Proceedings of The 31st Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education (2025)

• EDITORIAL

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  • EDITORIAL

• SPONSORS

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  • SPONSORS

• COMMITTEE AND REVIEWERS

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  • COMMITTEE AND REVIEWERS

• KEYNOTES

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  • KEYNOTES Pages 4-5

Abstracts

• AUTHENTICITY IN PHYSIOLOGY EDUCATION

  Marwa Abdoul Ghayour, Professor Christopher Thompson, Dr. Joanne Caldwell

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  • Abstract Page 6

• DISTRACTING DISTRACTORS: EXPLORING THE ROLE OF OPTIONS IN A MULTIPLE- CHOICE QUESTION EXAM

  Rashika Agarwal, Di Warren, Joshua Pople

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  • Abstract Page 7

• Patterns of retention into second year physics and astrophysics

  Abdulla Alseiari, Anna McLean Phillips

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  • Abstract Page 8

• UNPACKING THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN MOTIVATION, WELL-BEING, AND SELF-EFFICACY

  Daniel Andrews, Renee Rogers

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  • Abstract Page 9

• Experiential Learning for STEM Futures: Designing Transformational Museum Experiences to Develop Young People's Futures Thinking

  Lisa Bailey

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  • Abstract Page 10

• Development of a landscape scale virtual tour of northern Victoria

  Stuart Barber

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  • Abstract Page 11

• Improving Student Experience andEngagement in First-Year Physics

  Silvia Behar Harpaz, Kate Jackson, Thomas Dixon

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  • Abstract Page 12

• Assessment Practices in STEM Higher Education – What does the Literature say?

  Agnes Bersee, Jacob Pearce, Sara H. Kyne

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  • Abstract Page 13

• STEM workplace case studies – an authentic scalable WIL activity

  Fiona Bird, Caroline Taylor

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  • Abstract Page 14

• Is it me? Why students don’t turn up for class.

  Katrina Blazek, Timothy Dobbins

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  • Abstract Page 15

• QUIET CLASSES: LOW-SENSORY TEACHING ENVIRONMENTS

  Maia Bradley, Danielle J Burgess, Laura Carniel, Sara Davies, Matthew J Davis, Angus Linklater-Steele, Mel Robertson-Dean

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  • Abstract Page 16

• Insects shaping society: using an interactive and multidisciplinary teaching approach to engage students deeply

  Laura Brannelly, Ary Hoffman, Jean-Pierre Scheerlinck, Stanislav Roudavski, Nonie May, Deirdre Coleman, Nicholas Doidge, Nancy Samayoa, Lara Stevens, Charles Robin, James Gilkerson, Kristy Digiacomo, Caitlyn Perry, Veronique Paris, Katy Barnett

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  • Abstract Page 17

• ‘Somewhere to hang your hat’: The Schema and Scaffolding Benefits of Unit Narratives and Activity-Level Learning Outcomes

  James Brown

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  • Abstract Page 18

• Evaluating the effectiveness of a Gen-AI first maths & stats support centre to develop numeracy skills

  Luis Camacho, Christopher Bridge, Birgit Loch

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  • Abstract Page 19

• Student and Teacher Perceptions of Empathy in Tertiary STEM Classrooms: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Research

  Alan Z. Chen, Stephen R. George-Williams, Sara H. Kyne

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  • Abstract Page 20

• Enhancing Student Engagement in Mathematics Studies with Low-Barrier Interactive Tools

  Anthony Cheung, Fu Ken Ly

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  • Abstract Page 21

• THE MATHEMATICS ACADEMIC PLANNER IN ACTION: TAILORING DIAGNOSTICS AND SUPPORT PATHWAYS FOR MATHEMATICAL SUCCESS IN STEM AND ECONOMICS

  Andrew Chuter, Dr Fu Ken Ly, Dr Mert Kimya, Dr Anastasia Burkovskaya

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  • Abstract Page 22

• UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF PRACTICAL EXPERIENCES

  Alexandra Cleaver, Lauren Crean, Susan Howitt

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  • Abstract Page 23

• Longitudinal Insights from Students’ Science Reports through AI-Driven Data Analysis

  James Cleaver, Dr Sara H. Kyne, Dr Laura K. McKemmish

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  • Abstract Page 24

• DESIGNING AND EVALUATING PLACE-BASED CULTURAL IMMERSIONS FOR TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING

  Rebecca Anne Cross, Matthew Pye, Tina Bell, Aunty Leanna Wirribee Carr, Uncle Yanhadarrambal Flynn, Uncle Bill Dyirribang Dinawan Allen, Ellen Wong

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  • Abstract Page 25

• AI-POWERED, ACADEMIC-DRIVEN: AN APPROACH FOR PERSONALISED STUDENT FEEDBACK AND LEARNING

  Andrew Cutting

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  • Abstract Page 26

• SCALING WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING IN THE CORPORATE SECTOR: ENTERPRISE WIL FOR ENDURING INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS

  Daniel Peter Czech, Thomas Gan

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  • Abstract Page 27

• Connecting Students to Mathematics as a Modern Human Endeavour

  Dr Christopher Duffy, Dr Sally Kuhlmann

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  • Abstract Page 28

• EXPLORING GENERATIVE AI’S POTENTIAL FOR CURRICULUM MAPPING

  Emily Faulconer, Adrienne Burns

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  • Abstract Page 29

• Increasing interactivity in small-group teaching: implementing new technology in a statistics course

  Paul Fijn

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  • Abstract Page 30

• Gene editing practical activities for plant science undergraduates

  Dr. Jennifer Fox, Keertana Kappagantula, Jacob Calabria, Annie Tabone, Kathy Vohs, Assoc. Prof. Alexander Idnurm, Prof. Michelle Watt

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  • Abstract Page 31

• Exploring the impact of ‘choose your own’ assessment styles in large chemistry/biology units in a post AI world.

  Stephen George-Williams, Osu Lilje, Henry Matovu, Pierre Naeyaert, Michael Widjaja, Shane Wilkinson

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  • Abstract Page 32

• Supporting Diverse Women in STEM: Lessons from a PhD Internship Initiative

  Helen Georgiou, Anne F.J Hellwig; Khin Win; Danielle Skropeta, Georgia Watson

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  • Abstract Page 33

• ACDS elevating Indigenous Science in Higher Ed – looking to the future

  Lisa Godinho, Angela Ziebell

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  • Abstract Page 34

• Sign Language as a Universally Designed Teaching and Learning Tool for 3D Representation in Chemistry Education

  Anna Gonzalez, Dr. Reyne Pullen, Dr. Stephen George-Williams

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  • Abstract Page 35

• BRIDGING KNOWLEDGES: MICROBIOLOGY AND INDIGENOUS PLANT MEDICINE IN SCIENCE ENABLING EDUCATION

  Sharon Lisa Gough, Dr. Julie Sartori, Dr. Angela Jones

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  • Abstract Page 36

• Beyond the network: How SaMnet shaped a generation of STEM leaders

  M. Sarah-Jane Gregory, Dr Alexandra Yeung, Dr Manjual Sharma

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  • Abstract 37

• BASELINE MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS OF FIRST-YEAR SCIENCE STUDENTS: INSIGHTS FROM THE SPIRES FRAMEWORK

  Pavani Halpelage, Angela Ziebell, Stephen George-Williams, Damien Callahan

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  • Abstract Page 38

• Investigating Quantitative Skill Preparedness when Transitioning from Stage 6 Science to Tertiary Science Studies

  Tingyue Hou, Reyne Pullen, Francesca van den Berg

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  • Abstract Page 39

• Do questions interspersed in short online instructional videos improve short- and long-term student recall?

  Adrian Hunter, Dr Olivier Fahy, Dr Michelle Coulson

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  • Abstract Page 40

• Scaling up: a scaffolded placement program at the university-industry interface

  Stefan G. Huth, Igor Chekhtman, Christine Tolotchkov, Tri-Hung Nguyen, Michelle P. McIntosh, Richard A. Hughes

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  • Abstract Page 41

• Engaging the Community in Science: A Student-Led Model for Inclusive STEM Outreach and Experiential Learning

  Professor Joanne Jamie, Dr Ian Jamie

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  • Abstract Page 42

• GENERATIVE AI IN STATISTICS EDUCATION: A BIBLIOMETRIC AND EMPIRICAL APPROACH

  Dr. Mitra Jazayeri, Dan, Associate Professor Andriy Olenko, Dr. Andrew Buldt, Dr. Nadiya Kosytsina, Dr. Xia Li

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  • Abstract Page 43

• EMBRACING NOT AVOIDING GENERATIVE AI TO ENHANCE SCIENTIFIC WRITING EDUCATION

  Dr Nikolas Johnston, Dr Jody Gorman

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  • Abstract Page 44

• Experiences of sex and gender inclusivity in science classrooms

  Evangelia Kakavas, Jessica Abbonizio, Connor Bayly-Jones, Michelle Lazarus, Hendrika Duivenvoorden

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  • Abstract Page 45

• Exploring Science Perceptions and Career Self-Identity in Late Primary Students to Better Understand How to Improve the Tertiary STEM Pipeline

  Michael Kasumovic, Pietro Pollo , Angela Gilmour, Ahmed Moustafa, Merryn McKinnon

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  • Abstract Page 46

• Practice Before Theory? Rethinking Instructional Order in Undergraduate Anatomy

  Suresh Krishnasamy, Anne Beasley

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  • Abstract Page 47

• Laboratory and Computational physics in third-year undergraduate coursework

  Yi Shuen Christine Lee, Martin Sevior

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  • Abstract Page 48

• BRIDGING THE GAP: VIRTUAL LAB TOURS FOR TRANSITIONING BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE STUDENTS

  Dr S. Levonis, Dr S. Schweiker

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  • Abstract Page 49

• Developing a Student Assisted Learning Approach for Report Writing and Oral Presentation

  Shuo Li, Sachin Clement, Anjali Tikoo

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  • Abstract Page 50

• Embedding Indigenous Perspectives in IT Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education

  Jack Li

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  • Abstract Page 51

• How Students Use the Scientific Writing Assistant Chatbot to Support Scientific Writing

  Osu Lilje, Rosita Pang, Claudia Keitel, Januar Harianto, Monica Basuki, Matt Pye, Christopher Hammang, Michael Widjaja, Fran van den Berg, Ryan Jones, Doris Lin

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  • Abstract Page 52

• STEM FUTURES: EMPOWERING STUDENTS THROUGH CAREER DEVELOPMENT LEARNING THAT EMBRACES CRITICAL REFLECTION

  Tania McKiernan, Dr Joanne Castelli

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  • Abstract Page 53

• IMPACTS OF VIRTUAL TEAM TEACHING VS SOLO LECTURING ON THE FIRST YEAR STUDENT EXPERIENCE IN EARTH SYSTEMS SCIENCE

  Rory McNab, Sophie Golding-Chan, Sophia W.R. Tsang

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  • Abstract Page 54

• Getting lost without a map – creating a zoology atlas for undergraduate students to navigate the animal kingdom

  Kelly Merrin

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  • Abstract Page 55

• Layers of belonging: Understanding the Learning Journeys of Higher-level Chemistry Students

  Dilusha Munasinghe, A/Prof. Angela Ziebell, A/Prof. Damien Cllahan

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  • Abstract Page 56

• Enhancing Student Learning Through Video Feedback and Structured Reflection

  Thomas Murphy, Liam Scarratt, Jeffery Black, Pierre Naeyaert, Henry Matovu

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  • Abstract Page 57

• BioLogic: new software to improve explanatory skills and facilitate feedback and assessment in large STEM classes

  Michael J. Murray, Wachiraphan Charoenwet, Emile van Lieshout, Lisa Godinho

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  • Abstract Page 58

• Enhancing Nutrition Physiology Learning Through Reality Bites VR

  Lexen Perez, Julia Low, Ian Peake, Jessica Danaher

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  • Abstract Page 59

• Links Between Perceived Uncertainty and Science Confidence in High School Students

  Maria M. Pettyjohn, Laura K. McKemmish, Sara H. Kyne

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  • Abstract Page 60

• Is ‘Vibes-Based Grading’ in First-year Mathematics Fair?

  Adam Piggott, Griffith

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  • Abstract Page 61

• Transforming an Entire Physics Advanced Laboratory Sequence

  Benjamin Pollard, Jamie Gleave, Rory Robertson

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  • Abstract Page 62

• TAKING A PROGRAM-LEVEL APPROACH TO CURRICULUM DESIGN

  Mohammad Rafat, Elizabeth Angstmann

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  • Abstract Page 63

• Interactive by Design: Elevating Student Engagement

  Rahini Ragavan, Monique, Michael, Katelyn, Elly, Ross, Antony Vinh

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  • Abstract Page 64

• REIMAGINING MATHS PEDAGOGY IN NQ

  Sophie Raynor, shaun belward, Madalyn Casey, Kiana Payne, Zoe Pettifer, Grace Jefferson

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  • Abstract Page 65

• TOWARDS AN UNDERSTANDING OF QUALITY TEACHING AND TEACHING EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND TEACHING FOCUSED ROLES IN HIGHER EDUCATION

  Pauline Mary Ross

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  • Abstract Page 66

• Enhancing Chemistry Education through Technology-Enhanced Learning: Supporting Effective Student Learning.

  Stephanie Schweiker, Stephan Levonis

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  • Abstract Page 67

• Unlocking Student Potential with Inclusive Teaching Strategies

  Dr Leesa Sidhu

  68

  • Abstract 68

• 360-DEGREE VIRTUAL LAB AND FIELD TRIP INDUCTIONS FOR SCIENCE DISCIPLINES

  Michelle Spencer

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  • Abstract Page 69

• Reflections and learnings from an interdisciplinary subject.

  Jiangli Tan, Saw Hoon Lim, Ger Post, Klaus Jahn, Michael Arnold

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  • Abstract Page 70

• RE-IMAGINING ASSESSMENT IN A PHYSICS COURSE FOR AVIATION STUDENTS

  Dr. Sam Tuttle

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  • Abstract Page 71

• Analysis of How Stress Affects Learning Outcomes during the Learning Process

  Katsuyuki Umezawa, Ryo Kajiki, Makoto Nakazawa, Shigeichi Hirasawa

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  • Abstract Page 72

• Measuring more than biodiversity: enhancing student engagement through field-based learning

  Francesca van den Berg, Stephen George-Williams, Matthew Davis, Cameron Negus, Lauren Cole, Mariel Fulham, Manuel Lequerica Tamara

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  • Abstract Page 73

• A MACHINE LEARNING COMPUTER VISION TOOL FOR PHENOTYPING TRAINING

  Callum J Vidor, Asaduz Zaman, Joshua Johnstone, Keren Collins, Chloe Lam, Matthew D.W. Piper, Chathurika Amarathunga, Claire Dumenil, Albrecht Haase, Richard Burke, Alan Dorin

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  • Abstract Page 74

• STUDENT INTERACTIONS DURING ONLINE PROBLEM SOLVING: INTENSITY, COMPLEXITY, AND TEMPORAL DYNAMICS

  Kimberly Vo, Elizabeth Yuriev

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  • Abstract Page 75

• BEYOND THE GRADEBOOK: ASSESSING LARGE STUDENT COHORTS AND REIMAGINING THE FUTURE OF ASSESSMENT IN THE AGE OF AI

  Stephanie Wallace, Kylle Quinn, Bianca Dickson, Saini Samim

  76

  • Abstract Page 76

• WHAT ATTRIBUTES BEST PREPARE STUDENTS FOR SPECIALIST SCIENCE SECONDARY SCHOOLS?

  Sakol Warintaraporn, Dr. Sara H. Kyne, Prof. Christopher D. Thompson

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  • Abstract Page 77

• PROMOTING GROWTH AND EXCELLENCE IN DATA SCIENCE EDUCATION: DEVELOPING A MENTORING ECOSYSTEM

  Diana Warren, Garth Tarr, Ellis Patrick

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  • Abstract Page 78

• STEM education as a pedagogy that reveals primary student’s ‘super-powers’

  Jennifer Anne Way, Dr. Vilma Galstaun, Dr. Christine Preston, Dr. Katherin Cartwright

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  • Abstract Page 79

• Improving quantitative literacy skills for biomedical science students through targeted e-learning resources

  A/Prof Amber J. Willems-Jones, Mehansa De Alwis, Xiangyu (Victoria) Wang, Giang (Ginny) Tran, Professor Jan van Driel

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  • Abstract Page 80

• What Does Success Mean to Chemistry Students? Exploring Definitions, Supports, and Barriers.

  Siobhan Wills, Nhan Nguyen, Marina Tanizawa, Tyler Kinner, MaryKay Orgill

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  • Abstract Page 81

• ACSME: A TALE OF 30 YEARS OF CAPACITY BUILDING AND STEERING A COMMUNITY

  Alexandra Yeung, Elizabeth Johnson, Manjula Sharma

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  • Abstract Page 82

• EXPLORING STUDENT PERCEPTIONS AND ACCEPTANCE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)-GENERATED VIDEOS IN TERTIARY CHEMISTRY: A PILOT STUDY

  Alexandra Yeung, Phillip Koh, Robert Atkin, Dino Spagnoli

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  • Abstract Page 83

• AUSTRALIAN DBER: INVESTIGATING THE LANDSCAPE AND DEVELOPING INNOVATIVE TRAINING RESOURCES

  Elizabeth Yuriev, Caely Chen, Alison Etukakpan , Helen Georgiou, Jo-ann Larkins, Reyne Pullen, Gerard Rayner

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  • Abstract Page 84

• INTEGRATING GENERATIVE AI INTO SCIENCE EDUCATION VIA CUSTOM GPTS: CONSTRUCTION, DEPLOYMENT, AND STUDENT INTERACTIONS

  Elizabeth Yuriev, Jae Pyun, Samuel Lo, Talyssa Lea, Tom Ritchie, Dani Pearson

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  • Abstract Page 85

• Universal design for learning applied to an undergraduate statistics subject

  Adriana Zanca, Paul Fijn

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  • Abstract Page 86

Refereed Papers

• Adapting Assessment in the GenAI Era: AN Undergraduate Physics Case STudy

  Zachery Quince, Emily Faulconer

  87 - 92

  • Paper Pages 87 to 92

• Designing extension questions: Mathematical communication and creativity to assist with secondary-tertiary transition

  Alba Santin Garcia, TriThang Tran

  93 - 98

  • Paper Pages 93 - 98

Workshops (Discipline Day)

• Education Focused Career Pathways for Graduate Researchers

  Christopher Duffy, Melissa J. Saligari

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  • Workshop Abstract Page 99

• GETTING PUBLISHED IN EDUCATION JOURNALS

  Helen Georgiou, Susan Howitt, Anna Phillips, Yossi Rathner, Elizabeth Yuriev

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  • Workshop Abstract Page 100

• The Bladerunner Blueprints: Engineering the Perfect Learning STE(A)M WIL Experiences

  M. Sarah-Jane Gregory

  101

  • Workshop Abstract Page 101

• RACI Chemistry Education Division Workshop (Discipline Day)

  Sara H. Kyne, Seamus Delaney, Pierre JP Naeyaert, Reyne Pullen, Alexandra Yeung, Elizabeth Yuriev

  102

  • Workshop Abstract Page 102

• Designing Dynamic Formative Assessments with Digital Tools

  Dr. Istvan Laszlo, Dr. Elizabeth Angstmann

  103

  • Workshop Abstract Page 103

• Teaching, supporting and assessing large mathematics/statistics/data science cohorts

  Ken Ly, Anthony Morphett, TriThang Tran, Diana Warren

  104

  • Workshop Abstract Page 104

• WHERE WE BELONG: MAKING ROOM FOR THE THIRD SPACE

  Camile Moray, Joanne Castelli, Neil Lawrence, Reva Ramiah, vebica evans

  105

  • Workshop Abstract Page 105

• Biology Discipline Day Workshop

  Fran van den Berg, Reece Sophocleous, Pauline Ross, Lisa Godinho

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  • Workshop Abstract Page 106

• Leadership and Evidencing Impact in Education

  Brian F Yates, Reyne Pullen, Anna McLean Phillips, Louise Kuchel

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  • Workshop Abstract Page 107