I currently research questions related to the first year experience in higher education. Specifically, I am interested in; supporting the academic development of tutors using video stimulated recall, effective assessment, and peer learning. From a student focus, I am also interested in student conceptions of good teaching, and effective learning. Previously published research is in the areas of scaffolding for critical thinking, assessment, and academic writing.
I am attracted to research questions that require different methodologies and approaches. However, my research is primarily qualitative and situated within sociocultural and interpretive paradigms.
Supervision
I am particularly keen to supervise students interested in projects with a focus on the 'first-year experience' or 'peer learning'. Prospective candidates should be comfortable utilising qualitative methodologies. I am happy to co-supervise students with staff from other departments.
Potential research projects
Positive emotions that lead to good learning outcomes
Experiences of tutors who are also international students
Development of metacognition in a peer-learning environment
Development of time-management strategies and note-taking strategies in a peer learning environment
Current students
Natheeporn Keawkhong (PhD) - Critical Thinking in Foreign Language Classroom
Kexin Feng (PhD) - The transitional experiences and perceptions of first-year international students from non-English speaking backgrounds in regard to academic motivation
Abby Spronken (MHEd)
Past students
Charmaine Kwan (PhD 2021) - What transpired in Fiji's Higher Education sector? A strategic development outlook from 2007 - 2017
Krishneel Krishna Reddy (PhD 2020) - Using student peer review to enhance a student's learning experience in higher education
Teaching
Workshops for the tutor and demonstrating programme Introduction to tutoring, Introduction to demonstrating, Tutor training for residential colleges, Enhancing your teaching practice, Support for tutor co-ordinators
Workshops for Student Learning Development Preparing and revising for exams, critical reflection and writing an argument, oral presentation skills
Staff workshops and consultations Large class teaching, Assessment, Peer review of teaching
About the project The need for universities to equip their students for successful lives and careers in an uncertain and rapidly changing world is unarguable. In a collaborative effort between the University of Auckland, University of Otago and the New Zealand Association of Graduate Employers (NZAGE), this project aims to discover and disseminate pedagogies for embedding employability capabilities in advanced and research informed curricula.
Publications
Wass, R. (2023). Pedagogical strategies to foster the development of metacognition in university students [Roundtable]. Proceedings of the Higher Education Research & Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) Annual Conference. 352. Retrieved from https://conference.herdsa.org.au/2023/
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R., Rogers, T., Brown, K., Smith-Han, K., Tagg, J., Berg, D., & Gallagher, S. (2023). Pedagogical training for developing students’ metacognition: Implications for educators. International Journal for Academic Development, 2246442. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/1360144X.2023.2246442
Journal - Research Article
Spronken, A., & Wass, R. (2022). The implementation of pastoral care in residential colleges: First-year student and sub-warden perspectives and experiences of pastoral care. In E. Heinrich, A. Jolley & L. Rowan (Eds.), Proceedings of the Tertiary Education Research in New Zealand (TERNZ) Conference. (pp. 71-72). HERDSA Aotearoa/New Zealand. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Geertshuis, S., Wass, R., & Liu, Q. (2022). Equipping graduates with future-ready capabilities: An application of learning theories to higher education. Teaching in Higher Education. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/13562517.2022.2137399
Journal - Research Article
Wass, R. (2022, June). Metacognitive awareness training: Personal and academic development outcomes for educators. Verbal presentation at the Higher Education Research & Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) Annual Conference, [Hybrid].
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Reddy, K., Harland, T., Wass, R., & Wald, N. (2021). Student peer review as a process of knowledge creation through dialogue. Higher Education Research & Development, 40(4), 825-837. doi: 10.1080/07294360.2020.1781797
Journal - Research Article
Wass, R., & Rogers, T. (2021). Using video-reflection and peer mentoring to enhance tutors’ teaching. Innovations in Education & Teaching International, 58(1), 36-46. doi: 10.1080/14703297.2019.1695646
Journal - Research Article
Smith-Han, K., Gallagher, S., Brown, K., Wass, R., Rogers, T., & Tagg, J. (2020). Professional development of educators in metacognition: A real 'eye-opener'. Proceedings of the Australian & New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators (ANZAHPE) Conference. (pp. 240). Retrieved from https://anzahpe.org
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R., Anderson, V., Rabello, R., Golding, C., Rangi, A., & Eteuati, E. (2020). Photovoice as a research method for higher education research. Higher Education Research & Development, 39(4), 834-850. doi: 10.1080/07294360.2019.1692791
Journal - Research Article
Anderson, V., Rabello, R., Wass, R., Golding, C., Rangi, A., Eteuati, E., Bristowe, Z., & Waller, A. (2020). Good teaching as care in higher education. Higher Education, 79, 1-19. doi: 10.1007/s10734-019-00392-6
Journal - Research Article
Wass, R., Timmermans, J., Harland, T., & McLean, A. (2020). Annoyance and frustration: Emotional responses to being assessed in higher education. Active Learning in Higher Education, 21(3), 189-201. doi: 10.1177/1469787418762462
Journal - Research Article
Rogers, T., Wass, R., Berg, D., Brown, K., Smith-Han, K., Beatson, N., & Tagg, J. (2019). Enhancing PASS through structured metacognitive awareness training. Proceedings of the Australasian PASS and Peer Learning Conference: Excellence and Innovation: The Future of Peer Learning. (pp. 10). Retrieved from https://www.uow.edu.au/engage/pass-centre/conference
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R., Rogers, T., Howell, A., Hartung, C., & McIntyre, G. (2019). Using mentor and peer observation to enhance the practice of short term contractual (tutoring) staff. (pp. 1-16). Wellington, New Zealand: Ako Aoetearoa. [Technical/Scientific Report].
Working Paper; Discussion Paper; Technical Report
Brown, G., Cooper-Thomas, H., Curtin, J., Dunham, A., Geertshuis, S., Kensington-Miller, B., … Liu, Q., … Wass, R. (2019). Teaching for transformation: The four E’s of teaching future-ready graduates. Proceedings of the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) 42nd Annual Conference: Next Generation, Higher Education: Challenges, Changes and Opportunities. Retrieved from https://www.herdsa2019.auckland.ac.nz
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Rogers, T., Sutherland, K., Tennant, E., Elgort, I., Golding, C., Wass, R., & Timmermans, J. (2019). Teaching and learning circles: An initiative aimed at enhancing teaching culture and practice. Proceedings of the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) 42nd Annual Conference: Next Generation, Higher Education: Challenges, Changes and Opportunities. Retrieved from https://www.herdsa2019.auckland.ac.nz
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Moskal, A. C. M., & Wass, R. (2019). Interpersonal process recall: A novel approach to illuminating students’ software development processes. Computer Science Education, 29(1), 5-22. doi: 10.1080/08993408.2018.1542190
Journal - Research Article
Wass, R., Rogers, T., Howell, A., Hartung, C., & Davies, D. (2018). Supporting tutors through peer observation and mentoring. Proceedings of the Higher Education Research & Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) Annual Conference: (Re)Valuing Higher Education. (pp. 125-126). Retrieved from http://herdsa2018.aomevents.com.au
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R., Rogers, T., McIntyre, G., & Hartung, C. (2018). Mentor and peer observation to improve the practice of casual, short-term teachers. Proceedings of the Ako Aotearoa Southern Hub Projects Colloquium. (pp. 5-6). Wellington, New Zealand: Ako Aotearoa. Retrieved from https://ako.ac.nz/co-funding/regional-hub-project-fund/projects-in-progress-colloquia-2018
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R. (2018). Peer mentoring and observation: Developing institutional support for tutors. Proceedings of the Tertiary Education Research in New Zealand (TERNZ) Conference. Retrieved from http://www.herdsa.org.nz/ternz
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Chellapan, L., van der Meer, J., Pratt, K., & Wass, R. (2018). "To flip or not to flip, that’s the question": Findings from an exploratory study into factors that may influence tertiary teachers to consider a flipped classroom model. Journal of Open, Flexible & Distance Learning, 22(1), 6-21. doi: 10.61468/jofdl.v22i1.324
Journal - Research Article
Wass, R., Rogers, T., Hartung, C., & McIntyre, G. (2018). Supporting tutors through peer mentoring and video observation. Proceedings of the Higher Education Development Centre (HEDC) Symposium: Celebrating Higher Education. (pp. 17). Retrieved from https://www.otago.ac.nz/hedc
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Mather, D., Parackal, M., McNeill, L., Wass, R., Casey, B., Insch, A., Zaharic, T., & Garry, T. (2018). Non-attendance at lectures: An investigation into the profiling of students by attendance at the University of Otago. Proceedings of the Higher Education Development Centre (HEDC) Symposium: Celebrating Higher Education. (pp. 28). Retrieved from https://www.otago.ac.nz/hedc
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Parackal, M., Mather, D., Insch, A., Casey, B., Wass, R., McNeill, L., Zaharic, T., & Garry, T. (2018). Best-Worst Self-Efficacy Scale: A diagnostic tool for implementing customised interventions to improve the academic performance of students. Proceedings of the Higher Education Development Centre (HEDC) Symposium: Celebrating Higher Education. (pp. 27). Retrieved from https://www.otago.ac.nz/hedc
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Parackal, M., McNeill, L., Mather, D., Wass, R., Casey, B., Insch, A., & Guthrie, J. (2018, June). An investigation into non-attendance at lectures, University of Otago. Verbal presentation at the SERGE Symposium 2018, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Anderson, V., Rangi, A., Eteuati, E., Wass, R., Golding, C., & Rabello, R. (2017). The 'good teaching' project. Proceedings of the Ako Aotearoa Southern Hub Projects Colloquium. (pp. 2). Wellington, New Zealand: Ako Aotearoa. Retrieved from https://ako.ac.nz/co-funding/regional-hub-project-fund/projects-in-progress-colloquia-2017
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Anderson, V., Rangi, A., Eteuati, E., Wass, R., Golding, C., & Rabello, R. (2017). "I think they need to realise how influential they really are": What can we learn from university students' conceptions of 'good teaching' and 'effective learning'? Proceedings of the Talking Teaching Conference. Retrieved from https://akoacademy.ac.nz/programme
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
van der Meer, J., Wass, R., Scott, S., & Kokaua, J. (2017). Entry characteristics and participation in a peer learning program as predictors of first-year students’ achievement, retention, and degree completion. AERA Open, 3(3), 1-13. doi: 10.1177/2332858417731572
Journal - Research Article
Geertshuis, S., Lewis, N., Sturm, S., Wass, R., & Hubbard, P. (2017). Pedagogies for employability. Proceedings of the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) Conference: Curriculum Transformation. Retrieved from http://herdsa2017.org
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Anderson, V., Wass, R., Rangi, A., Eteuati, E., Golding, C., & Rabello, R. (2017). Reframing ‘curriculum transformation’ through attention to university students’ conceptions of good teaching. Proceedings of the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) Conference: Curriculum Transformation. Retrieved from http://herdsa2017.org
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R., Anderson, V., Rangi, A., Eteuati, E., Golding, C., & Rabello, R. (2017). How do we foreground students’ voices to inform good practice (or curriculum change)? Proceedings of the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) Conference: Curriculum Transformation. Retrieved from http://herdsa2017.org
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R., & Moskal, A. C. M. (2017). What can Interpersonal Process Recall (IPR) offer academic development? International Journal for Academic Development, 22(4), 293-306. doi: 10.1080/1360144X.2017.1340295
Journal - Research Article
Geertshuis, S., Wass, R., & Lewis, N. (2016). Embedding employability in the curriculum. Proceedings of the Tertiary Education Research in New Zealand (TERNZ) Conference. Retrieved from http://herdsa.org.nz/ternz/2016
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Geertshuis, S., Wass, R., & Lewis, N. (2016). Future ready graduates. Proceedings of the Tertiary Education Research in New Zealand (TERNZ) Conference. Retrieved from http://herdsa.org.nz/ternz/2016
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R., Anderson, V., Rangi, A., Eteuati, E., Golding, C., & Rabello, R. (2016). Insights from the Good Teaching Project: 'Photovoice' as a means for letting students speak. Proceedings of the Tertiary Education Research in New Zealand (TERNZ) Conference. Retrieved from http://herdsa.org.nz/ternz/2016
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R., & Moskal, A. (2015). The ethics of teaching: Where is the 'bottom line' in a negotiated curriculum? Proceedings of the Tertiary Education Research in New Zealand (TERNZ) Conference. Retrieved from http://www.herdsa.org.nz/ternz/2015/
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R., Harland, T., McLean, A., Miller, E., & Sim, K. N. (2015). ‘Will press lever for food’: Behavioural conditioning of students through frequent high-stakes assessment. Higher Education Research & Development, 34(6), 1324-1326. doi: 10.1080/07294360.2015.1052351
Journal - Research Article
Wass, R. (2015, July). Can video be used for successful tutor development? Poster session presented at the Students Transitions Achievement Retention & Success (STARS) Conference, Melbourne, Australia.
Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)
Harland, T., McLean, A., Wass, R., Miller, E., & Sim, K. N. (2015). An assessment arms race and its fallout: High-stakes grading and the case for slow scholarship. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 40(4), 528-541. doi: 10.1080/02602938.2014.931927
Journal - Research Article
Nairn, K., Cameron, J., Anakin, M., Juntrasook, A., Wass, R., Sligo, J., & Morrison, C. (2015). Negotiating the challenge of collaborative writing: Learning from one writing group's mutiny. Higher Education Research & Development, 34(3), 596-608. doi: 10.1080/07294360.2014.973383
Journal - Research Article
Harland, T., McLean, A., Wass, R., Miller, E., & Sim, K. N. (2014). Contemporary assessment practices in university: Impact on teachers and students. AKO Aotearoa. 29p.
Working Paper; Discussion Paper; Technical Report
Rock, J., Sparrow, A., Wass, R., & Moller, H. (2014). Building dialogue on complex conservation issues in a conference setting. Conservation Biology, 28(5), 1428-1433. doi: 10.1111/cobi.12339
Journal - Research Article
Wass, R., & Golding, C. (2014). Sharpening a tool for teaching: The zone of proximal development. Teaching in Higher Education, 19(6), 671-684. doi: 10.1080/13562517.2014.901958
Journal - Research Article
Golding, C., & Wass, R. (2013, November). Sharpening a tool for teaching: The zone of proximal development. Verbal presentation at the New Zealand Association for Research in Education (NZARE) National Conference: Creativity in Research: Generative Inquiries for Educational Futures, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Wass, R. T. (2012). Developing critical thinkers in higher education: A Vygotskian perspective (PhD). University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10523/2491
Awarded Doctoral Degree
Cameron, J., Juntrasook, A., Morrison, C., Nairn, K., Renner, S., Sligo, J., Tilson, J., Trevethan, H., Wass, R., & Anakin, M. (2012). Negotiating and sustaining academic writing groups. Proceedings of the Joint International Conference of the Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) and the Asia Pacific Educational Research Association (APERA). Retrieved from http://aare-apera2012.com.au/
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Harland, T., & Wass, R. (2011). Summative assessment in a modular degree: No choice in teaching, no freedom to learn. Proceedings of the Tertiary Education Research in New Zealand (TERNZ) Conference. Retrieved from http://www.herdsa.org.nz/Ternz/2011/programme.html
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R., & Harland, T. (2011). Student experiences of critical thinking development. Proceedings of the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) Conference: Higher Education on the Edge. Retrieved from http://conference.herdsa.org.au/2011/
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Loke, S.-K., Lokman, M., Winikoff, M., McDonald, J., Wass, R., Purvis, M., Zeng, R., Matthaei, C., & Vlugter, P. (2011). Sustainable mobile learning: Experiences in a Zoology paper. In K. Shephard, T. Harland & A. Cohen (Eds.), Proceedings of the Spotlight on Teaching and Learning Colloquium. (pp. 30). Dunedin, New Zealand: HEDC, University of Otago. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Anakin, M., Morrison, C., Nairn, K., Tilson, J., Trevethan, H., Cameron, J., Juntrasook, A., Wass, R., & Sligo, J. (2011). Collaborative academic writing group [Panel discussion]. In K. Shephard, T. Harland & A. Cohen (Eds.), Proceedings of the Spotlight on Teaching and Learning Colloquium. (pp. 18). Dunedin, New Zealand: HEDC, University of Otago. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R., Harland, T., & Mercer, A. (2011). Scaffolding critical thinking in the zone of proximal development. Higher Education Research & Development, 30(3), 317-328. doi: 10.1080/07294360.2010.489237
Journal - Research Article
Loke, S.-K., Lokman, M., Winikoff, M., McDonald, J., Wass, R., Purvis, M., Zeng, R., Matthaei, C., & Vlugter, P. (2010). Lessons in designing sustainable mobile learning environments. In C. H. Steel, M. J. Keppell, P. Gerbic & S. Housego (Eds.), Proceedings of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education Conference. (pp. 565-569). ascilite. Retrieved from http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/sydney10/proceedings.htm
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper
Wass, R., Mercer, A., & Harland, T. (2009). The scaffold: A framework to support or suspend learning? Proceedings of the Tertiary Education Research in New Zealand Conference. Retrieved from http://www.herdsa.org.nz/file.php/5/Wass.htm
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R., & Harland, T. (2008). Vygotsky and the development of critical thinking. In C. Bond & R. Spronken-Smith (Eds.), Proceedings of the Spotlight on Teaching at Otago Conference. (pp. 44). Dunedin, New Zealand: HEDC, University of Otago. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R., & Harland, T. (2007). The Vygotskian puzzles. Proceedings of the Tertiary Education Research in New Zealand Conference. Retrieved from http://www.herdsa.org.nz/Ternz/2007/TERNZprog07_web.htm
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R., Mercer, A., & Harland, T. (2006). Learning in the zone. Proceedings of the Improving University Teaching 31st International Conference. IUT. Retrieved from http://www.iutconference.org/2006/sessionVI.htm
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R., & Harland, T. (2006). Is there any knowledge out there? Painting the perfect student. Proceedings of the Tertiary Education Research in New Zealand Conference. TERNZ. Retrieved from http://www.herdsa.org.nz/Ternz/2006/Rob.pdf
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Walker, M., & Wass, R. (2006). He kimihanga tūrangawaewae: Finding our place. In S. Parsons (Ed.), Biology Aotearoa: Unique flora, fauna and fungi. (pp. 100-112). Auckland, New Zealand: Pearson Education.
Chapter in Book - Other
Wass, R., Harland, T., & Mercer, A. (2006). Learning in the zone. In R. Spronken-Smith (Ed.), Proceedings of the Spotlight on Teaching at Otago Conference. (pp. 31). Dunedin, New Zealand: HEDC, University of Otago. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R., Ludwig, K., McDonald, J., & Crawford, M. (2006). Multiple perspectives: A discussion on the eLearning application ″Behaving Scientifically″. In R. Spronken-Smith (Ed.), Proceedings of the Spotlight on Teaching at Otago Conference. (pp. 19-20). Dunedin, New Zealand: HEDC, University of Otago. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Lokman, P. M., Wass, R. T., Suter, H. C., Scott, S. G., Judge, K. F., & Young, G. (2001). Changes in steroid hormone profiles and ovarian histology during salmon pituitary-induced vitellogenesis and ovulation in female New Zealand longfinned eels, Anguilla dieffenbachii Gray. Journal of Experimental Zoology, 289, 119-129.
Journal - Research Article
Wass, R. T., & Mitchell, S. F. (1998). What do herbivore exclusion experiments tell us? An investigation using Black Swans and filamentous algae in a shallow lake. In E. Jeppesen, M. Sondergaard & K. Christoffersen (Eds.), Ecological Studies 13: The Structuring Role of Submerged Macrophytes in Lakes. (pp. 282-289). New York: Springer.
Chapter in Book - Research
Mitchell, S. F., & Wass, R. T. (1996). Grazing by black swans (Cygnus atratus latham), physical factors, and the growth and loss of aquatic vegetation in a shallow lake. Aquatic Botany, 55(3), 205-215.
Journal - Research Article
Mitchell, S. F., & Wass, R. T. (1996). Quantifying herbivory: grazing consumption and interaction strength. Oikos, 76, 573-576.
Journal - Research Article
Mitchell, S. F., & Wass, R. T. (1995). Food consumption and faecal deposition of plant nutrients by black swans (Cygnus atratus Latham) in a shallow New Zealand lake. Hydrobiologia, 306, 189-197.
Journal - Research Article
Young, G., Wass, R. T., & Crabb, P. L. (1995). Steroid profiles during arrest of oocyte development after capture of wild greenbone, Odax pullus. Aquaculture, 135, 78.
Journal - Research Article
MSc (Zoology), PGDipArts (Education), PhD (Otago)