Prabhat Rai

Dr. Prabhat Rai is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Educational Psychology & Counselling, Monash University. He specializes in cultural-historical theory and early childhood education, focusing on play-based approaches to cultivate imagination, creativity, and STEM learning in young children.

• Doctoral studies at University of Oxford (D.Phil.) as a Felix Scholar
• Academic leadership roles in India (CBSE), Bhutan (Royal Academy), and Australia

His recent research explores digital educational experiments through the Conceptual PlayWorld model, creating innovative conditions for STEM learning in non-formal spaces like homes and playgroups. Collaborative work with Prof. Marilyn Fleer and Dr. Fragkiadaki examines:

• Digital tools in early childhood pedagogy
• Transnational childhoods and global child development discourse
• Methodological innovations during crises (e.g., pandemic-driven distal participation)
• Professional development frameworks integrating theoretical thinking

Publications highlight his contributions to cultural-historical digital methodologies and the dialectical relationship between real/digital environments in early learning. He serves as Associate Editor for Learning, Culture and Social Interaction, advancing international discourse on developmental psychology and early education.