معرفی
Professor Loretta Konjarski serves as Co-Chair of the Graduate Certificate/Diploma in Block Teaching and Chair of the Professional Learning Program at Victoria University's First Year College. With 20 years of institutional leadership including roles as Interim Executive Dean and Associate Dean Learning and Teaching, she pioneered the implementation of VU's Block Model pedagogy. Her evidence-based approach has enhanced curriculum design and student learning experiences across the university.
Her educational background includes a Doctorate of Education (2021), Master of Education (2010), Graduate Certificate of Tertiary Education (2007), and Bachelor of Education in Physical Education (1989), all from Victoria University except her undergraduate degree from Deakin University. She maintains professional fluency in English across all academic functions.
Konjarski's research spans two interconnected domains: innovative higher education pedagogy (particularly block teaching methodology and academic leadership) and aquatic competency development in children. Her work examines leadership structures in teaching-focused colleges, women's advancement in academia, and the complex relationship between prior aquatic experiences and children's water safety skills. Recent publications demonstrate growing emphasis on AI integration in intensive learning environments and internationalization of block teaching models.
Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals three dominant trends: 1) Systematic development of block teaching as a distinct pedagogical framework with specialized professional learning pathways 2) Interdisciplinary investigations into aquatic competency determinants using mixed-methods approaches 3) Critical examinations of institutional change management during educational transformation. Her work consistently bridges theory and practice through collaborations with industry partners like Life Saving Victoria.
Konjarski leads three major funded research projects:
- Prioritising Teachers’ Mental Health (2022-2023) with the Department of Education
- Identifying At-Risk Students (2021-2025) with Life Saving Victoria Limited
- eLearning Development for Swimming Australia (2017-2021)
As a core architect of VU's First Year College transformation, she directs the Block Model Professional Learning Program that trains academics in intensive teaching methods. Her leadership extends to international collaborations through the Graduate Certificate/Diploma in Block Teaching, establishing Victoria University as a global leader in this pedagogical approach.
