The Learning Science and Innovation Laboratory (LeSIL- pronounced Liesel) is a group of international scholars who investigate learning and teaching science and innovation in education more broadly. Our interests span across school, university, and informal educational settings. We advance knowledge to inform future practice, policy, and research for the enhancement of educational outcomes. Three programmes represent our research efforts: science education for a post-truth world; innovation cultures and entrepreneurial science; and studies of emotion and affect in science education. These three programmes represent keys areas of educational need for research and innovation globally. Although the programmes have their unique foci, we also investigate ideas central to each programme in integrated ways by adopting a diverse range of research strategies. Our research is supported by strong national and international partnerships with academics from a range of institutions and partners from industry.
Science education for a post-truth world
The rapid spread of mis- and dis-information has led scholars and social commentators to refer to the present period as the post-truth world. Science education’s long-term focus on generating a scientifically literature citizenry and teaching about scientific inquiry offers one of the key avenues by which the post-truth problem can be addressed. In this programme of research, we identify ways in which school science and university science teacher education can serve the needs of society by equipping school and university graduates with the knowledge and capabilities for living in a post-truth world.
https://faculti.net/preparing-australian-science-students-for-the-post-truth-world/
Researchers
Innovation Cultures and Entrepreneurial Science
This program seeks to investigate and influence innovation cultures at national, regional, and organisational levels of understanding through education and learning. It connects with the idea of entrepreneurial science by building a research ecosystem around innovation cultures in education and entrepreneurial science education, connecting researchers, entrepreneurs, school leaders, teachers, and learners. Projects may engage the cross-thinking nature of entrepreneurship and enterprise education in diverse learning contexts, innovations in curriculum and pedagogy such as gamification, or ways of integrating entrepreneurialism with science education.
Researchers
HDR Students
Industry
Studies of Emotion and Affect in Science Education
Within this programme of research, we are interested in uncovering and unravelling the complexities of enacted curriculum in classrooms and teacher education. Our distinct approach involves understanding affective and emotional aspects of classroom life to enhance the conditions of teachers and students. Our laboratory consists of international members from Australia, Bhutan and Brazil, and international scholars from the US, Sweden, and Spain.
Two-Part Podcast on Teacher Emotions and Emotion Management
Emotions in Teaching and Learning
Researchers
HDR students
VRES students
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Charlotte Davey Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
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Matilda Hammond Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
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Samuel Liew Bachelor of Education (Secondary)