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)

141 - 160 of 278 works

2012

Book Chapter

Introduction

Gillies, Robyn (2012). Introduction. Pedagogy: new developments in the learning sciences. (pp. 1-7) edited by Robyn M. Gillies. New York, United States: Nova Science Publishers.

Introduction

2012

Conference Publication

Enacting the intended curriculum through inquiry pedagogy

Dole, Shelley, Makar, Katie and Gillies, Robyn (2012). Enacting the intended curriculum through inquiry pedagogy. The Twelfth International Congress of Mathematics Education, Seoul, Korea, 8-15 July 2012. Korea National Univ. of Education Gangnae-myeon, Cheongwon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-Do, Republic of Korea: International Commission on Mathematical Education (ICME).

Enacting the intended curriculum through inquiry pedagogy

2011

Journal Article

Promoting problem-solving and reasoning during cooperative inquiry science

Gillies, Robyn M., Nichols, Kim and Burgh, Gilbert (2011). Promoting problem-solving and reasoning during cooperative inquiry science. Teaching Education, 22 (4), 429-445. doi: 10.1080/10476210.2011.610448

Promoting problem-solving and reasoning during cooperative inquiry science

2011

Journal Article

Cooperative learning in theory, practice and research

Sharan, Yael and Gillies, Robyn (2011). Cooperative learning in theory, practice and research. Experiments in Education, 39 (3), 3-5.

Cooperative learning in theory, practice and research

2011

Journal Article

Alternative views on intelligence

Gillies, Robyn M. (2011). Alternative views on intelligence. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 58 (2), 189-193. doi: 10.1080/1034912X.2011.570507

Alternative views on intelligence

2011

Journal Article

Increasing explanatory behaviour, problem-solving, and reasoning within classes using cooperative group work

Gillies, Robyn M. and Haynes, Michele (2011). Increasing explanatory behaviour, problem-solving, and reasoning within classes using cooperative group work. Instructional Science, 39 (3), 349-366. doi: 10.1007/s11251-010-9130-9

Increasing explanatory behaviour, problem-solving, and reasoning within classes using cooperative group work

2011

Journal Article

Teachers' reflections of cooperative learning (CL): A two-year follow-up

Gillies, Robyn M. and Boyle, Michael (2011). Teachers' reflections of cooperative learning (CL): A two-year follow-up. Teaching Education, 22 (1), 63-78. doi: 10.1080/10476210.2010.538045

Teachers' reflections of cooperative learning (CL): A two-year follow-up

2011

Journal Article

Promoting thinking, problem-solving and reasoning during small group discussions

Gillies, Robyn M. (2011). Promoting thinking, problem-solving and reasoning during small group discussions. Teachers and Teaching, 17 (1), 73-89. doi: 10.1080/13540602.2011.538498

Promoting thinking, problem-solving and reasoning during small group discussions

2011

Journal Article

Designing strategies to make cooperative learning culturally appropriate in the Vietnamese context

Pham, Thi Hong Thanh, Gillies, Robyn M. and Renshaw, Peter (2011). Designing strategies to make cooperative learning culturally appropriate in the Vietnamese context. Higher Education Review, 44 (1), 43-57.

Designing strategies to make cooperative learning culturally appropriate in the Vietnamese context

2011

Conference Publication

Education and ex-inmates

J-F, Gillies, R. and Carroll, A. (2011). Education and ex-inmates. Australian Association for Research in Education Conference (AARE 2011), Hobart, Australia, 27 November - 1 December 2011. Deakin, ACT, Australia: Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE).

Education and ex-inmates

2011

Journal Article

Counselling Christian women on how to deal with domestic violence

Gillies, Robyn (2011). Counselling Christian women on how to deal with domestic violence. Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 21 (1), 108-109. doi: 10.1375/ajgc.21.1.107

Counselling Christian women on how to deal with domestic violence

2011

Conference Publication

Developing teachers’ knowledge and pedagogical practices in rural and mining communities

van Kraayenoord, C. E., Gillies, R., Honan, E., Moni, K., Western, M. and Brereton, D. (2011). Developing teachers’ knowledge and pedagogical practices in rural and mining communities. Australian Teacher Education Association Conference, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 3-6 July 2011.

Developing teachers’ knowledge and pedagogical practices in rural and mining communities

2010

Journal Article

Group composition of cooperative learning: Does heterogeneous grouping work in Asian classrooms?

Pham, Thi Hong Thanh and Gillies, Robyn (2010). Group composition of cooperative learning: Does heterogeneous grouping work in Asian classrooms?. International Education Studies, 3 (3), 12-19. doi: 10.5539/ies.v3n3p12

Group composition of cooperative learning: Does heterogeneous grouping work in Asian classrooms?

2010

Journal Article

Teachers' reflections on cooperative learning: Issues of implementation

Gillies, Robyn M. and Boyle, Michael (2010). Teachers' reflections on cooperative learning: Issues of implementation. Teaching and Teacher Education, 26 (4), 933-940. doi: 10.1016/j.tate.2009.10.034

Teachers' reflections on cooperative learning: Issues of implementation

2010

Edited Outputs

Cooperative learning: Pedagogy, policy and practice

Robyn Gillies and Michael Boyle eds. (2010). Cooperative learning: Pedagogy, policy and practice. The International Association for the Study of Cooperation in Education (IASCE) 2010, Brisbane, Australia, 25-27 November 2010.

Cooperative learning: Pedagogy, policy and practice

2010

Journal Article

Designing a culturally appropriate format of formative peer assessment for Asian students: The case of Vietnamese students

Pham, Thi Hong Thanh and Gillies, Robyn (2010). Designing a culturally appropriate format of formative peer assessment for Asian students: The case of Vietnamese students. International Journal of Educational Reform, 19 (2), 72-85. doi: 10.1177/105678791001900201

Designing a culturally appropriate format of formative peer assessment for Asian students: The case of Vietnamese students

2009

Journal Article

Promoting reasoned argumentation, problem-solving and learning during small-group work

Gillies, Robyn M. and Khan, Asaduzzaman (2009). Promoting reasoned argumentation, problem-solving and learning during small-group work. Cambridge Journal of Education, 39 (1), 7-27. doi: 10.1080/03057640802701945

Promoting reasoned argumentation, problem-solving and learning during small-group work

2009

Journal Article

Cognitive training, conflict resolution, and exercise: Effects on young adolescents' well-being

Taylor, M., Gillies, R. and Ashman, A. (2009). Cognitive training, conflict resolution, and exercise: Effects on young adolescents' well-being. Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 19 (2), 131-149. doi: 10.1375/ajgc.19.2.131

Cognitive training, conflict resolution, and exercise: Effects on young adolescents' well-being

2009

Book

Evidence-based teaching: Strategies that promote learning

Gillies, R. (2009). Evidence-based teaching: Strategies that promote learning. Rotterdam, Netherlands: Sense Publishers. doi: 10.1163/9789460910562

Evidence-based teaching: Strategies that promote learning

2009

Book Chapter

Curriculum, adjustments, and adaptations

Pagliano, P. and Gillies, R. (2009). Curriculum, adjustments, and adaptations. Education for Inclusion and Diversity. (pp. 201-234) edited by A. Ashman and J. Elkins. Frenches Forest, NSW.: Pearson Education Australia.

Curriculum, adjustments, and adaptations

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

    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

    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

  • 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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