معرفی
Dr Polly Lai serves as a Senior Lecturer at Southern Cross University's Centre for Teaching and Learning, bringing expertise from prior roles at Arizona State University's Learning and Cognition Lab under Regents Professor Michelene Chi, alongside academic positions at UNSW and QUT. Her work bridges educational research with institutional leadership in Australian higher education.
Her academic credentials include:
- PhD in Learning Sciences and Technology from the University of Sydney
- Master of Learning Sciences and Technology from the University of Sydney
- Master of Commerce (Human Resources and Industrial Relations) from the University of Western Australia
Dr Lai's research investigates Technology-Enhanced Learning through frameworks like Productive Failure and Embodied Learning, with significant contributions to STEM Education and inclusive pedagogy. Her work examines how game-based environments and hybrid learning spaces foster deep conceptual understanding in complex domains such as genetics and engineering, while addressing equity through initiatives like the Southern Cross Model (SCM).
Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strategic focus on practical applications of learning sciences in higher education contexts. Key trends include the design of hybrid learning environments, adaptive engineering education systems, and inclusive standards development, demonstrating consistent integration of productive failure principles across STEM disciplines with growing emphasis on institutional implementation.
Her scientific recognition includes:
- Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA)
- ASCILITE Research Grant Award for General Academic projects
Dr Lai has spearheaded transformative initiatives including CAULLT-funded Hybrid Learning Spaces research and university-wide SCM transition projects for Business, Law, Arts, and The Hotel School. Since 2019, she has mentored over 300 academic staff in curriculum innovation and HEA fellowship development, establishing herself as a pivotal figure in learning and teaching advancement.
Her current work centers on the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Southern Cross University, driving the SCM framework's adoption across faculties while collaborating with institutional teams to implement evidence-based teaching practices through projects like the HEA Fellowship Programme.
