Professor Robyn Gillies
Professor

Robyn Gillies

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 56541

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

Education Education systems

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

  • Learning sciences

    Learning and teaching

  • Classroom discourses

    Teacher and student classroom discourses

  • Cooperative learning

  • Classroom instruction

    Pedagogical practices in the classroom

  • Educational psychology

  • Classroom behaviour

  • Guidance, Counselling and Careers

Search Professor Robyn Gillies’s works on UQ eSpace

271 works between 1989 and 2024
All (271) Journal Article (180) Book Chapter (42) Conference Publication (30) Book (11) Other Outputs (3) Edited Outputs (5)

1 - 20 of 271 works

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, 1-13. doi: 10.1007/s12144-024-06771-2

A new model for tracing interest: the growth cycle of interest framework

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. doi: 10.1080/09669760.2024.2406374

Challenges and solutions of implementing cooperative learning in classroom environments: lived experiences of primary school teachers in Iran

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

Challenges and strategies for navigating Australian healthcare access: experience from Chinese international students

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. doi: 10.3390/educsci14090975

Enhancing Student Engagement and Outcomes: The Effects of Cooperative Learning in an Ethiopian University’s Classrooms

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

EDA explorer data: application of neuroscience to improve student learning outcomes through interest driven learning

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, 1-24. doi: 10.1007/s10459-024-10329-z

A qualitative study of career decision making among African and Asian international medical students in China: process, challenges, and strategies

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.

Collaborative learning: the context for 21st century success

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

Promoting cognitive and affective dispositions through collaborative learning

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

Using cooperative learning to enhance students’ learning and engagement during inquiry-based science

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

Concept of cooperative learning in Australia and Iran

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

Dialogic teaching in a Year 5 classroom during cooperative inquiry-based science

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

The Influence of Student Diversity on Applying Cooperative Learning in Ethiopian Polytechnic Colleges

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

The influence of student diversity on applying cooperative learning in Ethiopian polytechnic colleges

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

Strategies promoting dialogic talk during cooperative learning

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

The TEK design principles: integrating neuroscience and learning environment research

2023

Book Chapter

Bringing It All Together: Some Concluding Remarks

Gillies, Robyn M., Millis, Barbara and Davidson, Neil (2023). Bringing It All Together: Some Concluding Remarks. Contemporary Global Perspectives on Cooperative Learning: Applications Across Educational Contexts. (pp. 268-279) New York, NY United States: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003268192-24

Bringing It All Together: Some Concluding Remarks

2023

Book Chapter

Cooperative learning and the state of the field

Gillies, Robyn M., Millis, Barbara and Davidson, Neil (2023). Cooperative learning and the state of the field. Contemporary global perspectives on cooperative learning: applications across educational contexts. (pp. 1-10) edited by Robyn M. Gillies, Barbara Millis and Neil Davidson. New York: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003268192-1

Cooperative learning and the state of the field

2023

Book Chapter

Promoting dialogic talk during cooperative learning

Gillies, Robyn M. (2023). Promoting dialogic talk during cooperative learning. Contemporary global perspectives on cooperative learning: applications across educational contexts. (pp. 197-207) edited by Robyn M. Gillies, Barbara Millis and Neil Davidson. New York: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003268192-19

Promoting dialogic talk during cooperative learning

2023

Journal Article

Teacher learning through dialogue with colleagues, self and students

Khong, Thi Diem Hang, Saito, Eisuke, Hardy, Ian and Gillies, Robyn (2023). Teacher learning through dialogue with colleagues, self and students. Educational Research, ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print), 1-19. doi: 10.1080/00131881.2023.2192226

Teacher learning through dialogue with colleagues, self and students

2023

Book Chapter

Bringing it all together: some concluding remarks

Gillies, Robyn M., Millis, Barbara and Davidson, Neil (2023). Bringing it all together: some concluding remarks. Contemporary global perspectives on cooperative learning: applications across educational contexts. (pp. 268-270) edited by Robyn M. Gillies, Barbara Millis and Neil Davidson. New York, NY, United States: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003268192

Bringing it all together: some concluding remarks

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2023
    Contract for intellectual services relative to the global network of learning schools
    Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2023
    'We need to talk' : Genomics and disability
    MRFF Genomics Health Futures Mission, Project Grant administered by AusIndustry
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    Community-based STEM professional learning for teachers of middle years
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    QGC/QMN STEM Education Partnership Program: A Professional Learning, Research and Evaluation Plan for 2015 and 2016
    Queensland Museum
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2019
    School-wide approaches for developing social and emotional wellbeing: New understandings of positive identities, emotions and learning in adolescents
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Queensland Primary Teachers' Professional Development Model for Collaborative Multimodal Inquiry Practices in Science: Responding to the Demands of the Australian Curriculum.
    Queensland Department of Education, Training and Employment
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Step up! Transforming mathematics and science pre-service secondary teacher education in Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2019
    The Science of Learning Research Centre
    ARC Special Research Initiative for a Science of Learning Research Centre
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2015
    Investing in our Disadvantaged Youth: New School-Wide Approaches to Understanding and Improving School Engagement and Social Connectedness
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    2011 UQ Trans-Pacific Fellowship - Resilience in Sport: A Cross-National Comparison
    UQ Trans-Pacific Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2014
    Supporting schools and teachers to improve students' reading achievement in rural communities
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    Transforming primary teachers' representational practices: Effects on students' scientific reasoning and discourse within contemporary sciences
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2012
    Inquiry Teaching in Mathematics: Accelerating the process of change
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    Comparative effectiveness of two strategic and meta-cognitive questioning approaches on children s explanatory behaviour, problem-solving, and learning during cooperative, inquiry-based learning
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2008
    The effects of teacher and student dialogues during cooperative learning on students' discourse, problem-solving, and learning
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2007
    Effects of training teachers in communication skills during cooperative learning on classroom discourse social inclusion and learning among middle-year students.
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2005
    School Reform and Literacy In Secondary Schools
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2005
    The effects of cooperative learning and communication training on classroom discourse, social inclusion, and learning among primary school students
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2002
    The effectiveness of peer collaboration compared with teacher-directed instruction for students with learning difficulties in writing
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2002
    Effects of teacher/student interactions in cooperative learning on the development of small group communication and prosocial behaviours in children during the middle years of schooling
    UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards - DVC(R) Funding
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2001
    Effects of Cooperative Learning on Young Adolescents' Learning and Small Group Interactions
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Robyn Gillies is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Master Philosophy

    Giving Our Girls A Voice: Using Dialogic Teaching to improve gender equity in classrooms.

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Deborah Brown

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Cultural Competence Strategies to Support Chinese International Students Studying in Australia

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Elizabeth Edwards

  • 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

    Exploring Career Development and Career related Choices of China educated International Medical and Nursing Students and Graduates

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Asaduzzaman Khan

  • Master Philosophy

    Pedagogies that promote cognitivee and academic success

    Principal Advisor

  • 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    THE IMPACT OF HUMAN RESOURCES MATERIALS STRATEGIES ON QUALITY PERFORMANCE, AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN IMPROVING EFFICIENCY - A FIELD STUDY IN SAUDI ARABI

    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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Critical thinking reflected in the academic writing of Chinese and Australian PhD students

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Garth Stahl

Completed supervision

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

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au