Reimagining Student Evaluation: The Role of AI in Shaping Pedagogy and Assessment Practices Across Secondary and Higher Education

About this project 
This research project aims to investigate the perceptions and usage of AI tools among students in both secondary schools and universities. You will examine the training students receive on AI technologies, their understanding of ethical considerations, and how they utilise AI to enhance their learning experiences.

In parallel, the project will assess the perspectives of secondary school teachers and university academics regarding AI in education. This includes their familiarity with large language models, awareness of students' use of AI, understanding of emerging educational frameworks, confidence in teaching about the ethical use of AI, and strategies for integrating AI into assessments.

The ultimate goal is to develop practical tools and resources that assist educators in designing authentic assessments and teaching practices that remain effective and relevant amidst rapidly evolving AI technologies.

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate with formal education training or a science background, with an interest in the development of AI enabled assessments within science teaching at the secondary or tertiary level. Ideal candidates will have:

- A strong interest in educational technology, or AI, and its impact on teaching and learning.

- A background in education, science or a related field.

- A keen interest in pedagogy, assessment design, and ethical considerations of AI in education.

 
What you’ll do
The PhD candidate will undertake a range of activities central to this qualitative research project. They will conduct comprehensive literature reviews on AI integration in education, particularly large language models and GenAI and their emerging impact on the design of assessments. The student will design and administer surveys and conduct focus group interviews that may include; secondary school students, university students, teachers, and academics. This may involve travel to various educational institutions (within SA) to collect data and engage with participants first-hand. The candidate will require a satisfactory Working with Children Check to undertake work with school students, in addition to any other requirements of the specific school site. The candidate will analyse qualitative data to uncover insights into AI's role in shaping pedagogy and assessment practices. Collaborating directly with educators, they will develop practical tools and resources, allowing their research to directly influence current teaching practices. In addition, travel may be included as the student will have the opportunity to present their work at national conferences.

 
Where you’ll be based 
The research will be taking place within the Clinical and Health Sciences Unit. Several supervisors have been recognised for teaching excellence through both UniSA teaching awards (Dr Barnes, Dr Caruso) and National awards (Dr Caruso). Dr Davey has recently received a CHS small project grant that is a pilot project towards this project.

A/Prof Deneen is a highly experienced teaching research focussed academic based in the Education Futures Unit. He leads the Complexity Leadership & Change in Complex Systems research stream at the C3L Research Centre. C3L offers a rich team environment with a mix of interdisciplinary researchers with expertise in computer science, education, psychology, data science and engineering. This environment includes an excellent mix of senior and early career researchers to provide strong support and mentorship. Although the student will be based in Clinical and Health Sciences Unit, they will have access to support within C3L, for example, their HDR students also have their own student support and community to help build research quality and develop UniSA core values.

Potential Students - What You'll Gain
- Impactful Research: Contribute to a critical area of education, influencing how science is taught and assessed in the age of AI.

- Professional Growth: Develop expertise in educational research methodologies, AI integration in education, and resource development for educators.

- Collaborative Networks: Work closely with educators across secondary and tertiary sectors, building professional relationships and sharing insights. Financial Support
This project is funded for reasonable research expenses.  A fee offset for the standard term of the program is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Additionally, any Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicant who holds an offer of admission without a living allowance will be eligible for the Aboriginal Enterprise Research Scholarship. This scholarship is to the value of $52,352 per annum (2025 rate). Any Aboriginal Enterprise Research Scholarship recipient will also receive a fee waiver. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.


Eligibility and Selection
This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. 

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time preferred, but part-time considered in special circumstances, and to be based at our City West campus in the heart of Adelaide.

 
Essential Dates
Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on 11 June 2025.