Debbie (Constance) Clatworthy

Proposed Title

TBA

Supervisors

Principal Supervisor: Dr Monica Short
Co-Supervisor: Dr Emma Rush

Research

As many of today’s societies are multicultural, there is a need for increased support for students from culturally diverse backgrounds when they enroll in higher education institutions (HEI). To provide meaningful and transformative learning opportunities for all students, educators need to be aware of their cultural background and the influence this has on how they integrate kindness into their teaching. Does this differ when teaching online and face-to-face and from differing HEI contexts – nationally and internationally? Using comparative illustrative case study methodology, HEI educators will tell their stories and showcase their use of kindness in pedagogy. These stories will be explored to identify similarities and critique differences between HEI contexts, online vs on-campus and cultural influences. The findings from this study will highlight the significance of culture in developing educators’ perceptions of kindness and showcase how effective kindness can be for student online learning. Recommendations can be proposed from the findings that will enable educators to be more effective in their teaching so student diversity and the online environment can be accommodated.

Why I chose Charles Sturt University

My primary supervisor is the reason I chose CSU. Dr Short is an expert in my field of research.

Engagement and Memberships

AARE, HERDSA, HERDSA Special interest Group – Online Engagement in Higher Education, Promoting Mental Wellbeing Community of Practice, Social Change Scholars.

Publications

Teakel, S.Linden, K.Clatworthy, D. (2024). Embedded tutors: Enhancing student success and academic integrity with a pedagogy of kindness in first-year university. Journal of Applied Learning and Teaching, Special Issue 1, pp. 39-50.

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