What will the project do?

This project will investigate how teachers can use the untapped potential of Innovative Learning Environments (ILEs) to improve learning outcomes for students. It will identify whether there is a link between quality teaching and effective use of ILEs and develop practical tools to assist teachers to adapt their teaching practices to maximise deeper learning. An overview of the project is available here.

The research will be conducted in 3 stages across 4 years using exploratory and mixed method approaches, in order to establish whether there is a link between teachers’ use of ILEs and unlocking the potential of these new learning spaces. The research will be conducted by a team of researchers and PhD students at different locations across Australia and New Zealand.

  • Stage 1 2016-2017, will collect baseline data on the way teachers use ILEs, what are the benefits and shorfalls. Data will be collected across different types of schools in Australia and New Zealand using surveys, classroom observation, interviews with and focus groups teachers.
  • Stage 2 2017- late 2019 will involve the development, trial and refinement of strategies to assist teachers in adapting their teaching to different types of ILEs.  Trials will take place in project partner schools in NSW, Qld, ACT, NZ, Catholic dioceses of Parramatta and the Australian Science and Mathematics School (Adelaide), Woodleigh School (Melbourne), Churchie (Brisbane) and Stonefields School (Auckland).
  • Stage 3  Late 2019- mid 2020 will test the effectiveness of these strategies across a large number of different types of schools (regional/urban, govt/independent etc) in Australia and New Zealand.