LEaRN Story
LEaRN was launched at an Industry Workshop in early 2009. Five Australian Research Council Linkage Projects have formed the core of the group’s research program. These have been supplemented by bespoke research consultancies, seed funded projects, and partner funded research topics. LEaRN research is undertaken in partnership with industry, recognising the expertise held by education and design practitioners.
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Members of the LEaRN team have won four Australian Research Council Linkage Projects. These have formed the backbone of LEaRN research attracting over $3M in ARC funding and partner cash from 2007-2019. Clare Newton led the first two ARC projects and Wes Imms led the second two. -
The first ARC Linkage Project, called Smart Green Schools considered space, pedagogy and sustainability. Two key journals were published—TAKE 8 edited by Clare Newton and Kenn Fisher and a special issue of Critical and Creative Thinking. Ben Cleveland (educator) and Ken Woodman (architect) each received an Australian Postgraduate Award Industry (APAI) to complete PhD research. -
The Future Proofing Schools ARC Linkage Project focused on the design and occupation of prefabricated learning spaces. The research included an international competition and led to the establishment of PrefabAUS, Australia’s first peak body in prefabrication. Pippa Soccio received an Australian Postgraduate Award Industry (APAI). -
Evaluating 21st Century Learning Environments (E21LE) focused on how teachers occupy learning spaces. Ben Cleveland was the Research Associate. Terry Byers, Anna Sala-Oviedo and Graham Oliver receiving APAI awards. The E21LE ARC Linkage Project launched the PhD symposia as a way for higher degree researchers to share knowledge. In 2017 the Melbourne symposia extended to the UK and USA. -
The Innovative Learning Environments and Teacher Change ARC Linkage Project is funding six PhD students. The focus is how teacher mind frames impact the adoption of new learning practices in innovative learning environments. This research project has received wide publicity and is leading to new research partnerships called Plans to Pedagogy. -
LEaRN industry partners and researchers sponsored annual research topics. Ben Cleveland as the LEaRN Research Fellow managed the annual research topics. -
LEaRN members have received a range of small competitive grants. -
LEaRN members have received a range of small competitive grants. -
LEaRN has more recently been undertaking research consultancies -
LEaRN income from ARC and industry sources was around $1M in each of the 2016 and 2017 years. -
The Smart Green Schools Linkage Project instigated Talking Spaces as discussions between expert educators, designers and researchers. The format incorporates the expertise within the audience as well as the presenters. The Vanderbilt Peabody Institute of Education hosted a Talking Spaces event in Nashville with funding support from a Dyason Grant.
