Water Education
Water is an educational problem.
We need to learn from others, as well as educate. We are involved in educational dialogues with the community on the environmental, economic, and symbolic and social values of water.
Our tertiary education programs aim to develop understanding of water and water management and we extend our educational programs to our
rural and regional communities.
We welcome you to join us in contributing to the future of Australia and our water systems.
Dr Susen Smith
Susen Smith is an educator with expertise in the development of sustainability knowledge and skills through schools. She is currently involved in evaluating environmental education in NSW schools and working with gifted students to investigate community-based sustainability projects. New knowledge, skills and attitudes will be necessary to achieve adaptation to climate change, and to equip communities to cope with the challenges. Susen’s work will provide a platform for the design of more effective education programs.
Dr Michael Littledyke
Mike Littledyke is the co-ordinator of the Science Education team and a member of the Mathematics/Science/IT/PDHPE Teaching and Research Group (TRG) at UNE. He has experience as an entomologist designing experiments and field-testing of insecticides for cotton pests in both Switzerland and Tanzania, before 15 years of primary school teaching in England. For the past 19 years he has developed a vast experience in curriculum design and teaching in higher education. He has had roles as Curriculum Leader for primary teacher education courses in science, design and technology, music, drama for BEd, PGCE and PGCE Articled Teacher degrees and as a lecturer in the Philosophy of Science. He has managed staff research and research degrees, and has been Chair of over 30 Postgraduate research examinations as Faculty Research Director at the University of Gloucester, UK. His latest research focuses on environmental education and education for sustainability.
Dr Frances Quinn
Frances Quinn has a multidisciplinary background in both biological sciences and education. She is currently unit coordinator for a number of science education units including Primary Environmental Science for Sustainability. Her scientific background combined with teaching expertise equip Dr Quinn to understand and respect the diverse prior scientific and environmental knowledge of adults, and to apply a range of pedagogical practices appropriate for facilitating their learning in this area.
Dr Neil Taylor
Neil Taylor has been involved in science education and curriculum development, resource development and the development of various assessment instruments for the past 18 years. His current interests include developing educational resources associated with water related environmental sciences and management.
Ms Julie Kennelly
Julie Kennelly works with the science education team in the School of Education, and Julie’s primary area of interest is in Education for Sustainability. Her current PhD project is a longitudinal study which follows final year BEd students into their beginning teacher year with the purpose of gaining insight into the ways in which new teachers engage with Education for Sustainability.
Mr Bruce McMullen
Bruce McMullen combines many years of educational experience with his research into educator perceptions and barriers to teaching aspects of climate change. He is also involved in research into the effectiveness of climate change education in primary and secondary schools. Understanding of the barriers to change is one component in the design of more effective educational strategies, as well as other aspects of innovation in the face of new issues.