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

279 works between 1989 and 2025
All (279) Journal Article (187) Book Chapter (42) Conference Publication (31) Book (11) Other Outputs (3) Edited Outputs (5)

81 - 100 of 279 works

2017

Journal Article

Assessing the dimensionality and educational impacts of integrated ICT literacy in the higher education context

Tadesse, Tefera, Gillies, Robyn M. and Campbell, Chris (2017). Assessing the dimensionality and educational impacts of integrated ICT literacy in the higher education context. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 34 (1), 88-101. doi: 10.14742/ajet.2957

Assessing the dimensionality and educational impacts of integrated ICT literacy in the higher education context

2017

Journal Article

The development and validation of the student engagement scale in an Ethiopian university context

Tadesse, Tefera, Manathunga, Catherine E. and Gillies, Robyn M. (2017). The development and validation of the student engagement scale in an Ethiopian university context. Higher Education Research and Development, 37 (1), 1-18. doi: 10.1080/07294360.2017.1342605

The development and validation of the student engagement scale in an Ethiopian university context

2017

Journal Article

Genomics literacy: implications for teaching students with a range of special needs

Rafter, Mary and Gillies, Robyn M. (2017). Genomics literacy: implications for teaching students with a range of special needs. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 65 (1), 1-12. doi: 10.1080/1034912X.2017.1334877

Genomics literacy: implications for teaching students with a range of special needs

2017

Journal Article

The effects of teacher-introduced multimodal representations and discourse on students’ task engagement and scientific language during cooperative, inquiry-based science

Gillies, Robyn M. and Baffour, Bernard (2017). The effects of teacher-introduced multimodal representations and discourse on students’ task engagement and scientific language during cooperative, inquiry-based science. Instructional Science, 45 (4), 493-513. doi: 10.1007/s11251-017-9414-4

The effects of teacher-introduced multimodal representations and discourse on students’ task engagement and scientific language during cooperative, inquiry-based science

2017

Book Chapter

The teacher’s role in promoting students’ scientific discourse during a cooperative inquiry science unit

Gillies, Robyn M. and Rafter, Mary (2017). The teacher’s role in promoting students’ scientific discourse during a cooperative inquiry science unit. Classrooms. Volume 2: Academic content and behavior strategy instruction for students with and without disabilities. (pp. 205-229) edited by Jeffrey P. Bakken. New York, NY United States: Nova Science Publishers.

The teacher’s role in promoting students’ scientific discourse during a cooperative inquiry science unit

2016

Journal Article

Cooperative learning: Review of research and practice

Gillies, Robyn (2016). Cooperative learning: Review of research and practice. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 41 (3), 39-54. doi: 10.14221/ajte.2016v41n3.3

Cooperative learning: Review of research and practice

2016

Journal Article

Multimodal representations during an inquiry problemsolving activity in a Year 6 science class: a case study investigating cooperation, physiological arousal and belief states

Gillies, Robyn M., Carroll, Annemaree, Cunnington, Ross, Rafter, Mary, Palghat, Kelsey, Bednark, Jeff and Bourgeois, Amanda (2016). Multimodal representations during an inquiry problemsolving activity in a Year 6 science class: a case study investigating cooperation, physiological arousal and belief states. Australian Journal of Education, 60 (2), 111-127. doi: 10.1177/0004944116650701

Multimodal representations during an inquiry problemsolving activity in a Year 6 science class: a case study investigating cooperation, physiological arousal and belief states

2016

Book

Enhancing classroom-based talk : blending practice, research and theory

Gillies, Robyn M. (2016). Enhancing classroom-based talk : blending practice, research and theory. Abingdon, Oxon, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781315745367

Enhancing classroom-based talk : blending practice, research and theory

2016

Journal Article

The effectiveness of a guided inquiry-based, teachers’ professional development programme on Saudi students’ understanding of density

Almuntasheri, S., Gillies, R. M. and Wright, T. (2016). The effectiveness of a guided inquiry-based, teachers’ professional development programme on Saudi students’ understanding of density. Science Education International, 27 (1), 16-39.

The effectiveness of a guided inquiry-based, teachers’ professional development programme on Saudi students’ understanding of density

2016

Journal Article

A professional learning model that cultivates primary science classrooms’ representational profiles

Nichols, Kim, Gillies, Robyn and Kleiss, Donna (2016). A professional learning model that cultivates primary science classrooms’ representational profiles. International Journal of Educational Research, 76, 12-33. doi: 10.1016/j.ijer.2015.12.002

A professional learning model that cultivates primary science classrooms’ representational profiles

2015

Journal Article

Nurturing cooperative learning pedagogies in higher education classrooms: Evidence of instructional reform and potential changes

Tadesse, Tefera and Gillies, Robyn Margaret (2015). Nurturing cooperative learning pedagogies in higher education classrooms: Evidence of instructional reform and potential changes. Current Issues in Education, 18 (2), 1-18.

Nurturing cooperative learning pedagogies in higher education classrooms: Evidence of instructional reform and potential changes

2015

Journal Article

School reform for positive behaviour support through collaborative learning: utilising lesson study for a learning community

Saito, Eisuke, Watanabe, Miki, Gillies, Robyn, Someya, Ikuo, Nagashima, Takashi, Sato, Masaaki and Murase, Masatsugu (2015). School reform for positive behaviour support through collaborative learning: utilising lesson study for a learning community. Cambridge Journal of Education, 45 (4), 489-518. doi: 10.1080/0305764X.2014.988684

School reform for positive behaviour support through collaborative learning: utilising lesson study for a learning community

2015

Journal Article

Preliminary evaluation of the FRIENDS for Life program on students' and teachers' emotional states for a school in a low socio-economic status area

Iizuka, Cristina A., Barrett, Paula M., Gillies, Robyn, Cook, Clayton R. and Marinovic, Welber (2015). Preliminary evaluation of the FRIENDS for Life program on students' and teachers' emotional states for a school in a low socio-economic status area. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 40 (3), 1-20. doi: 10.14221/ajte.2014v40n3.1

Preliminary evaluation of the FRIENDS for Life program on students' and teachers' emotional states for a school in a low socio-economic status area

2015

Other Outputs

Queensland primary teachers' professional development model for collaborative multimodal inquiry practices in science: responding to the Australian curriculum

Nichols, K. and Gillies, Robyn (2015). Queensland primary teachers' professional development model for collaborative multimodal inquiry practices in science: responding to the Australian curriculum.

Queensland primary teachers' professional development model for collaborative multimodal inquiry practices in science: responding to the Australian curriculum

2015

Book Chapter

Academic talk in the collaborative classroom

Gillies, Robyn M. (2015). Academic talk in the collaborative classroom. Collaborative Learning: Developments in Research and Practice. (pp. 141-156) edited by Gillies, Robyn M.. New York, United States: Nova Science Publishers.

Academic talk in the collaborative classroom

2015

Book Chapter

Inclusive practices

Pagliano, Paul and Gillies, Robyn Margaret (2015). Inclusive practices. Education for Inclusion and Diversity. (pp. 131-159) edited by Adrian Ashman. Melbourne, VIC, Australia: Pearson Australia.

Inclusive practices

2015

Journal Article

Argumentation-based collaborative inquiry in science through representational work: Impact on primary students' representational fluency

Nichols, Kim, Gillies, Robyn and Hedberg, John (2015). Argumentation-based collaborative inquiry in science through representational work: Impact on primary students' representational fluency. Research in Science Education, 46 (3), 343-364. doi: 10.1007/s11165-014-9456-4

Argumentation-based collaborative inquiry in science through representational work: Impact on primary students' representational fluency

2015

Book Chapter

Academic talk in the classroom: developments in research

Gillies, Robyn M. (2015). Academic talk in the classroom: developments in research. The Routledge international handbook of social psychology of the classroom. (pp. 142-152) edited by Christine M. Rubie-Davies, Jason M. Stephens and Penelope Watson. Abingdon, United Kingdom: Taylor and Francis. doi: 10.4324/9781315716923.ch13

Academic talk in the classroom: developments in research

2015

Book Chapter

Small-Group Work: Developments in Research

Gillies, Robyn Margaret (2015). Small-Group Work: Developments in Research. Handbook of Classroom Management. (pp. 261-279) edited by Edmund T. Emmer and Edward J. Sabornie. New York, NY United States: Routledge.

Small-Group Work: Developments in Research

2015

Book

Collaborative learning: developments in research and practice

Robyn Margaret Gillies ed. (2015). Collaborative learning: developments in research and practice. New York, United States: Nova Science Publishers.

Collaborative learning: developments in research and practice

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
  • 2001 - 2003
    Effects of teacher-student interactions in cooperative learning on the development of small group communication and prosocial behaviours among secondary students
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2001
    Effects of Cooperative Learning on Young Adolescents' Learning and Small Group Interactions
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 1995
    Developing and implementing a career education program in the upper primary school: A pilot study
    University of Queensland New Staff Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 1995 - 1997
    The development of cooperative and helping interactions in primary school age children
    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

    Pedagogies that promote cognitivee and academic success

    Principal Advisor

  • 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

    Dialogic Pedagogy and the Impact on Gender Equality in Classroom Interactions

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Deborah Brown

  • Doctor Philosophy

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

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Critical thinking in the academic writing of Australian and Chinese postgraduate students: Conceptualisation, demonstration and cultural influences

    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