cooperative learning on creativity in Craft Design and Technology
Principal Advisor
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2004
Doctor Philosophy
TEACHING AND LEARNING WITHIN THE ZONE OF PROXIMAL DEVELOPMENT - A VYGOTSKIAN ANALYSIS
Principal Advisor
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2002
Doctor Philosophy
THE ADJUSTMENT-ADAPTATION OF ASIAN IMMIGRANTS DURING INTERCULTURAL TRANSITION IN BRISBANE
Principal Advisor
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring Language Learning Strategies and Learners¿ Identities Using WhatsApp Chats to Enhance the Learning of Arabic Grammar in Cooperative Learning Settings Online
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Simone Smala
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
The value of intellectual virtues in critical thinking education
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Peter Ellerton
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
The Impact of Learning Environment on Successful Intelligence: Beyond the Understanding of Socioeconomic Status
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Wojtek Tomaszewski, Associate Professor Jenny Povey
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Mathematics Textbooks as Curriculum Resources: Exploring How the Ministry-Published Textbook Supports Indonesian Teachers in Implementing a Student-Centred Teaching Approach
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jana Visnovska
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Twice-exceptional children in the classroom: Challenges for teachers and students in Indonesia
Associate Advisor
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Subjective Well-Being among Indonesian Students Transitioning to University: a Longitudinal Study of the Influence on Academic Self-Concept
Associate Advisor
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Reaching out for people in need: Promotion of emotional resilience for children in disadvantaged communities
Associate Advisor
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Enacting Learner Autonomy Policy in English Language Teaching: A Case study in Vietnamese Higher Education
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Obaid Hamid
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Capturing the 'Vibe' in the Classroom: The role of social synchrony in developing connectedness
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Annemaree Carroll
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Test-takers' contribution to the validation of uses of high-stakes language tests
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Asaduzzaman Khan, Associate Professor Obaid Hamid
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
The role of dialogic argumentation in science education for decision-making
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Katie Makar
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Resilience in sport: The development of a resilience program for young athletes
Associate Advisor
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Feedback for learning: A mixed methods study in the upper primary classroom
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Annemaree Carroll
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Cooperative Learning and Student Engagement: A Collective Case Study in Six High School Classrooms
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Julie Majella Bower, Professor Annemaree Carroll
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
An investigation on students' educational and occupational aspirations in Brunei Darussalam: Teaching and counselling implications
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Mary McMahon
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Risk, Offending Behaviour and Young People in the Cook Islands: A Study of Cultural Resilience
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Annemaree Carroll
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Improving Quality in Higher Education through Cooperative Learning Pedagogies: An Ethiopian Example
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Catherine Manathunga
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Building a picture of teacher practice promoting student investigation in the chemistry classroom
Associate Advisor
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
A Universal Evaluation of the Fun FRIENDS Program: Anxiety prevention in Early Childhood.
Associate Advisor
-
2013
Master Philosophy
An Exploratory Study of the Teaching for Understanding Framework (TfU) applied to a Year 6 Primary Connections unit.
Associate Advisor
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2004
Doctor Philosophy
AN ANALYSIS OF THE NATURE AND QUALITY OF FRIENDSHIP RELATIONSHIPS IN A SAMPLE OF AUSTRALIAN ADOLESCENTS
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Adrian Ashman
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2003
Doctor Philosophy
Young people's transitions into and out of homelessness in southeast Queensland
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Adrian Ashman
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Robyn Gillies directly for media enquiries about:
- Behaviour - children in schools
- Child behaviour in school
- Discipline - in schools
- Group learning
- Guidance counselling - in schools
- Learning - cooperative group
- School - child behaviour
- School - guidance counselling
- Schools and discipline
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