Understanding teaching and learning in Higher Education with a focus on AI and/or authentic assessments

Our first project is on the use of AI in education which can encompass the following:

• Do AI tools enhance teaching and learning? (from a students’ and educator’s perspective)?
• How can AI tools be safely embedded within teaching and/or assessment practices?
• The continuous development of skills (including AI) to develop students for the graduate world of work

Our second project is on authentic assessments. This includes the following:

• Students’ and educators’ views on transforming traditional assessments into authentic assessments
• Supporting students in preparing for authentic assessments
• Understanding the effectiveness of different assessment practices including authentic assessments

These projects use both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Supervisor's interests

Our research delves into various facets of teaching and learning within higher education, with an emphasis on two pivotal areas: 1) the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into pedagogical practices and 2) the implementation of authentic assessments to gauge student learning outcomes effectively.

In exploring the integration of AI in education, we scrutinise its potential to revolutionise traditional teaching methodologies by offering personalised learning experiences, adaptive feedback mechanisms, and efficient content delivery systems tailored to individual student needs.

Moreover, we examine the societal impacts of AI utilisation in educational settings, ensuring responsible deployment and equitable access for all learners.

Additionally, our investigation into authentic assessments seeks to overhaul traditional assessment methods by prioritising real-world tasks and problem-solving scenarios that mirror professional contexts to ensure students are ready for the graduate world of work.

By incorporating tasks such as case studies, projects, simulations, and oral presentations, we aim to foster deeper learning, critical thinking skills, and practical application of knowledge beyond mere memorisation.

Our research examines how effective these assessments are and how these link to developing students’ confidence and other relevant skills. Through our research, we aim to contribute valuable insights and innovative strategies to enhance the quality and efficacy of teaching and learning experiences in higher education.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:

1. Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
2. Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
3. Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

Good luck!

This is a self funded topic

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Stephanie Baines - I joined the Division of Psychology as a lecturer (education) in 2021. After completing my D.Phil at the University of Oxford I undertook postdoctoral research at the Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders followed by a teaching fellowship at the Department of Experimental Psychology,  both at University College London. I was a lecturer in cognitive neuroscience at the University of Manchester (2015-2018) and lecturer in psychology at Bangor University (2018-2021). I have a background in cognitive neuroscience. My particular interests lie in the neuroscience of eating behaviour, reward processing, emotion and consciousness. 

Pauldy Otermans - I am a Senior Lecturer (Education) in Psychology in the Division of Psychology, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at Brunel since March 2019. I am the Deputy Division Lead for Psychology. Besides that, in CHMLS, I am the Employability Lead and also the Director of the Education Hub. My research focuses on using AI in Education, Authentic Assessments, and Employability & Transferable skills. I teach in the Psychology UG Programme a variety of blocks focusing on academic and employability skills, and research methods.