Study level

  • PhD
  • Master of Philosophy

Faculty/School

Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice

Topic status

We're looking for students to study this topic.

Research centre

Supervisors

Dr Charisse Farr
Position
Senior Lecturer in Secondary Mathematics Education
Division / Faculty
Faculty of CI, Education & Social Justice
Dr Chrystal Whiteford
Position
Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood and Primary Mathematics Education
Division / Faculty
Faculty of CI, Education & Social Justice

Overview

This PhD project investigates how academic, wellbeing, family, and school-context factors interact to shape student engagement, retention, and academic success in secondary schooling. Using large-scale longitudinal datasets, the project will develop advanced probabilistic models to identify key predictors and pathways that explain diverse learner trajectories.

The research will contribute to evidence-based strategies for improving student engagement and reducing attrition, with strong relevance to policy and practice in Australian and international contexts.

This project builds on ongoing work applying advanced statistical modelling to educational systems and aligns with a broader research program focused on complex systems and decision-making in education.

Research activities

  • Secondary data analysis (e.g. LSAC).
  • Bayesian networks and probabilistic modelling.
  • Longitudinal modelling (growth curves, multi-level models).
  • Latent class and structural equation modelling.

Outcomes

  • Identify longitudinal predictors of student engagement and achievement.
  • Model complex interactions between multi-level influences.
  • Develop learner profiles to support early intervention strategies.

Skills and experience

Applicants should have some quantitative skills and a background in:

  • mathematics
  • statistics
  • data science
  • education
  • a related field.

Keywords

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.