Contemporary Approaches to Research Symposium

Each year the ‘Contemporary Approaches to Research (CAR) in Mathematics, Science, Health and Environmental Education’ symposium focuses on practical and theoretical aspects of a range of research methodologies – such as cross-cultural perspectives, activity theory, capturing complexity, classroom video analysis, quantitative methods, and interviewing – which are discussed in a lively, informal setting.

The program will include two keynote speakers and the themed sessions.

The program starts at 9.00 am and concludes at 5.00 pm each of the two days.

Presentations at the symposium will be grouped into sessions of two to four with similar methodological foci, designed to promote substantive discussion of a methodological issue. Presentations might focus on a) details and settings of the application of a methodology in ways that unpack how the methodology can operate in different contexts, or b) a particular methodological issue, problem, or strategic decision that explores or extends a methodology. The methodological issues should be broadly related to mathematics, science, health, or environmental education. The presentations should provide a grounded practitioner’s perspective.

Following each group of presentations, there will be the opportunity for extended discussion of the focus methodological issue, which may explore different approaches within the methodology (in research design, instruments, theoretical framing, or approaches to analysis), or different methodological approaches to a problem (for instance making sense of teacher practice, or tracking change in learners).

Presentations will be 12 minutes in duration and should briefly outline the research question being addressed and may include the findings or likely outcomes of the research, but should focus mainly on the research methodology. Reports on work in progress are welcome but the focus is on the methodology.

Eve Mayes

Abstract to come soon.

Dr Eve Mayes is a Senior Research Fellow and Senior Lecturer (Pedagogy and Curriculum) in the School of Education at Deakin University, living and working on unceded Wadawurrung Country. Since 2022, she has worked alongside an intergenerational team of young climate justice advocates on the Australian Research Council-funded Striking Voices project. She has co-convened the activist-scholar Earth Unbound collective since 2021, and co-edited the collective’s open-access book (with Michele Lobo & Laura Bedford). Eve’s work focuses on 1) young people’s differing lived experiences of interconnected environmental, social & educational injustices; 2) young people’s everyday activism(s); & 3) the possibilities of justice-oriented climate change education across & between mainstream & informal educational spaces. Her research with young people and educators, across mainstream school settings, social movements and cultural institutions, is shaped by critical participatory and affective methodologies.

Jodie Miller & Danielle Armour

This presentation explores the relational methodologies underpinning collaborative research with Indigenous communities, drawing on our experiences as Aboriginal and non-Indigenous academics working in partnership. We foreground the importance of co-construction—where research is not done on or for communities, but with them—emphasising reciprocity, cultural safety, and shared authority throughout the research process. Through co-constructing research, we examine how trust-building, deep listening, and community-led priorities shape every stage of our work, from design to dissemination. We discuss the tensions and possibilities that arise when academic protocols intersect with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing, and how these intersections can lead to more ethical, impactful, and transformative research outcomes. Our approach challenges dominant paradigms by centring Indigenous voices and sovereignty, and calls on researchers to critically examine their positionality, power, and purpose. This session will be of interest to those seeking to engage in respectful, relational, and community-driven research with Indigenous peoples.

Associate Professor Jodie Miller is a non-Indigenous researcher at The University of Queensland whose work centres on evidencing teaching and learning practices to engage primary school students in mathematics and STEM education. Specialising in early algebraic thinking and mathematical representations, her research predominantly involves teachers and students at risk of marginalisation from the school curriculum, including Indigenous students, English language learners, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Jodie’s current work is grounded in relational methodologies, co-constructed with Indigenous communities and guided by principles of reciprocity and respect. She is committed to collaborative research that supports community-led priorities, working alongside Aboriginal academics and educators to challenge dominant paradigms and foster equity in education.

Dr Danielle Armour is a proud Kamilaroi woman from northern New South Wales and a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Queensland. Her research focuses on Aboriginal education, with a particular interest in the intersections of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems within educational contexts. Danielle has led and contributed to longitudinal studies and major government initiatives in teaching and curriculum development. She has worked extensively with Elders and community members, co-constructing curricula that embed Indigenous knowledges and perspectives. Her work critically examines the complexities and opportunities of integrating these knowledge systems to create culturally responsive and inclusive education. Before entering academia, Danielle worked as a teacher across urban, rural, and very remote settings, giving her a deep understanding of diverse educational landscapes. Her commitment to equity and cultural integrity continues to shape her scholarship and practice, influencing policy and pedagogy at local and national levels.

If you are interested in presenting at this symposium please register your expression of interest by 5.00 pm Wednesday 21 October 2026 on the Mathematics, Science, Environment and Technology Education Research for informed futures (MSET-ED) website ( https://mset-ed-deakin.org.au/event/2026-car-symposium/) which provides online submission.

Presentations should be no longer than 12 minutes in duration (further details will be provided upon acceptance of your proposal). Presentations should briefly outline the research question being addressed, and may include the findings or likely outcomes of the research but should focus mainly on the research methodology. Reports on work in progress are welcome.

You may choose to pre-record presentations. This is essential for all online presenters. The links will be included in the program and the recording will be played on the day. During the presentation the chat feature of Zoom can be used to start the conversations. Questions can be addressed by typing in the chat and in the following discussion. A feature of the CAR Symposium program is the rich and collegial discussion that follows the presentations in the session.

Main image attribution

Clavulinopsis corallinorosacea, Mount Field National Park, Tasmania, Australia. JJ Harrison, 6 August 2009.

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