Learning occurs everywhere, not just in school. The Being and Becoming Learners group collaborates with diverse learners to create progressive, democratic and responsive solutions that overcome barriers to learning. Our work enables us to see, report on and improve learning, cultural safety, and health and wellbeing in Australia.
Deakin is an active contributor to global education research and theory. We're among the top 1% for arts and humanities research globally as well as #1 in Australia for education and education research.* Led by our group convenors, the Being and Becoming Learners group explores ideas under one central research theme – empowering lifelong learning.
We explore how students and teachers are involved in a continuous process of being and becoming learners.
Our research is guided by two central questions:
When you study a PhD or postdoctoral research with the Being and Becoming Learners group, you'll be supported by renowned researchers.
Our partnerships with government, community and industry allow us to deliver research with impact. We lead bold initiatives that seek solutions beyond traditional research and organisational boundaries.
Our research, developed in partnership with Department of Education and Training, resulted in the development and creation of digital resources for school leaders and teachers to support the schooling experience of African-heritage students in Victorian state government schools. The project was led by group members Dr Tebeje Molla, Associate Professor Tim Corcoran and Dr Kerri Garrard.
Progressing work by Associate Professor Tim Corcoran, Dr Trevor McCandless and Associate Professor Ben Whitburn (University of Southampton), this project enables the development and application of inherent requirements used in higher education. Through a purpose-built survey of School of Education staff and students, the research examines how respondents understand and use inherent requirements.
Steered by our group convenors, our members span from early to mid and senior career researchers. They bring a range of disciplinary expertise based on decades of combined experience.
Associate Professor Tim Corcoran’s research is dedicated to creating sensible theory practice options, supporting psychosocial ways of knowing/being. His areas of interest include educational psychology and inclusive education.
Dr Marcus Horwood’s research focuses on education policy and how it may best be used to maintain and promote wellbeing and educational outcomes for students, teachers and school leaders.
Ondine Bradbury, Teaching Scholar, Curriculum, Pedagogy and Professional Learning Teaching
Associate Professor Tim Corcoran, Associate Professor, Education (Inclusive Education)
Dr Kim Davies, Lecturer of Education (Inclusive Eduation)
Associate Professor Linda Hobbs, Associate Head of School, Research
Dr Marcus Horwood, Post Doctoral Research Fellow
Dr Brendan Hyde, Senior Lecturer, Education (Pedagogy and Curriculum)
Dr Cassandra Iannucci, Lecturer In Health and Physical Education
Dr Eve Mayes, ARC DECRA Fellow
Dr Trevor Mccandless, Research Fellow
Dr Genee Marks, Lecturer, Education (Inclusive Education)
Dr Tebeje Molla Mekonnen, Senior Lecturer
Dr Luci Pangrazio, ARC DECRA Research Fellow
Dr Dylan Scanlon, Lecturer, Education, Health and Physical Education
Associate Professor Andrew Skourdoumbris, Associate Professor, Education (Pedagogy and Curriculum)
Dr Matthew Thomas, Director, Professional Practice
Dr Cameron Van der Smee, Lecturer In Health and Physical Education
Dr Roz Ward, Associate Lecturer in Education, Health and Physical Education
Our strong and active ties to external partners ensure our research has real-world impact. We partner with local and international governments, schools, not-for-profit and philanthropic organisations and community groups. Some of our partners include:
Take an in-depth look at our latest research, available in a variety of formats and publications. For a full list of publications visit the profile pages of our researchers.
Latest publications:
Featured publications:
Our team is here to answer your questions and help you learn more about the Being and Becoming Learners group.
*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022
*U.S. News & World Report, Best Global Universities Subject Rankings 2022–2023
