L&T Half-Day Symposium (Apr 2026)

For presenters for abstracts, synopsis and presentation videos for the April 2026 Learning and Teaching Symposium, see below.

9:29am 9:30am
Community Impact of L&T
9:30am 9:35am
Acknowledgement of Country
Joshua Matthews
9:35am 9:45am
Welcome and Introduction
Prof Leopold Bayerlein - Deputy Executive Principal Education Futures
9:45am 10:30am

Abstract

When students take a core subject that is unlikely to be their specialisation – the common question is “what’s in it for me?”. In this keynote, Amanda will explore how strategies we can use in our education of students that reflects our values and supports a broader community impact, even if students don’t realise it just yet 😉

10:30am 10:40am
Q&A
Joshua Matthews
10:40am 10:45am
-- Break --
10:44am 10:45am
Session One - Chair Joshua Matthews
10:45am 11:00am

Abstract

In an era of digital learning, how do we make science feel genuinely “real”? By shifting our focus from pure content delivery to hands-on context, UNE’s “Microbiology @ Home” program translates physical laboratory experiences directly into remote students’ homes.

11:00am 11:15am

Abstract

This presentation will share an initiative to develop a set of publicly available resources to support academics who wish to integrate a law-and-language focus into their teaching. The initiative, developed through the Law and Linguistics Interdisciplinary Research Network that Dr Smith-Khan co-runs, involved interviewing eight Australian academics, critically exploring how they have integrated this focus within their teaching, across a range of disciplines, both within existing offerings and through the creation of specialised units. Alongside these case studies, that have now been published on the Network’s website, is a living Teaching Resources Library, with initial contributions from the case study participants. It is hoped that these resources will not only support colleagues who are wishing to develop an interdisciplinary approach in their own teaching, but also provide the foundation for growing a community of practice, already established through the auspices of the Network.

11:15am 11:30am

Abstract

Traditional groupwork in higher education is plagued by well-documented challenges: free-riding, scheduling conflicts, small class sizes, and superficial collaboration. Simultaneously, the rapid emergence of generative AI demands that educators move beyond prohibition towards meaningful integration. This presentation describes the design and first-iteration outcomes of a cross-disciplinary capstone assessment (SCI310/510 – Artificial Intelligence and Computing for Science) in which students assemble “AI teams” – multiple AI assistants configured as discipline-specific experts – to collaboratively develop research proposals addressing real-world grand challenges. Students operate as project leads, critically evaluating AI outputs, documenting prompt refinement, and validating claims against primary literature. Authentic understanding is verified through a mandatory viva voce, ensuring academic integrity without restricting AI use during the creative process. Critically, the assessment is deliberately scaffolded to mirror the early stages of a Higher Degree Research candidature: students identify research gaps, write formal proposals, develop budgets and timelines, and defend their ideas under questioning – functioning as an “HDR pipeline” that demystifies the pathway to Honours and PhD study. First-offering evaluation data (4.7/5.0) and student feedback indicate high engagement, with students reporting the experience provided practical insight into academic research life. Implications for assessment design, AI literacy, and HDR recruitment are discussed.

11:30am 11:40am
Q&A for Session One
Joshua Matthews
11:40am 11:45am
-- Break --
11:44am 11:45am
Session Two - Chair Cat Johnston
11:45am 12:00am

Abstract

The UNE Digital Psychology Clinic is an online training model designed to strengthen community impact by expanding access to postgraduate psychology education for regional, rural, and remote students. By reducing geographical, financial, and social barriers, the Clinic supports place-based training pathways that enable students to remain embedded in their communities, helping build a more representative psychology workforce in underserved areas and strengthening continuity of care where clinician shortages are most acute.

12:00pm 12:15pm

Abstract

Business schools are placing increasing emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). International bodies and accreditation agencies have intensified expectations for embedding sustainability competencies within responsible management education (RME). Developing these competencies helps graduates remain competitive and fit-for-purpose in a rapidly evolving job market. However, challenges remain in clearly conceptualising ESG skills and effectively integrating them into curricula to enhance student learning experiences.

12:15pm 12:25pm
Q&A for Session Two
Cat Johnston
12:25pm 12:30pm
Close
Sue Crew - Executive Principal Education Futures