Enhancing authenticity in pedagogies

Improving the degree of authenticity in the teaching and assessment of seafarer engineers to improve their academic achievement

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

25 September 2023

Campus

Launceston

Citizenship requirement

Domestic / International

About the research project

This research project will extend past research which investigated the impact of authentic assessment (assessments conducted in real-world contexts) on seafarer students' academic achievement (experiment group) in the associated authentic task, with scores obtained by a separate group (control group) in traditional assessment. Although past research was largely controlled for variables, the resulting limitations need to be addressed by further research. Limitations include selecting a group of deck (navigation) students only due to easier accessibility of participants, implementing authentic assessment as a formative assessment and traditional assessment as a summative assessment (inconsistency in implementation), data collection using a single unit of study, and the omission of authentic teaching practices (and focusing only on the assessment tasks).

This research project will investigate the impact of improving the degree of overall authenticity in the pedagogical processes (teaching and assessment) for seafarer engineers on their academic achievement in multiple units of study. This study will extensively investigate how the varying degree of authenticity in teaching and assessment practices can be achieved by increasing the fidelity to real-world contexts in higher education settings (and the absence of professional workplace scenarios). This will answer if the validity and reliability of authentic assessment may be enhanced to improve student achievement. The research findings aim to provide valuable insights into the use of authentic assessments within the confines of the STCW Code, to improve seafarer training practices, learner engagement, and resulting learning outcomes.

This project may have a part-time study option available. Some restrictions may apply. Please discuss your preference with the Supervisor and note your preferred study option when applying.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Samrat Ghosh

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $31,500 per annum (2023 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • The scholarship is open to domestic (Australian and New Zealand) and international candidates
  • The degree may be undertaken on a full-time or a part-time basis
  • Applicants must have already been awarded a First-Class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in an appropriate sector
  • Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong research and analytical skills
  • Applicants must have authored at least one research paper
  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Candidates must have a Master's degree preferably with a thesis component or have undertaken a unit on Research Methods
  • Candidates must be proficient in English language

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Good knowledge of the STCW Code and maritime education systems
  • Computer programming skills
  • Basic knowledge of statistical analysis
  • Good knowledge of academic writing skills

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Samrat Ghosh to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 25 September 2023.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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