A/Prof Simon Barrie
Director Teaching and Learning
Room 3.10 The Quadrangle A14
ph: (02) 9351 5814
email: simon.barrie@sydney.edu.au
Simon is the Director of Teaching and Learning at The University of Sydney. He is a member of the University's Education Portfolio which is led by the DVC-Education and he is responsible for leading the collaborative planning and formulation of strategy in Learning and Teaching within the Portfolio. He is responsible for the leadership of the Institute for Teaching and Learning (ITL) and, working with the Heads of the Learning Centre and the Maths Learning Centre, Simon oversees the strategic direction of all the three units.
His research explores the nature of student learning experiences and learning outcomes in universities; the academic experience of teaching, and the academic development processes associated with efforts to improve university teaching and learning. In particular his recent research has focused on the development of graduate attributes and the quality assurance of university teaching and learning. The conceptual model for graduate attributes which he developed has now informed policy and curriculum development at several universities in Australia and the UK and he is currently exploring the potential of this model to reshape academic communities as well as academic curricula. He is an international advisor and reference group member for several large scale projects on graduate attributes and assessment in Europe and Australia and leads national research projects on teaching quality assurance and on graduate attributes. He is a member of the Editorial Board of the journal Teaching in Higher Education.
Teaching Awards
Carrick National Teaching Award for Programs that Enhance Learning (2007). The University of Sydney. Australian Chemistry Enhanced Laboratory Learning Project (2007). S.H. Kable, S.C. Barrie, M.A. Buntine & J. Read.
Carrick Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (2007). The University of Adelaide. Australian Chemistry Enhanced Laboratory Learning Project.M.A. Buntine, S.C. Barrie, S.H. Kable & G.T. Crisp.
Vice Chancellor’s Award for Support for the student learning experience (2007). S.H. Kable, S.C. Barrie & J. Read.
Faculty of Education & Social Work Teaching Excellence Award (2006). S.C. Barrie & T. Peseta.
Recent Research Projects
Embedding Graduate Attributes in Curricula and Assessment. (2007-2009). Barrie S.C., Hughes C. & Smith C. This is a national study I am leading which is looking in particular at the structural barriers and affordances to graduate attributes curriculum renewal in Australian universities. (Funded by the ALTC).
The use of student feedback surveys for teaching quality assurance in Australia. (2007-2008). Barrie S.C. This is a commissioned national research study which is part of a larger ALTC Project on Teaching Performance Indicators. (Funded by DEST & the ALTC).
Teaching and assessing meta-attributes in engineering. (2006-2008). Carew A., Barrie S.C, Bradley A., Cooper P., Currie J. Hadgraft R., McCarty T., Nightingale S. & Radcliffe D. This is a two year national study I am involved in with colleagues from four universities exploring the teaching and assessment of systems thinking in Engineering curricula. (Funded by the ALTC).
Australian Chemistry Enhanced Laboratory Learning (ACELL) Project (2003). Buntine, M.A., Kable, S.H., Barrie, S.C., Bucat, R.B., Crisp, G.T., Jamie, I.M., George, A.V. Funded by DEST & CASR).
Steering Groups
Facilitating staff and student engagement with graduate attribute development assessment and standards in business faculties. (2007-2009). Taylor T., Freeman M., Treleaven L., Simpson L., Rohde F. Paltridge A. Thompson D. Member of the reference group. (Funded by the ALTC).
Transdisciplinary postgraduate education. (2006). Mitchell, C. Along with four colleagues, I am a collaborator on this Associate ALTC Fellowship (Funded by the ALTC).
COMPASS: Benchmarking for Curriculum Renewal. (2006-2008). Chair of the Steering Committee. (Funded by the ALTC).
Career Development Learning (2007-2009). Member of Steering Committee. (Funded by the ALTC).
Invited Keynotes
Barrie S.C. (2011). Designing an education for life after university: Why is it so difficult? Invited Keynote at Cape Higher Education Consortium (CHEC). Cape Town South Africa, 14th March 2011. (ppt)
Barrie S.C. (2011). Designing an education for life after university: Some Strategies. Invited Keynote at Cape Higher Education Consortium (CHEC). Cape Town South Africa, 15th March 2011. (ppt)
Barrie S.C., Hughes C. (2010). Reshaping academic development for graduate attributes as an intellectual Endeavour. International Consortium for Educational Development. Barcelona. 28 – 30 July 2010 (ppt & abstract)
Barrie S.C. (2010). First year: Starting the journey towards Graduate Attributes. Keynote, The University of Tasmania 31st August 2010. (ppt)
Barrie S.C. (2010). Designing an education for life after university: Why is it so difficult? Invited Keynote Edith Cowan University Teaching and Learning week. Perth 5th November 2010 (ppt)
Barrie S.C. (2010). How graduate attributes could redefine how we teach and how students learn......(but haven't). National Learning and Teaching Forum Melbourne, Australia 29th – 30th September. (ppt)
Barrie S.C. (2010). Using Graduate Attributes to design 21st century university curricula. Hong Kong Institute of Education. 9th February 2010. (ppt)
Barrie S.C. (2009). Integrating graduate attributes into the curriculum. Keynote address Hong Kong Polytechnic Univeristy Teaching conference. Hong Kong, China 14 December.
Barrie, S.C. (2009). Re-engaging with graduate attributes through curriculum renewal. Keynote address Universty of Technology Sydney Teaching & Learning Forum, Sydney Australia 17 November. download presentation (pdf)
Barrie S.C. (2009). Today's learners; Tomorrow's graduates; Yesterday's universities. Keynote address at the Improving student learning for the 21st century learner conference, London, 7 September 2009.
Barrie, S.C. (2009). Achieving Graduate Attributes. Keynote address at Scottish QAA Enhancement Themes Conference. Edinburgh, Scotland, 5-6 March.
Barrie, S.C. (2008). Graduate Attributes and Career Development Learning.Invited address at the NAGCAS national symposium, Melbourne, 19 June.
Barrie, S.C. (2008). Identity Transitions: Developing Graduate Attributes.Keynote presentation at the Effective Teaching and Learning conference, Brisbane, 30 – 31 October.
Barrie S.C. (2007). A framework for conceptualising information literacy as a graduate attribute. Keynote address ANZIIL conference, Tasmania, 29-30 October.
Barrie S.C. (2007). Dimensions of teaching & student feedback. Keynote address Australasian Teaching Evaluation Forum, Brisbane.
Barrie S.C. (2007). Using graduate outcomes as a driver for curriculum change. Plenary address CDIO international conference, Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA. 10 - 14 June.
Barrie S.C. (2006) Rethinking research-led teaching as graduate learning. Keynote address Canadian Summit on the Integration of Research, Teaching & Learning. Edmonton, 4-6 May.
Barrie S.C. (2005). Graduates for a Changing World: Keynote address: Celebrating Excellence at the University of Canberra, Canberra, 11 February.
Barrie S.C. (2004). Graduate Capabilities in a Changing World: Keynote address: New Zealand Teaching and Learning Symposium, Auckland, New Zealand, 17 - 18 November.
Barrie S.C. (2004). Understanding Graduate Attributes in a Changing World: Keynote Address: Griffith University Teaching and Learning Forum, Griffith Australia, 8 October.
Invited Research Seminars & Consultancies
Barrie S.C. (2010). What can I do to help students develop graduate attributes? Workshop, Edith Cowan University 5th November 2010
Barrie S.C. (2010). Translating graduate attributes into classroom learning. Workshop Hong Kong Institute of Education, 10th February 2010
Barrie, S.C. (2009). Graduate outcomes led curriculum reform. Consultancy visit and two staff development workshops on assessment and teaching strategies. Hong Kong Polytechnic University. 15 - 16 December.
Barrie, S.C. (2009). Engaging with Graduate Attributes. Institutional consultancy to Central Queensland University. 2 November.
Barrie, S.C. (2009). Graduate Attributes for the 21st Century. Institutional Visits: University of Dundee, University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde. 2-7 March.
Barrie, S.C. (2008). Broadening conceptions of employability: How changing our understanding of graduate attributes can help broaden the search for a skilled workforce.Invited workshop at NAGCAS 'Partnering for Success' conference, Sydney, 9 – 12 November.
Barrie, S.C. (2008). Graduate Attributes: Why bother? Invited presentation at University of Queensland Teaching and Learning Week, Brisbane, 29 October.
Barrie S.C. (2008). Using graduate attributes to win the curriculum culture wars: Developing practical strategies to achieve university wide curriculum renewal. Invited workshop at “Improving student learning through the curriculum” the 16th Improving Student Learning Symposium, University of Durham, UK, 1–3 September.
Barrie S.C. (2007). Using graduate attributes to enhance student learning and build academic communities. Invited presentation La Trobe University, July.
Barrie S.C.(2007). Graduate attributes: A better way to link teaching and research. Seminars and consultancy to the Scottish Quality Assurance Agency. Aberdeen, Stirling, Edinburgh & Glasgow. 18-22 June.
Barrie S.C. (2007). Using graduate attributes to drive program review. Seminar presented at The University of Queensland. Brisbane, 18 April.
Barrie S.C. (2007) Evaluation methodologies for educational initiatives. Seminar presented for Carrick Fellows and Senior Fellows. Sydney 8 February.
Barrie S.C., Breslow L. & Lindblom S. & (2006). Maximising the benefits for students of research strengths. Seminar presented at the NTFS meeting. Utrecht, 27 – 29 June. Jackson M. & Barrie S.C. (2006). Benchmarking using the SCEQ. Seminar presentation at AC 21 conference. Warwick UK. 5 July.
Barrie S.C & Prosser M. (2005). Research-led academic development: Conceptions of Generic Attributes (COGA). Research seminar, Higher Education Academy, York, 28 September.
Barrie S.C. (2005) Graduates for Tomorrow's World: Developing University Curricula & Teaching for Generic Attributes. Seminar presented at University of Surrey, UK, 23 September.
Barrie S.C. (2005) Research Graduates for Academe: Developing Generic Attributes in Research Higher Degrees. Oxford Centre for Enhancing Teaching and Learning, Oxford University, UK, 19 September.
Barrie S.C. (2005) Conceptions of Generic Attributes ‘COGA’: A framework for thinking about generic skills. Research seminar presented to Essex Research Group, Anglia Polytechnic University, UK, 12 September.
Barrie S.C. (2005). Graduates for Tomorrow's World: Developing University Curricula and Teaching for Generic Attributes. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia, 4 September.
Barrie S.C. (2005). Evaluating the Quality of Teaching: An Institutional Framework. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia, 3 September.
Barrie S.C. (2005). Institutional Quality Assurance & Enhancement Strategies. Seminar presented at Edith Cowan University, 9 August.
Barrie S.C. (2005). Benchmarking for Learning. Australian Business Deans Council, Teaching and Learning Network, Brisbane 22 July.
Barrie S.C. (2005). Quality Assurance of University Teaching and Learning. Seminar presented at Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 21 July.
Barrie S.C. & Jackson M. (2005) Teaching Quality Assurance & Academic Development Strategies. RIAP presentation visiting Chinese scholars, The University of Sydney, 7 June.
Barrie S.C. (2004). Graduate Attributes: Creating new possibilities for assessment: Invited Workshop: Griffith University Teaching and Learning Forum, Griffith, Australia 8 October.
Barrie S.C. (2004). An institutional strategy to embed graduate attributes. Seminar at Auckland University of Technology, 19 November.
Barrie, S.C. (2003). Academics interpretations of Generic Attributes. Research seminar University of Surrey UK, 9 September. Barrie, S.C. (2003). Conceptualising Generic Attributes. Research Seminar University College London, 11 September.
Forthcoming Publications
Ginns, P. & Barrie, S.C. (accepted for publication January 2009). Reliability and validity of a student-focussed teaching evaluation survey for lecturers. Psychological Abstracts.
Recent Book Chapters
Barrie, S., Andrews, J., Dean, L. & Heimanis, I. (2010). Employability: realising the potential of a university education. In S. Brown & S. Denton (eds.) A Practical Guide to University and College Management: Beyond the Bureaucracy. London: Routledge.283-302.
Barrie, S.C (2009) Academic Development as Changing Social Practice: The Generic Attributes Project. (Chapter 23). In R. Bamber, P. Trowler, M. Saunders & P. Knight (eds.) Enhancing Learning, Teaching, Assessment and Curriculum in Higher Education. London: Open University Press.
George, A.V., Buntine, M.A., Read, J.R., Barrie, S.C., Bobcat, R.B., Crisp, G.T., Jamie, I.M., Kable S.H.(2009). What makes a good laboratory learning exercise? Student feedback from the ACELL project. In Gupta-Bhowon, M.; Jhaumeer-Laulloo, S.; Li Kam Wah, H.; Ramasami, P. (Eds.) Chemistry Education in the ICT Age. Springer ISBN: 978-1-4020-9731-7. 363-376.
Peseta, T., Brew, A., McShane, K. & Barrie, S. (2007) Encouraging the scholarship of teaching and learning in an institutional context. In A. Brew & J. Sachs (eds.), Transforming a University: The scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Practice. Sydney, University of Sydney Press. download article (pdf)
Barrie, S.C., Coe, T., Clegg, K., Harper, M. & Kiley, M. (2006). Illuminating pathways to Leadership. In Elvidge, E. (editor), Exploring good leadership and management practice in higher education: issues of engagement. Jill Rogers Associates Ltd: Cambridge. ISBN 0954711157
Barrie, S.C. (2006). Academics’ understanding of generic graduate attributes: A conceptual base for lifelong learning, in Hager, P. & Holland, S. (eds), Graduate Attributes and Lifelong Learning: Issues and Challenges. Kluwer Academic Publishers.
Prosser, M. & Barrie, S.C. (2003). Using a student-focused learning perspective to strategically align academic development with institutional quality assurance. In R. Blackwell and P. Blackmore (eds) Towards Strategic Staff Development in Higher Education. Buckingham; Open University Press. pp191- 201.
Recent Journal Articles
Alexandra Yeung, Simon M. Pyke, Manjula D. Sharma, Simon C. Barrie, Mark A. Buntine, Karen Burke Da Silva, Scott H. Kable, Kieran F. Lim (2011)
The Advancing Science by Enhancing Learning in the Laboratory (ASELL) Project: The First Australian Multidisciplinary Workshop. International Journal of innovation in science and maths education, 19 (2) 51-72. download article (pdf)
Ewing, R., Freeman M.A., Barrie S., Bell, A., O'Connor, D., Waugh, F. & Sykes, C.S. (2008). Building community in academic settings: The importance of flexibility in a structured mentoring program. Mentoring and Tutoring: Partnership in Learning 16(3), 294-310.
Barrie, S.C. & Ginns, P. (2007). The linking of institutional performance indicators to improvements in teaching in classrooms. Quality in Higher Education, 13(3), 275-286. download article (pdf)
Buntine, M., Read, J., Barrie, S., Bucat, R., Crisp, G., George, A., Jamie, I. & Kable, S. (2007). Advancing chemistry by enhancing learning in the laboratory (ACELL): A model for providing professional and personal development and facilitating improved student laboratory learning outcomes, Chemistry Education: Research and Practice, 8(2), 232-254.
Barrie, S.C. (2007). A conceptual framework for the teaching and learning of graduate attributes. Studies in Higher Education 32(4) 439-458. download article (pdf)
Ginns, P., Prosser, M., & Barrie, S.C. (2007). Students’ perceptions of teaching quality in higher education: The perspective of currently enrolled students. Studies in Higher Education 32 (5) October. download article (pdf)
Barrie, S.C. (2006). Understanding what we mean by generic attributes of graduates. Higher Education, 51(2), 215-241. download article (pdf)
Barrie, S.C., Ginns P., & Prosser, M. (2005). Early impact and outcomes of an institutionally aligned, student focused learning perspective on teaching quality assurance. Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, 30 (6), 641-656. download article (pdf)
Barrie S.C. (2005). Rethinking Generic Graduate Attributes. HERDSA News, 27 (1), 1-6.
Barrie S.C. (2004). A research-based approach to generic graduate attributes policy. Higher Education Research and Development. 23 (3), 261-275. download article (pdf)
Barrie, S.C. & Prosser, M. (Eds.) (2004). Generic Graduate Attributes: Citizens for an Unknown future. Special Issue of Higher Education Research & Development, 23, 3 (132 pages) download article (pdf)
Ginns, P. & Barrie, S.C. (2004). Reliability of single item ratings of quality in higher education: a replication. Psychological Reports. 95, 1023-1030. download article (pdf)
Barrie, S.C., Jain, P. & Carew, A. (2003). Generic Graduate Attributes: A research based framework for a shared vision. Journal of Staff and Educational Development International. 7 (3), 191-199. download article (pdf)
Recent Conference Presentations
Simon M. Pyke, Alexandra Yeung, Manjula D. Sharma, Simon C. Barrie, Mark A. Buntine, Karen Burke da Silva, Scott H. Kable, Kieran F Lim ( 2010). The Advancing Science by Enhancing Learning in the Laboratory (ASELL) Project: The Next Chapter. Proceedings of the 16th Uniserve Science Conference. University of Sydney, 29 September – 1 October, Australia. pp7-12.
Barrie S.C., Hughes C. & Smith C. (2008). Locating generic graduate attributes in the Australian university curriculum: taught? mapped? implied? hidden? or ‘missing in action’? Paper presented at “Improving student learning through the curriculum” the 16th Improving Student Learning Symposium, University of Durham, UK, 1–3 September.
Barrie S.C., Hughes C. & Smith C. (2008). Approaches to the assessment of graduate attributes in higher education. Paper presented at EARLI Assessment SIG, Berlin, 27-29 August.
Buntine, M.A, Read, J. Barrie, S.C., Bucat, R. Crisp, G.T., George, A.V., Jamie, I. & Kable, S.H. (2008). Student perspectives on learning in the laboratory: Data from the ACELL project. Paper presented at the 20th Biennial Conference on Chemical Education, Indiana University, 27-31 July.
Barrie S.C, Smith C., Hughes C. & Dymock D. (2008). Over the hermeneutic horizon: Boundedness and supercomplexity in the development and assessment of generic graduate attributes – the inter-relationship of scholarship, context and practice. Paper accepted for presentation at London SoTL 7th International Conference. 15 – 16 May.
Barrie, S.C., Kreber, C. & McCune, V. (2007). University Teacher Identities and Graduate Attributes: What are we becoming? Paper presented at EARLI conference, Budapest, 28 August-1 September.
Barrie, S.C. (2006). Becoming Academic: Generic Attributes of University Teachers. Paper presented at the International Consortium for Educational Development conference. Sheffield, UK. 11–14 June.
Peseta, T., Barrie, S.C., Brew, A., McShane, K. & Applebee, A. (2006). When teachers become learners again: a Graduate Certificate program for supercomplexity. Paper presented at ICED conference, Sheffield UK 13-15 June.
Ginns, P. & Barrie, S.C. (2006). Response Modality Effects on CEQ and SCEQ Responses. Proceedings of the Australian Universities Quality Forum: Quality Outcomes and Diversity. Melbourne, 5 - 7 July. 79 – 82.
Barrie, S.C. (2006). Implications for current practice of innovative conceptions of research higher degree education. Paper presented at Quality in Postgraduate Research Conference, Adelaide, 19-21 April.
Read, J., Buntine, M., Crisp, G., Barrie, S. C., George, A., Kable, S., Bucat, R. & Jamie, I. (2006). The ACELL project: Student participation, professional development, and improving laboratory learning. Proceedings of the Uniserve Assessment in Science Teaching and Learning conference. Sydney 28 September. 113 – 119.
Barrie, S.C & Ginns, P. (2006). A research based approach to developing student surveys. Paper presented at HERDSA conference. Perth, 10-12 July.
Barrie. S.C., Crisp G., Buntine M.A., Kable S.H., Read J. Bucat R.B., Jamie I. & George A.V. (2006). Engaging nationally in a discipline based community of practice: Lessons for success. Paper presented at HERDSA conference. Perth, 10 – 12 July.
Barrie. S.C. (2005). Starting the journey towards graduates for a super-complex world. Paper presented at EARLI conference, Cyprus, 22 - 27 August.
Barrie. S. C. (2004). Academics’ Understandings of Generic Graduate Attributes: A Framework for Assuring Quality. Proceedings of the third Australian Universities Quality Forum. Adelaide Australia, 7-9 July, 108-112.
Barrie. S. C (2004). Can we agree what the qualities of our graduates should be? Using conceptions of graduate attributes for research-led systematic curriculum reform. Paper presented at Conference of the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Ottawa, Canada. 17-19 June.
Peseta, T., Manathunga, C., Barrie, S.C. & Sutherland, K. (2004). Liminality, identity and hybridity: on the promise of new conceptual frameworks for re-theorising faculty/educational development. Paper presented at the conference of the International Consortium for Educational Development. Ottawa Canada. 21-23 June.
Barrie, S.C. (2003). Using conceptions of graduate attributes for research-led systematic curriculum reform. Paper presented at 11th ISL Symposium, Hinckley UK 1-3 September.
Barrie, S.C., Ginns, P. & Prosser, P. (2003). Early impact and outcomes of an institutionally aligned, student focussed learning perspective on teaching quality assurance. Paper presented at 11th ISL Symposium, Hinckley UK 1-3 September.
Barrie, S.C. and Prosser, M. (2003). An aligned, evidence-based approach to quality assurance for teaching and learning. Proceedings of the Australian Universities Quality Forum, Melbourne, 11 -13 June, 271-276.
Barrie, S.C. (2003). What are Generic Graduate Attributes? Paper presented at HERDSA international conference Christchurch New Zealand, 1 -7 July.
Barrie, S.C., Ginns, P., & Prosser, M. (2003). Using a student-focussed perspective on learning to align academic development with institutional quality assurance. Paper presented at HERDSA international conference Christchurch New Zealand, 1 -7 July.