Investigating the mathematical skills, knowledge and outcomes for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds is the goal of the new Professor of Education at Charles Sturt University (CSU), Robyn Zevenbergen.

“I have a strong belief in equal access to quality education for all school students, particularly in my area of numeracy, regardless of their location or economic situation,” Professor Zevenbergen said.

Based at CSU’s Albury-Wodonga Campus, Professor Zevenbergen also brings four Federal Government Australian Research Council projects with her to the University from her former position in Queensland.

The projects include:

• working with schools on the transition of young people from school to employment; 
• maximising success in mathematics for students in Year 5 to 8, the so-called “middle school” years, through developing teaching strategies that support mathematical learning for all students;
• working with employers and employees on demands for numeracy in contemporary workplaces; and,
• assessing the best use of computers for middle school students in rural and remote locations.

“Professor Zevenbergen joins the growing research expertise in education at Charles Sturt University,” said the University’s Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Bob Meyenn.
She joins Professors Stephen Kemmis and Bill Green who have been appointed to the faculty in recent years.

Professor Zevenbergen, who was born, raised and completed her initial university studies in Geelong, Victoria, has a personal understanding of the educational challenges facing young people in regional Australia. Between 1994 and 2002, Professor Zevenbergen rose to the academic rank of associate professor in education at Queensland’s Griffith University.

“I look forward to spreading my work across State borders to develop strategies and techniques that can be used by schools and teachers across regional Australia and wherever disadvantaged young people are found,” Professor Zevenbergen said.