Professor Jill Willis

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Doctor of Philosophy (Queensland University of Technology), Master of Education (James Cook Uni. of North Qld), Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) (Kelvin Grove C.A.E), Bachelor of Arts (University of Queensland)

Jill Willis is an Associate Professor in Education. She evaluates the social structures of assessment and learning spaces, to make recommendations for improving teacher and student agency. Her current projects include co-leading the ARC Linkage Accessible Assessment; and the ARC Linkage Thriving in Vertical Schools. She is the Australian lead researcher on the SSHRC Preparing Assessment Capable Teachers project. Jill has a strong track record in collaborative partnerships and innovative methodologies.

Additional QUT highlights include:

  • Collaborating with Dr Andrew Gibson to bring together his field of reflective writing analytics with her sociocultural commitments to self assessment and feedback loops that build collective agency. The design led learning is ongoing through a series of collaborative research inquiries using the reflective writing tool GoingOk.
  • Innovative teaching in postgraduate Masters of Educational Leadership, recognised by the ACEL Qld Miller Grassie Award. Implementing digital feedback loops when teaching in the Masters of Teaching.
  • International research collaborations with Chris DeLuca, Bronwen Cowie and Christine Harrison preparing Assessment Capable teachers.
  • Working with Independent Schools Queensland to support their Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers, and how teachers represent their impact on student learning in this professional evaluation process.
  • Investigating the impact of physical and digital learning environments on learner agency in a series of projects that have culminated in an edited book School Spaces for Student Wellbeing and Learning.
  • Working with schools  to understand how assessment within the changes to Queensland Senior Assessment and the Australian Curriculum can enhance student experiences of learning in schools.
  • Involvement in establishing the Kelvin Grove Teacher Education Centre of Excellence partnership program (2011 - 2013) with Education Queensland and Kelvin Grove State College and partner schools.
  • Supporting experienced teachers throughout Queensland through the Mentoring Beginning Teacher project.

ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5200-5039

Projects (Chief investigator)

Projects

Additional information

Type
Academic Honours, Prestigious Awards or Prizes
Reference year
2020
Details
The Miller-Grassie Award for Outstanding Leadership in Education, and President¿s Citation is the highest honour awarded each year by the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (Qld). It is nominated by members and acknowledges and perpetuates the memory of the life and work of educational researchers and administrators, Dr Laurie Miller and Associate Professor McCrae Grassie. Miller and Grassie were pioneers in educational administration in Queensland from the 1970s through to the 1990s.
Type
Fellowships
Reference year
2019
Details
Senior Fellowship demonstrates a personal and institutional commitment to professionalism in learning and teaching in higher education. As a senior Fellow of the international Higher Education Academy I have demonstrated a thorough understanding of effective approaches to teaching and learning to support high quality student learning. I support and mentor others in relation to learning and teaching, and integrate quality teaching principles and practices into my own tertiary teaching.
Type
Academic Honours, Prestigious Awards or Prizes
Reference year
2018
Details
Faculty of Education Teaching and Learning Team award, for innovative use of data to improve learning.
Type
Academic Honours, Prestigious Awards or Prizes
Reference year
2018
Details
Vice Chancellor's Performance Award in recognition of a significant and superior contribution to the work of the University.
Type
Academic Honours, Prestigious Awards or Prizes
Reference year
2012
Details
Faculty of Education Teaching and Learning Award for teaching excellence, Early Career Award.
Type
Academic Honours, Prestigious Awards or Prizes
Reference year
2012
Details
Vice Chancellor's Performance Award in recognition of a significant and superior contribution to the work of the University.
Title
The Impact of Urban Vertical Schools on Students' Capability and Wellbeing
Primary fund type
CAT 1 - Australian Competitive Grant
Project ID
LP200301274
Start year
2022
Keywords
Title
Improving Outcomes through Accessible Assessment and Inclusive Practices
Primary fund type
CAT 1 - Australian Competitive Grant
Project ID
LP180100830
Start year
2019
Keywords
  • Making Middle Leadership Visible: Representations of Identity and Influence in Australian Independent Secondary Schools
    PhD, Principal Supervisor
    Other supervisors: Dr Leanne Crosswell
  • Care-Wisdom in the Classroom: Professional Learning to Support Students Living with Medical Stress
    PhD, Principal Supervisor
    Other supervisors: Associate Professor Judith Howard
  • Secondary Arts Education and 21st Century Skills: Educating the Whole Person in the Service of Life
    PhD, Principal Supervisor
    Other supervisors: Professor Sandra Gattenhof
  • The impact of educational decisions made within vertical schools on student agency
    PhD, Principal Supervisor
    Other supervisors: Dr Prue Miles, Associate Professor Nick Kelly
  • Self-Advocacy and Access to Assessment Adjustments: Exploring the Knowledge and Experiences of Queensland High School Students with Dyslexia
    PhD, Associate Supervisor
    Other supervisors: Associate Professor Sofia Mavropoulou
  • Exploring Inclusive Peer Assessment
    PhD, Principal Supervisor
    Other supervisors: Associate Professor Nerida Spina
  • Understanding how summative classroom assessment cycles influence student conceptualisations of their academic wellbeing and achievement
    Professional Doctorate, Associate Supervisor
    Other supervisors: Associate Professor Jenna Gillett-Swan
  • Making Assessment Inclusive in Higher Education
    Professional Doctorate, Principal Supervisor
    Other supervisors: Dr Glenys Mann