Janet Taylor

Biography

I am currently retired and an Emeritus Professor of Southern Cross University. I have worked in Higher Education since the 1970s and have most recently been Professor and Director of SCU College and Director of Teaching and Learning. I am a Fellow of Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) and Life Member of National Association of Enabling Educators of Australia (NAEEA). I have been the recipient of 3 national teaching development grants and have received a national citation for outstanding contribution to student learning in an area focused on the development of students’ mathematical skills. I have published extensively and diversely in the fields from reptile ecology to higher education.

Research

My research is focused around the question, “why some students succeed while others do not?”. I have investigated this directly with students and indirectly through research on curriculum design, use of learning technologies and the impact of staff development. I have a strong interest in transition to university and the learning of mathematics in higher education.

Community engagement

I have been engaged extensively as an advisor to and evaluator of higher education teaching and learning projects across Australia. I have been editor of the International Journal of Adults Learning Mathematics and have been sought after as reviewer for numerous journals.

Teaching

Over the years I have taught and written curricula for preparatory programs, diplomas, associate degrees and degree level programs. My teaching ranges from large first year classes to small online groups and from novice students to staff.