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Centre for Research in Assessment and Digital Learning
Improving assessment practices in higher education
How our research improves learning
The Centre for Research in Assessment and Digital Learning (CRADLE) drives world-class research in assessment and digital learning, shaping national and global conversations. We inform Deakin’s teaching strategy, foster cross-faculty collaboration and build a thriving academic community. We collaborate with Deakin faculties, divisions and work with a range of industry partners and international collaborators.
Our history and vision
CRADLE was established in 2014 by its foundation director Deakin Distinguished Professor David Boud. The vision was for a small team of researchers to establish Deakin as a global leader in higher education research, connected to the University's own teaching and learning agenda. CRADLE undertakes and disseminates groundbreaking research on assessment and digital learning. This research continues to influence teaching and learning within Deakin and across the higher education sector.
Our research areas
Our cutting-edge research in higher education is focused on three broad and intersecting themes. We present our research through monthly seminars and our annual international symposium.
Assessing for learning
We examine how learning is valued and assessed and the significance of what is represented – for students, educators, employers and the broader community. This includes the interplay between learning and assessment design and the authenticity and relevance of representations of achievements.
Learning in a digital world
The digital world is now part of the fabric of society, and almost all aspects of higher and workplace learning are mediated by technology. Our research explores the interrelationships between people, technology and the social settings of learning and teaching.
Learning through work
Our research spans work-integrated learning at university and continuing education within workplaces with a focus on developing assessment that engages learners in building their capabilities and identities. We seek to understand and promote effective feedback cultures and feedback literacy to assist transitions to the workplace.
Our world-leading research team investigates improvements in higher education assessment in the context of a rapidly expanding digital environment, enhancing the learning experience for all.
Foundation Director, CRADLE
Research with us
Work alongside a world-class research team to improve learning and assessment in higher education. Whether you're looking to complete a PhD or you’re a current Deakin academic looking to deepen your expertise, join a vibrant team shaping the future of education.
Our researchers
Led by Deakin Distinguished Professor David Boud and Professor Phillip Dawson, CRADLE’s team of researchers have wide-ranging research interests and expertise in the areas of assessment in higher education, digital learning and feedback. Our team have produced several books, guides and journal articles.
Deakin Distinguished Professor David Boud is the Co-Director of CRADLE and Australia’s most internationally renowned educational researcher in higher education. He is a global leader in the fields of higher education, workplace learning and assessment and feedback.
Professor Phillip Dawson is the Co-Director of CRADLE. His research areas include assessment in higher education and focusing on feedback and cheating, predominantly in digital learning contexts. His book Defending Assessment Security in a Digital World explores how cheating is changing and what educators can do about it.
Professor Margaret Bearman is a professor at CRADLE with broad ranging interests including assessment in university education, feedback in healthcare contexts, simulation and learning in a digital world. Recognition for her work includes Program Innovation awards from the Australian Office of Learning and Teaching and Simulation Australasia.
Associate Professor Joanna Tai is an associate professor at CRADLE. Her research interests include student perspectives on learning and assessment from university to the workplace, peer-assisted learning, feedback, assessment literacy, developing capacity for evaluative judgement and research synthesis.
Dr Juuso Nieminen is a senior research fellow at CRADLE. Juuso focuses on the social, cultural and political dimensions of educational assessment. This includes student agency, assessment design and student identity formation.
Dr Helen Walker is CRADLE’s Research Manager. Helen is responsible for the coordination of all internal and external research practices including compliance, governance, funding and contracts, reporting impact, and data management.
Featured projects
Our partnerships with institutes and academics allow us to deliver research with impact. We lead bold initiatives that seek improvements in higher education assessment in the context of a rapidly expanding digital environment.
Assessment in a time of genAI
Led by Professor Margaret Bearman, this project investigates the rise of generative Artificial Intelligence (genAI) challenges in teaching and learning practices in higher education, particularly regarding assessment and feedback. The aim is to explore how assessments can assure, promote and sustain learning across diverse cohorts while supporting inclusive practices in a genAI era.
Feedback literacy for effective learning at university and beyond
Awarded ARC Discovery Project 2023 funding, Professor Phill Dawson is leading an international team to explore how learners can be equipped to make the most of feedback. The project aims to develop ‘feedback literacy’ to help learners navigate feedback in study and work, regardless of whether it is positive or negative.
How do assessment adjustments impact inclusion?
Associate Professor Joanna Tai and her CRADLE colleagues received NCSEHE funding to explore how to make assessments more inclusive. The project sought to understand the broader context of, and barriers and enablers to, inclusive assessment design. Drawing on staff and student voices, the project informed an inclusive assessment framework and recommendations for policy and practice.
Our partnerships
We partner with universities and educational institutions across 24 countries to foster innovation in assessment and digital learning. Our collaborations with researchers and educators enhance teaching practice, build research capacity and improve student outcomes.
Honorary appointments
Honorary appointments facilitate our local and international partnerships, strengthening CRADLE's program of collaborative research. Appointees are leaders in their fields who work with our researchers to elevate research outcomes in assessment and digital learning.
Contact us
Email the CRADLE team
