Institute for Learning Sciences and Teacher Education

Our studies span early childhood through to higher education and we lead the way in cutting edge interventions. Our research builds evidence-based knowledge and identifies solutions that improve learning and quality of life for all people, especially those experiencing inequity, disadvantage, on the margins and at risk.

Our people

We host a team of eminent researchers and international scholars, research students, and professional staff working in a range of capacities to support our research.

Meet our people


Recent event

Panel Event & Book Launch: Teacher Education as Vital Nation Building

We recently held an expert online panel event on teaching as a career of choice. It proved to be fast-paced and forward looking, bringing together ideas and open new thinking about teaching, changing times and teacher preparation.

Panel members included:

  • Mark Grant - Chief Executive Officer, Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership
  • Jane Ceolin - Director, First Peoples Directorate, ACU
  • Malcolm Elliott - President, Australian Primary Principals Association
  • Sally Egan - Deputy Executive Director, National Catholic Education Commission
  • Andrew Pierpoint - President, Australian Secondary Principals’ Association
  • Brian Lee-Archer - Chief Executive of Strategy and Consulting, Surround Australia Pty Ltd
  • Professor Bob Lingard - Professorial Fellow, Institute for Learning Sciences and Teacher Education, ACU 
  • Professor Claire Wyatt-Smith - Director, Institute for Learning Sciences & Teacher Education, ACU
  • Madonna King - Panel Facilitator

Hot topics discussed include Internships as part of preparation; Efforts to diversify the workforce; Efficiency of preparation models: The optimum duration and the modes of delivery of programs; Pathways through preparation; How the academic program and the practice-based program in schools can be more effectively linked, one to the other, and to worlds of work; and Improving teaching conditions, including salary and study leave.

A new book titled, Professionalizing Teacher Education: Performance assessment, standards, moderation and evidence was also launched by Professor Mary Ryan to open the panel dialogue. 

For more information, please visit event.learningsciences.com.au.


Call for Expressions of Interest

Our Institute is looking for research assistants to join our vibrant research community.

Do you have project experience in managing and analysing quantitative and/or qualitative data for social science research?

Do you have strong interpersonal and written communication skills with capacity to work in a fast-paced, team-based work environment?
Do you want to support innovative teacher education and assessment research designed to improve the quality of Australian teachers?

Lodge your Expression of Interest here.

Our research

Research Centre for Digital Data and Assessment in Education

The Research Centre for Digital Data and Assessment in Education explores how technologies are transforming education inside and outside schooling.

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Assessment, evaluation and education policy

This research examines quality educational assessment to capture and direct student learning to meet 21st century learning goals encompassing curriculum knowledge and skills, interpersonal skills and values.

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Early childhood futures

This research examines the role of play-based learning in building young children’s knowledge outcomes for the 21st century.

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English and literacies

This research addresses all aspects of literacy education including traditional literacies and new forms of multimodal and digital literacy in the English curriculum and in other school curriculum areas, as well as childhood and adolescent literacies outside of schooling.

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Data Analytics in Education

This research investigates and applies innovative data science methodologies to analysis of individual learning and teaching outcomes using large-scale longitudinal social survey and administrative education data.

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STEM in education

STEM in Education advances disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge to ensure that all students have opportunities to become proficient, critical knowers and users of mathematics and science in a complex technologically-oriented and data-rich world.

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Teachers' work and workforce studies

This research concerns the development of expertise in initial teacher education and teachers’ continuing professional learning, and engages with the criticism that the evidence base for teacher education is not sufficiently research-oriented.

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ACU research institutes ILSTE

Our projects

Stay up-to-date with our latest projects across a wide range of areas aiming at improving educational outcomes for children of all ages, teachers and the wider community.

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ILSTE Final

Get in touch

Cathedral House
Level 4, 229 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane, Qld, 4000
(GPO Box 2587, Brisbane, Qld, 4001)

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