Professor Robyn Gillies
Professor

Robyn Gillies

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+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

278 works between 1989 and 2025
All (278) Journal Article (186) Book Chapter (42) Conference Publication (31) Book (11) Other Outputs (3) Edited Outputs (5)

201 - 220 of 278 works

2003

Book Chapter

Guiding intellectual and personal growth across educational contexts

Ashman, Adrian F. and Gillies, Robyn M. (2003). Guiding intellectual and personal growth across educational contexts. Co-operative Learning: The Social and Intellectual Outcomes of Learning in Groups. (pp. 224-238) edited by Gillies, R. M. and Ashman, A. F.. London: RoutledgeFalmer. doi: 10.4324/9780203465264

Guiding intellectual and personal growth across educational contexts

2003

Journal Article

Structuring cooperative group work in classrooms

Gillies, R. M. (2003). Structuring cooperative group work in classrooms. International Journal of Educational Research, 39 (1-2), 35-49. doi: 10.1016/S0883-0355(03)00072-7

Structuring cooperative group work in classrooms

2003

Journal Article

Support Requirements and Effects of Supervision on Telephone Counsellors

McNamara, J. and Gillies, R. M. (2003). Support Requirements and Effects of Supervision on Telephone Counsellors. Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 13 (2), 192-204. doi: 10.1017/s1037291100002880

Support Requirements and Effects of Supervision on Telephone Counsellors

2003

Book Chapter

Structuring co-operative learning experiences in primary school

Gillies, R. M. (2003). Structuring co-operative learning experiences in primary school. Co-operative learning: The social and intellectual outcomes of learning in groups. (pp. 36-53) edited by Robyn M. Gillies and Adrian F. Ashman. London, U.K.: RoutledgeFalmer. doi: 10.4324/9780203465264

Structuring co-operative learning experiences in primary school

2003

Book Chapter

An historical review of the use of groups to promote socialization and learning

Gillies, R. M. and Ashman, A. F. (2003). An historical review of the use of groups to promote socialization and learning. Co-operative Learning: The Social and Intellectual Outcomes of Learning in Groups. (pp. 1-18) edited by Gillies, R. M. and Ashman, A. F.. London: RoutledgeFalmer. doi: 10.4324/9780203465264

An historical review of the use of groups to promote socialization and learning

2003

Book Chapter

Peer support networks in school and community settings

Ashman, Adrian F. and Gillies, Robyn M. (2003). Peer support networks in school and community settings. Cooperative learning: The social and intellectual outcomes of learning. (pp. 196-209) edited by Robyn Gillies and Adrian Ashman. London: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9780203465264

Peer support networks in school and community settings

2003

Book

Cooperative learning: the social and intellectual outcomes of learning in groups

Robyn M. Gillies and Adrian F. Ashman eds. (2003). Cooperative learning: the social and intellectual outcomes of learning in groups. Abingdon, Oxon, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9780203465264

Cooperative learning: the social and intellectual outcomes of learning in groups

2002

Journal Article

Editorial

Gillies, Robyn (2002). Editorial. Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 12, ii-iv. doi: 10.1017/s1037291100004490

Editorial

2002

Book Chapter

Programs that support inclusive education

Gillies, R. M. (2002). Programs that support inclusive education. Educating children with diverse abilities. (pp. 349-384) edited by A. Ashman and J. Elkins. Frenchs Forest, N.S.W., Australia: Pearson Education.

Programs that support inclusive education

2002

Journal Article

The long-term effects of cooperative learning on children's behaviour and interactions

Gillies, R. M. (2002). The long-term effects of cooperative learning on children's behaviour and interactions. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 22 (1), 28-37. doi: 10.1080/0218879020220104

The long-term effects of cooperative learning on children's behaviour and interactions

2002

Journal Article

The residual effects of cooperative-learning experiences: A two-year follow-up

Gillies, R. M. (2002). The residual effects of cooperative-learning experiences: A two-year follow-up. Journal of Educational Research, 96 (1), 15-20. doi: 10.1080/00220670209598787

The residual effects of cooperative-learning experiences: A two-year follow-up

2002

Conference Publication

Paradigmatic changes in promoting inclusive education: Implications for school guidance officers

Gillies, R. M. (2002). Paradigmatic changes in promoting inclusive education: Implications for school guidance officers. Queensland Guidance and Counselling Association Conference, Mackay, Qld, 21-22 September 2002. Brisbane: QGCA Inc.

Paradigmatic changes in promoting inclusive education: Implications for school guidance officers

2002

Edited Outputs

Australian journal of guidance and counselling

Australian journal of guidance and counselling. (2002). 12 (1)

Australian journal of guidance and counselling

2002

Journal Article

Editorial

Gillies, R. M. (2002). Editorial. Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 12 (1), ii-iii.

Editorial

2001

Journal Article

Co-operative learning processes of students: A longitudinal multilevel perspective

Terwel, J., Gillies, R. M., Van den Eeden, P. and Hoek, P. (2001). Co-operative learning processes of students: A longitudinal multilevel perspective. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 71 (4), 619-646. doi: 10.1348/000709901158703

Co-operative learning processes of students: A longitudinal multilevel perspective

2001

Book Chapter

Career programs for people with disabilities

Gillies, R. M. and Knight, K. (2001). Career programs for people with disabilities. Career Development Programs: Preparation for Lifelong Career Decision Making. (pp. 152-160) edited by Wendy Patton and Mary McMahon. Melbourne, VIC Australia: ACER Press.

Career programs for people with disabilities

2001

Journal Article

Occupational aspirations of sixth-grade children

McMahon, M., Carroll, J. and Gillies, R. M. (2001). Occupational aspirations of sixth-grade children. Australian Journal of Career Development, 10 (1), 25-31. doi: 10.1177/103841620101000107

Occupational aspirations of sixth-grade children

2001

Conference Publication

Meeting young adolescents' psychological needs through co-operative small-group learning

Gillies, R. M. (2001). Meeting young adolescents' psychological needs through co-operative small-group learning. Promoting Well Being, Brisbane, 20-23 September 2001. Brisbane: Australian Guidance & Counselling Association.

Meeting young adolescents' psychological needs through co-operative small-group learning

2001

Journal Article

Cooperative learning in schools

Gillies, R. M. (2001). Cooperative learning in schools. Research on World Chinese Physical Education, 2 (2), 1-5.

Cooperative learning in schools

2001

Journal Article

Review of 'Educating for resilience: Prevention and intervention strategies for young people at risk' by G. Withers & J. Russell

Gillies, R. M. (2001). Review of 'Educating for resilience: Prevention and intervention strategies for young people at risk' by G. Withers & J. Russell. Australian Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 11 (1), 159-160. doi: 10.1017/s1037291100004428

Review of 'Educating for resilience: Prevention and intervention strategies for young people at risk' by G. Withers & J. Russell

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

  • 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

  • Master Philosophy

    Pedagogies that promote cognitivee and academic success

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Dialogic Pedagogy and the Impact on Gender Equality in Classroom Interactions

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Deborah Brown

  • 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

    Thinking as collaboration: Exploring students thinking via collaborative endeavours in the primary school classroom

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Peter Ellerton

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Implementing Quality Management in Saudi Education by Designing a Program to Improve Teachers¿ Performance

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Cultural Competence Strategies to Support Chinese International Students Studying in Australia

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Elizabeth Edwards

  • 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

    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

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

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Garth Stahl

  • 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

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

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