Professor Kevin Watson

BSc (Hons) (UNE) Dip Ed (Syd) MCurrSt (Hons) (UNE) PhD (WSU)
Professor, Science Education; Associate Dean, Leaning and Teaching

Email: kevin.watson@nd.edu.au
Phone: (02) 8204 4128

  • Biography

    Kevin Watson was a science and mathematics teacher in schools for 16 years, teaching mainly biology, chemistry, secondary maths and science and primary science and technology before becoming a lecturer in Science Education at the University of Western Sydney. Before leaving the school sector he was Curriculum Coordinator at The Hills Grammar School. He was a member of Premier Carr's Advisory Committee for Science Education from 2003 to 2006. He has been a consultant for the Republic of Maldives Ministry of Education and UNICEF and has worked with AusAid on issues around Global Education. Kevin has had numerous consultancies with NSW Department of Education and conducted funded research for NSW DEC and the Australian Academy of Science. He is a reviewer for four international and one national journal. He has been a Councillor, Vice-President and President of the NSW Institute for Educational Research (IeR) and spent six years as a Councillor with the Science Teachers’ Association of NSW. Kevin was Head of Program (Secondary) at UWS and is a founding member of the ROSETE Project which is implementing a research-based teacher education program with partners in China and NSW Department of Education. He was a team member with NSW Department of Education evaluating the implementation of Positive Behaviour for Leaning (PBL/PBIS) in western and south western Sydney. This research was funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) as a partnership grant. At present, Kevin is Professor of Science Education and Associate Dean in the School of Education having been the Director of Research for six years. Kevin has completed a number of research projects for Sydney Catholic Schools and two OLT grants in partnership with Nulungu Research Institute and Macquarie University.

  • Teaching areas

    • Science Education
    • Science and Technology Education
    • Teaching and Learning

  • Research expertise and supervision

    Primary Science and Technology: content and pedagogy
    Secondary Science Education including, Biology, Chemistry and Earth and Environment
    Curriculum theory
    Constructivist Pedagogy
    Research Methods

    Undergraduate courses taught:

    • EDUC2013 Biological and Earth Sciences
    • EDUC3009 Physical and Chemical Sciences
    • EDUC1004 Academic Literacies
    • EDUC3036 Teaching Method 1: Geography

    Postgraduate courses taught:

    • EDUC6019 KLA Science and Technology
    • EDUC6062 Teaching Method 1: Science
    • EDUC6063 Teaching Method 2: Biology
    • EDUC6064 Teaching Method 2: Chemistry
    • EDUC6066 Teaching Method 2: Physics
    • EDUC7001 Qualitative Research Methods

    Research expertise and supervision

    Science Education
    Science and Technology Education
    Intercultural Understanding
    Pedagogy
    Assessment

    Current research projects

    • Wiley Park HUB Network Research Project: Identifying the indicators of a successful internship in a culturally diverse setting (2020) funded by Wiley Park Public School through a NSW Department of Education grant for $19,100.
    • UNSW Professional Experience Project: Examining the Role of the School Professional Experience Coordinator in Initial Teacher Education
    • Australian Association of Catholic Schools Principals' Project

    Completed research grants

    • 2017; Stakeholder Views of the Value of NAPLAN; UNDA; $4,910; Watson, K. Handal, B.
    • 2016; An Evaluation of Science Education in Sydney Archdiocese CEO Secondary Schools; Sydney Catholic Schools; $145,000; Watson, K., Handal, B., Maher, M.
    • 2014; Evaluation of the Community Educator Program; Sydney Catholic Schools; $27,125; Watson, K., Handal, B., Maher, M.
    • 2013; Enhancing the Training of Maths and Science Teachers: Opening Real science with Macquarie University; Office of Teaching and Learning; $2,300,000; Macquarie University, UWS, UNDA, ACU,
    • 2012; Evaluation of Religious Education Curriculum; Parramatta CEO; $91,000, Watson, K., Handal, B., Maher, M. O’Shea, G.
    • 2012; Class Size Project, Phase 2; Sydney CEO; $20,000; Watson, K., Handal, B., Maher, M.
    • 2011; Class Size Project, Phase 1; Sydney CEO; $15,000; Watson, K., Handal, B., Maher, M.
    • 2011; The Transition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students to Higher Education; Office of Learning and Teaching; $220,000; Watson, K., Maher, M., Nulungu Research Institute
    • 2010; Prior Learning of Global Education; AusAid, $49,000; Watson, K., Halse, C., Baumgart, N.
    • 2009; Enabling schooling success: Psychosocial drivers and impact of Positive Behaviour for Learning intervention on behaviour, well-being, academic engagement and achievement; ARC; $389,000, Barker, K., Dobia, B., Mooney, M., Watson, K., Power, A., Ha, M. T., Yeung, A. S., Schofield, J., McCloughan, G., & Denham, A.
    • 2007; Employer Satisfaction Ratings with the Employability Skills of Secondary Students; ACER; $15,000; Costley, D., Watson, K. & Power, A
    • 2007; Positive Behaviour for Learning; UWS and NSW DET; $13,000; Barker, K., Dobia, B., Mooney, M., Watson, K., Power, A., Schofield, J., McCloughan, G., & Denham, A.
    • 2006; School and University Partnerships to Enhance Student Outcomes; Curriculum Corporation for ASISTM; $121,000; Watson, K.
    • 2006; Teacher Secondments and Placements in Australian Education Faculties; DEST; $87,000; Watson, K. Singh, M. Sawyer, W.
    • 2003; Experiential Learning and site based teacher education; UWS; $7,000; Watson, K.
    • 2003; Experiential Learning: A social ecology approach; UWS; $5,000, Watson, K.
    • 2001; Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the UWS Science Teacher Retraining Program; NSW DET; $83,000, Aubusson, P., Watson, K., Vozzo, L.
    • 2000; Sydney Children’s Museum: Non-traditional teaching and learning sites; Holroyd City Council; $2,000; Watson, K., Aubusson, P. J., Griffin, J.
    • 1999; The Effectiveness of Professional Development in Developing Units of Work based on Constructivist Theory; NSW DET and UWS; $30,000, Watson, K, Aubusson, P. Webb, C.
    • 1998; Enhancing Secondary Science Education; ARC with Aust. Acad of Sc & NSW DET; $27,000; Watson, K, Aubusson, P.

    Current higher degree by research students

    • Rana Kaddour; PhD; The Impact of Motivation and Engagement on Achieving student Outcomes; Thai, T.
    • Christopher Kitching; PhD; The laicisation of leadership in Australian Jesuit Schools; Kearney, S.
    • Tryon Francis; PhD; The decision-making function of NSW government school principals and the application of principles of law and natural justice: identifying their knowledge and equipping them for practice; Squelch, J.
    • Christine Gietz; PhD; Talking the Talk and Walking the Walk: Interrogating the Relationship between Institutional Ethos and Practice; Bellen, L.
    • Melinda Adderley; PhD; Investigating STEM PBL best practice teaching and learning in four Australian classrooms; Handal, B.

    Completed higher degree by research students

    • Gary Carey; MPhil; Are we closing ‘the gap’? Evaluation of the use by Sydney Catholic systemic school teachers of Essential Secondary Science Assessment online data and its impact on the performance of subsequent cohorts sitting ESSAonline; No co-supervisor
    • Marianne Fernandes; PhD; An Evaluation of the Educational Support for School-aged Siblings of Children with a Chronic Health Condition; Lennox, S.
    • Jonathan Mascorella; PhD; Stakeholder perspectives on Vocational Education and Training; Handal, B.
    • Lisa Buxton; EdD; Guyunggu Nyumba: Infusing Aboriginal ways of being into teaching practice through professional learning; Maher, M.
    • Christine, Kassis, PhD; The Adult Learner: Nature or Nurture?; Bellen, L.
    • Stephanie Smith; PhD; Playing to Engage: Fostering engagement in low socioeconomic regions through science and mathematics developmental play. Maher, M
    • Martin Bain; MPhil; The Use of Visualisation to Accelerate the Emergence of Inferential Comprehension in Year 2 Children. McRae, G. and Handal, B.
    • Yi Chen: MEd (Hons); Assessment for Learning: Enhancing activities to Learn Mandarin; Zammit, K.
    • Jiadong Liao; MEd (Hons); A Mandarin Teacher’s Concern for the Communicative Language Teaching Approach in NSW Public Schools; Zhao, D.
    • Jing Yuan; MEd (Hons); Interest-based Language Teaching: Stimulating long-term interest in Mandarin in an Australian context — A beginning teacher’s perspective. Singh, M.
    • Wu Ting; MEd (Hons); Teacher Engagement in a Second language (L2) Classroom; Singh, M.
    • Xin Xin; MEd (Hons); Environmental Education: The Pith of Teaching Mandarin; Singh, M.
    • Minmin Zhang; MEd (Hons); A bilingual Second Language Teacher Teaching Bilingually: a self-study. Sawyer, W.
    • Francis Steele; PhD; Knowledge Networks, Secondary Schools and Social Capital; Singh, M.

  • Books

    Davies, A., Watson, K. & Whang, M. (1993). Key Skill Outsomes in Science. Edward Arnold:Melbourne.

  • Book chapters

    • Aubusson, P., Watson, K., Vozzo, L. & Steele, F. (2006). Teacher retraining – a desperate measure. In Entry to the Teaching Profession: Preparation, Practice, Pressure and Professionalism (64-78). Australian College of Educators: Deakin West.
    • Hill, S. B., Wilson, S. & Watson, K. (2004). Learning Ecology – A New Approach to Learning and Transforming Ecological Consciousness: Experiences from Social Ecology in Australia. Palgrave Macmillan: New York.

  • Journal articles and proceedings

    • Handal, B. Lynch, S., Watson, K., & Hellyer, G. (in-press).Teaching Digital Citizenship in Higher Education. Paper submitted to the 2016 MLearn International Conference on Mobile Learning, Sydney.
    • Handal, B. Watson, K., Petocz, P., & Maher, M. (2018). Choosing teaching in rural and remote schools: the zone of free movement. Education Research and Perspectives, (45), 1-32.
    • Handal, B., Winchester, K., Watson, K. & Maher, M. (2018). Integrating STEM into the Curriculum: Dimensional Models. 2018 Hawaii University International Conferences STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts , Mathematics & Education, June 6-8, Prince Waikiki, Hawaii (pp. 1-6).
    • Watson, K., Handal, B., & Maher, M. (2017). Class Size: Teachers’ Perspectives. Education and Society, 32(2), 5-26.
    • Handal, B., Watson, K., Brewer, B., Fellman, M., Maher, M., Ianniello, H., & White, M. (2017). Personal Views of HREC Members on Contested Issues: Possible Influences on Reviewer Decision-Making. Ethical Perspectives, 24(3), 405-439.
    • Handal, B., Watson, K., & Maher, M. (2017). Social diversity and class size. International Journal of Management and Applied Science, 3(1), 58-63. Available online at: http://www.iraj.in/journal/journal_file/journal_pdf/14-341-148921543558-63.pdf
    • Handal, B., Watson, K., & Winchester, K. (2017). STEM education curricular models. Proceedings of the 2017 Australasian Science Education Research Association conference. Universidad of Technology Sydney.
    • Watson, K., Handal, B., & Maher, M. (2016). The influence of class size upon numeracy and literacy performance. Quality Assurance in Education.
    • Handal, B. Watson, K., Petocz, P., & Maher, M. (2016). Choosing teaching in rural and remote schools: the zone of free movement. Education Research and Perspectives.
    • Handal, B. Lynch, S., Watson, K., & Maher, M. (2016). Digital citizenship: A new form of citizenship. In Knowledge Ecologies – 2016 Conference of the Philosophy and Education Society of Australasia (pp. 69-82), Fiji.
    • Handal, B., Watson, K., & Maher, M. (2016). Social diversity and class size. In proceedings of the International Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering and Management conference, Hanoi, November 2016, pp. 13-18.  ISBN: 978-93-86291-45-5. Available online at: http://www.worldresearchlibrary.org/up_proc/pdf/538-148067407813-18.pdf
    • Handal, B., Watson, K, & Deng, H. H. (2016). La implementación de las tecnologías mobiles en las escuelas: ciudadanias digitales (digital citizenship in the implementation of mobile learning in schools). I Jornadas Nacionales de Humanidades Digitales: Culturas, Tecnologías, Saberes (17-19, November 2014), pp. 263-272. Buenos Aires. Asociación Argentina de Humanidades Digitales (AAHD). Available at: http://aahd.com.ar/sites/default/files/novedades/adjuntos/Actas%20HD%202014.pdf
    • Handal, B., Watson, K., & Maher, M. (2015). The class size paradox. The Faculty Magazine, 2(3), 47-50. Available at: http://pub.lucidpress.com/vOL2_Issue3/
    • Handal, B., Watson, K., & Maher, M. (2015). Multi-positioning mathematics class size: teachers’ views. International Journal for Mathematics Teaching and Learning, 1-14. Available from: http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/journal/handal.pdf
    • Handal, B., Watson, K, & Deng, H.H. (2014). La implementación de las tecnologías mobiles en las escuelas: ciudadanías digitales. I Jornadas Nacionales de Humanidades Digitales: Culturas, Tecnologías, Saberes (17-19, November 2014). Buenos Aires. Asociación Argentina de Humanidades Digitales (AAHD).
    • Handal, B., Novak, A., Watson, K., Maher, M., MacNish, J., & Eddles-Hirsch, K. (2014). Numeracy education through mobile apps. Australian Journal of Middle Schooling, 14(1), 28-37. *
    • Handal, B., Watson, K., Petocz, P. & Maher, M. (2013). NSW Maths and Science Teachers' Choice to Rural and/or Remote Teaching Destinations. Report prepared for the NSW Department of Education and Communities. Sydney: The University of Notre Dame Australia.
    • Handal, B., Watson, K., Petocz, P. & Maher, M. (2013). Retaining Mathematics and Science teachers in rural and remote schools. Australian and International Journal of Rural Education, 23(3), 13-28.
    • Watson, K. (2013). Research-oriented school –based teacher education: A model for international students. Pacific-Asian Education, 25(1), 45-62. Available at: http://www.hawaii.edu/hera/pcc/PAE_25__1__final_13.pdf
    • Handal, B., Novak, A., Watson, K., Maher, M., MacNish, J., & Eddles-Hirsch, K. (2014). Numeracy education through mobile apps. Australian Journal of Middle Schooling, 14(1), 28-37.
    • Handal, B., Watson, K., Petocz, P. & Maher, M. (2013). Retaining mathematics and science teachers in rural and remote schools. Australian and International Journal of Rural Education, 3(3), 13-28.
    • Watson, K, Handal, B., Maher, M. & McGinty, E. (2013). Globalising the class size debate: myths and realities.Journal of International and Comparative Education, 2(2), 72-85. Available at: http://crice.um.edu.my/downloads/3Watson%20et%20al.pdf
    • Watson, K. & Chen, X. (2008). Preserving Cultural Heritage: An Australian Islamic perspective. Pacific-Asian Education. 20 (1) 33-45.
    • Watson, K., Steele, F., Vozzo, L. &Aubusson, P. (2007). Changing the Subject: Retraining Teachers to Teach Science. Research in Science Education 3 141-154.
    • Watson, K. & Steele, F. (2006). Building a Teacher Education Community: Recognising the ecological reality of sustainable collaboration. Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching, 7 (1) 1-26.
    • Watson, K. (2005). Teacher professional learning and pre-service teacher education: Building a sustainable community. Journal of Teacher Education and Training, 5 3-15.
    • Watson, K. & Halse, C. (2005). Environmental Attitudes of Pre-service Teachers: A conceptual and methodological dilemma in cross-cultural data collection. Asia-Pacific Education Review, 6 (1), 59-71.
    • Watson, K. & Gregson, R. (2004). A dig at dinosaurs: Real science education or not. Teaching Science, 50 (1) 10-14.
    • Aubusson, P. J. & Watson, K. (2004) Using a Curriculum Package Combined with Professional Learning to Promote Good Practice in Teaching Secondary Science. Pacific-Asian Education. 16 (2) 49-64.
    • Steele, F., Watson, K., Vozzo, L. & Aubusson, P. (2004). Retraining Teachers to Teach Science: Is it a good idea? Teaching Science 50 (2).
    • Vozzo, L., Aubusson, P., Steele, F. & Watson, K. (2004). Mentoring Retrained Teachers: Extending the Web. Mentoring and Tutoring Journal. 12 (3) 335-351.
    • Aubusson, P., Steele, F., Watson, K. & Vozzo, L. (2004). Retraining Teachers and School Culture: Complex interactions. Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practice. 9 (1) 59-77.
    • Boddy, N., Watson, K. & Aubusson, P. J. (2003). A trial of the Five Es: A model for constructivist teaching and learning. Research in Science Education, 3 (3) 1-16.
    • Watson, K., Aubusson, P. J., Steele, F. & Griffin, J. (2002). A Culture of learning in the informal museum setting. Journal of Australian Research in Early Childhood Education, 10, (2) 81- 95.
    • Aubusson, P. J. & Watson, K. (2002). Packaging constructivist science teaching in a curriculum resource. Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Teaching and Learning, 3, (2). Article 2.
    • Watson, K. (2001). What a difference the culture makes. Social Ecology and Lifelong Learning: Occasional Papers, 1, 57-70.
    • Aubusson, P. J. and Watson, K. (2000). Curriculum Manager's perceptions of science curriculum, development and implementation in Pakistan: Springboards or Obstacles to Change. Science Education (International).
    • Aubusson, P. J. & Watson, K. (1999). Issues and Problems Related to Science Curriculum Implementation in Pakistan: Perceptions of Three Pakistani Curriculum Managers. Science Education, 83 (603-620).
    • Watson, K., Aubusson, P. J., & Baumgart, N. (1993). Curriculum implementation: Consultancy, Authority and co-operation. Pacific-Asia Education, 5(1).
    • Barker, K., Dobia, B., Mooney, M., Watson, K., Power, A., Ha, M. T., Yeung, A. S., Schofield, J., McCloughan, G., & Denham, A. (2008, November). Positive behaviour for learning: Changing student behaviours for sustainable psychosocial outcomes. Paper presented in the symposium: Positive behaviour for learning: Changing student behaviours for sustainable educational outcomes in the annual conference of the Australian Association for Research in Education, Brisbane, Australia.
    • Mooney, M., Dobia, B., Power, A., Watson, K., Barker, K., Yeung, A. S., Denham, A., McCloughan, G., & Schofield, J. (2008, November). Why positive behaviour for learning: The how’s and why’s of translating a US model for local sustainable education. Paper presented in the symposium: Positive behaviour for learning: Changing student behaviours for sustainable educational outcomes in the annual conference of the Australian Association for Research in Education, Brisbane, Australia.
    • Mooney, M., Watson, K., Dobia, B., Power, A., Barker, K., Ha, M. T., Yeung, A. S., McCloughan, G., Schofield, J., & Denham, A. (2008, November). Positive behaviour for learning: Local features of an adapted US model of behaviour management. Paper presented in the symposium: Positive behaviour for learning: Changing student behaviours for sustainable educational outcomes in the annual conference of the Australian Association for Research in Education, Brisbane, Australia.
    • Power, A., Mooney, M., Barker, K., Dobia, B., Watson, K., Schofield, J., McCloughan, G., Denham, A., Yeung, A. S. (2008, November). Positive behaviour for learning: School-wide student behaviour intervention in Western Sydney. Paper presented at the Asia-Pacific Educational Research Association Conference, Singapore, November 2008. (accepted July 2008)
    • Watson, K. & Martin, A. The role of attitude in intercultural understanding: An assessment of secondary students' freehand maps. Proceedings of the 20th Annual Conference of the Pacific Circle Consortium, 19-22 May, 1996.
    • Arthur, J. M., Watson, K., Farrell, D. J. (1976). A Recent Survey of the Meals on Wheels Service in Armidale. ANZAAS Conference. Hobart, Tasmania.
    • Watson, K. (2001). What a difference the culture makes. Social Ecology and Lifelong Learning: Occasional Papers, 1, 57-70.
    • Watson, K. (2000). Intercultural Understanding and Environmentalism: a phenomenographic approach. Contemporary Approaches to Research in Mathematics, Science, Health and Environmental Education 1999. Centre for Studies in Mathematics, Science and Environmental Education: Deakin University. 5, 62-67.
    • Watson, K., (1997) Review of the book The Global Greenhouse Effect: Ideas and activities for teaching in primary schools. Science Education News, 46 (3).
    • Watson, K., (1996) Browned-off Chemistry. Science Education News, 45(1).
    • Mooney, M., Barker, K., Dobia, B., Power, A., Watson, K. & Yeung, A. (2008). Positive Behaviour for Learning: Investigationg the Transfer of a US System into the DET Western Sydney Region Schools. Research Report for NSW DET. University of Western Sydney, Kingswood.
    • Costley, D., Watson, K. & Power, A. (2008). Employability Skills of Senior Secondary Students. Research report for ACER as part of a DEST commissioned research project. University of Western Sydney, Kingswood.
    • Costley, D. Horsley, M. Watson, K. White, A. & Gregson, R. (2008). Global Education. Research Report for AusAid. University of Western Sydney, Kingswood.
    • Watson, K. (2007). Stage 1 Report on School and University Partnerships. Research Report for ASISTM. University of Western Sydney, Kingswood.
    • Costley, D., Gannon, S., Sawyer, W. & Watson, K. (2007). Teacher Secondments and Placements to University Education Faculties. Research Report for DEST. University of Western Sydney, Kingswood.
    • Watson, K. (2004). Promotion of Quality Education: Improving Continuous Education Procedures. Consultancy Report for UNICEF. University of Western Sydney, Kingswood.
    • Aubusson, P. J., Watson, K. & Brown, G. (1997) Enhancing Lower Secondary Science: The trial of a curriculum package combined with a professional development program. University of Western Sydney Nepean, Kingswood.

  • Conference papers

    • Handal, B., Winchester, K., Watson, K. & Maher, M. (2018). Integrating STEM into the Curriculum: Dimensional Models. 2018 Hawaii University International Conferences STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics & Education, June 6-8, Prince Waikiki, Hawaii (pp. 1-6).
    • 2015 Watson, K. (2015). The Family Educator Project. Presented at the Voicing the Vision Conference: Key Note Address. Strathfield, June 23 and 24. Voicing the Vision: Family Faith and Evangelisation Conference 2015
    • 2014 Handal, B., Watson, K, & Deng, H. H. (2014). La implementación de las tecnologías mobiles en las escuelas: ciudadanias digitales (digital citizenship in the implementation of mobile learning in schools). I Jornadas Nacionales de Humanidades Digitales: Culturas, Tecnologías, Saberes. Buenos Aires, 17-19, November 2014. Asociación Argentina de Humanidades Digitales (AAHD).
    • Handal, B., Watson, K.; & Deng, H.H. (2014). La implementación de las tecnologías mobiles en las escuelas: ciudadanías digitales. I Jornadas Nacionales de Humanidades Digitales: Culturas, Tecnologías, Saberes. Buenos Aires, 17-19, November 2014. Asociación Argentina de Humanidades Digitales (AAHD).
    • Watson, K. Global Collaboration and Research-based Teacher Education: Promoting mutual understandings in a trans-cultural learning community. Presented at the International Conference of the Pacific Circle Consortium. Taiwan, May, 2009.
    • Watson, K. Preserving Cultural Heritage: An Australian Islamic perspective. Presented at the International Conference of the Pacific Circle Consortium. Taiwan, May, 2009.
    • King, J., Thorpe, S., Gourneau, B., Holen, J., Keng, N & Watson, K. Teacher Education for the Future (TEF): Stage 4. Symposium presented at the International Conference of the Pacific Circle Consortium. Taiwan, May, 2009.
    • Barker, K., Dobia, B., Mooney, M., Watson, K., Power, A., Ha, M. T., Yeung, A. S., Schofield, J., McCloughan, G., & Denham, A. (2008, November). Positive behaviours for learning: Changing student behaviours for sustainable psychosocial outcomes. Paper presented in the symposium: Positive behaviour for learning: Changing student behaviours for sustainable educational outcomes in the annual conference of the Australian Association for Research in Education, Brisbane, Australia. (accepted August 2008)
    • Mooney, M., Dobia, B., Power, A., Watson, K., Barker, K., Yeung, A. S., Denham, A., McCloughan, G., & Schofield, J. (2008, November). Why positive behavior for learning: The how's and why's of translating a US model for local sustainable education. Paper presented in the symposium: Positive behaviour for learning: Changing student behaviours for sustainable educational outcomes in the annual conference of the Australian Association for Research in Education, Brisbane, Australia. (accepted July 2008)
    • Mooney, M., Watson, K., Dobia, B., Power, A., Barker, K., Ha, M. T., Yeung, A. S., McCloughan, G., Schofield, J., & Denham, A. (2008, November). Positive behaviour for learning: Local features of an adapted US model of behaviour management. Paper presented in the symposium: Positive behaviour for learning: Changing student behaviours for sustainable educational outcomes in the annual conference of the Australian Association for Research in Education, Brisbane, Australia. (accepted August 2008)
    • Power, A., Mooney, M., Barker, K., Dobia, B., Watson, K., Schofield, J., McCloughan, G., Denham, A., Yeung, A. S. (2008, November). Positive behaviour for learning: School-wide student behaviour intervention in Western Sydney. Paper presented at the Asia-Pacific Educational Research Association Conference, Singapore, November 2008. (accepted July 2008)
    • Watson, K. Developing a Model of Research-based Teacher Education: Contributions from a Trans-cultural Learning Community. Presented at the Yuncheng Conference for Language and Linguistics. China, October, 2008.
    • Watson, K. Self Study: UWS Restructuring. Presented at the International Conference of the Pacific Circle Consortium. Hawaii, July, 20Watson, K. Pedagogical Reform in English Language Education: The use of ICT as a response to globalization in China. Presented at the International Conference of the Pacific Circle Consortium. Mexico, July, 2006.
    • Watson, K. The role of pedagogy in exposing the need for critical literacy in Maldives. Presented at the International Conference of the Pacific Circle Consortium. Sydney, July, 2005.
    • Watson K. Building Communities in Science Education. Presented at the International Conference of the Pacific Circle Consortium. Sydney, July, 2005.
    • Watson, K. Teacher Professional Learning and Student Teacher Education: Transferability and culture. Presented at the International Conference of the Pacific Circle Consortium. Hong Kong, July, 2004.
    • Watson, K. Teacher professional learning and pre-service teacher education: Building a sustainable community. Presented at Australasian Science Education Research Association Conference, Armidale, July, 2004.
    • Watson, K. & Steele, F. Teacher Education and sustainable collaboration. Presented at Australasian Science Education Research Association Conference, Melbourne, July, 2003.
    • Watson, K. & Gregson, R. A dig at dinosaurs: Real science education or not. Presented at Australasian Science Education Research Association Conference, Melbourne, July, 2003.
    • Watson, K. & Aubusson, P. J. Quality Teaching as a Curriculum Innovation. Presented at Australasian Science Education Research Association Conference, Towwnsville, July 2002.
    • Watson, K. Packaging Quality Teaching in Curriculum Projects. Presented at the International Conference of the Pacific Circle Consortium. Seoul, Korea, May, 2002.
    • What a Difference the Culture Makes. Presented at the International Conference of the Pacific Circle Consortium. Christchurch, New Zealand, December, 2002.
    • Boddy, N., Watson, K. & Aubusson, P. J. A trial of the Five Es: A model for constructivist teaching and learning. Presented at Australasian Science Education Research Association Conference, Sydney, July 2001.
    • The Influence of Culture on Environmental Attitudes. Paper presented at the Australian Association of Environmental Education, Melbourne, January, 2001.
    • Hill, S. B., Wilson, S. & Watson, K. Lambert, K. L. Learning Ecology and Transformative Change in Education. Presented at the Fourth International Conference on Transformative Learning:”Multiple Currents: Expanding the Boundaries of Transformative Learning”, Toronto, Canada, November 1-4.
    • Packaging Quality Teaching as Innovative Curriculum. Paper presented at the Australian Association for Research in Education. Sydney, December, 2001.
    • Watson, K. (2000). Intercultural Understanding and Environmentalism: a phenomenographic approach. Contemporary Approaches to Research in Mathematics, Science, Health and Environmental Education 1999. Centre for Studies in Mathematics, Science and Environmental Education: Deakin University. 5, 62-67.
    • Watson, K., Steele, F., Aubusson, P. & Griffin, J. Establishing a culture of learning in an informal museum setting, Paper presented at Australasian Science Education Research Association Conference, Fremantle July, 2000.
    • Watson, K., & Aubusson, P. Enhancing Lower Secondary Science: The trial of a curriculum package combined with a professional development program. Paper presented at Australasian Science Education Research Association Conference. Darwin, July,1998.
    • Watson, K. Environmental Science: The case for cultural change. Paper presented at Australasian Science Education Research Association Conference. Adelaide, July, 1997.
    • Aubusson, P. J. & Watson, K. Curriculum Manager's perceptions of science curriculum, development and implementation in Pakistan: Springboards or Obstacles to Change. Annual Conference of the Pacific Circle Consortium, May, 1996.
    • Watson, K. & Martin, A. The role of attitude in intercultural understanding: An assessment of secondary students' freehand maps. Proceedings of the 20th Annual Conference of the Pacific Circle Consortium, 19-22 May, 1996.
    • Watson, K. Teacher attitudes towards teaching the Science and Technology K-6 syllabus in Western Sydney. Paper presented at Australasian Science Education Research Association Conference. Canberra, July, 1996.
    • Watson, K., & Aubusson, P. (1996). Biodiversity of Indonesia and its implications for the people of Indonesia. Two workshops for Including Studies of Asia in the Curriculum, Sydney, 14 June and 19 July, 1996.
    • Watson, K., Aubusson, P. & Webb, C. (1995). Australia's relationship with Asia and Science and Technology in an Asian context. Seminar for NPDP program: Including Studies of Asia in the Primary Curriculum, Sydney, October, 1995.
    • Watson, K. The Globalisation of Environmental Education: Some personal perceptions. Paper presented at Australasian Science Education Research Association Conference. Hobart, July, 1994.

  • Professional affiliations

    Deans and Directors of Graduate Students
    Australasian Research Management Society
    Institute for Educational Research

  • Community engagement

    Sydney Archdiocese Catholic Education Office
    Parramatta Catholic Education Office
    NSW Educational Standards Authority
    Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership
    NSW Science Teachers' Association

    Consultancies

    • 2008; Intercultural Understanding; Yuncheng University; $3,500 Visiting Professor, Coordinator and developer of program
    • 2007; Global Education; AusAid; $72,000; Coordinator of UWS component
    • 2006; Stage 2 Values Education Good Practice Schools Project; Curriculum Corporation for DEST; $99,840; Researcher
    • 2004; Promotion of Quality Education: Improving Continuous Education Procedures; UNICEF; $18,000; Coordinator and developer
    • 2004; Evaluation of 2005 UNSW School Science Quiz; UNSE; $900; Evaluator
    • 2003; Core unit in MScEd Making the Science Connection delivered on-line; UWS and Macquarie Universities; $11,000; Developer and coordinator
    • 2003; Evaluation of TAS Department Pershurst Girl’s High School; UNE, UWS, NSW DET; $1,000; Evaluator
    • 2001; Retraining and Accelerated Training of Physics Teachers; NSW DET; $7000,000; Coordinator, researcher and teacher
    • 2000; Sydney Children’s Museum: Non-traditional teaching and learning sites; Australian Federation Grant and Aust. Business Ltd; $100,000; Researcher

    Invited presentations

    • Watson, K. (1997, March). The role of Science in Society. Invited Keynote address for the NSW Science Teachers’ Association, Western Sydney Branch
    • Watson, K. (2002, August). Pedagogy and Misconceptions in Science. Invited Keynote address for NSW Science Teachers’ Association Conference.
    • Watson, K. (2015, June). The Family Educator Project. Invited Keynote address at Voicing the Vision Conference: Family Faith and Evangelisation Conference.

    Journal reviewer

    • Editorial Board for Issues in Educational Research
    • Reviewer, Pacific Asian Education (Journal of the Pacific Circle Consortium)
    • Reviewer, Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching, Journal Institute of Teacher Education Hong Kong.
    • Reviewer, Asia Pacific Education Review, the Journal of the Education Research Institute for Soul National University
    • Reviewer, Pacific Asian Education (Journal of the Pacific Circle Consortium)
    • Editor SEN, (Journal of the Science Teachers’ Association of NSW

    Leadership roles

    • Visiting Professor, Yuncheng University, China
    • President NSW Institute for Educational Research (IeR)
    • Premier’s Advisory Committee: Science and Science Education
    • Councilor Science Teachers’ Association of NSW (STANSW) Councilor

  • Awards

    Distinguished Service Award (Editor of SEN) Science Teachers' Association of NSW
    Distinguished Service Award (NSW Young Scientist) Science Teachers' Association of NSW

  • Other

    Adjunct Professor Yuncheng University, China
    Member of NSW Premiers Science and Science Education Committee (2004-2005)
    Reviewer Journal of Science Education and Technology
    Reviewer for Issues in Educational Research
    President NSW Institute for Educational Research (IeR) (2007-2009)
    Vice President NSW Institute for Educational Research (IeR) (2010-2011)
    Member Nirimba Educational Precinct (2004-2010)
    Councillor Science Teachers’ Association of NSW (STANSW)
    Reviewer, Pacific Asian Education (Journal of the Pacific Circle Consortium).
    Reviewer, Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching, Journal Institute of Teacher Education Hong Kong.
    Reviewer, Asia Pacific Education Review, the Journal of the Education Research Institute for Soul National University.
    Member Science Teachers’ Association of NSW (STANSW) Professional Development Committee.
    Member STANSW Primary Science and Technology Reference Committee.
    Key note address for Science Teachers’ Association of Western Sydney Conference.
    Member Australasian Science Education Research Association.
    Consultant for NSW Department of Education and Quality Teaching Program.
    Convener for the Australasian Science Education Research Association (ASERA) International Conference.
    Consultant for the NSW Board of Studies Chemistry and Earth and Environmental Science Syllabus Review.
    Reviewer, Pacific Asian Education (Journal of the Pacific Circle Consortium).
    Member NSW Board of Studies Literature Review Committee for the Science Syllabuses.
    Member NSW Board of Studies HSC Chemistry Examination Committee.
    Senior Marker for NSW Board of Studies HSC Chemistry Examination.
    Member NSW Board of Studies HSC Science for Life Examination Committee.
    Editor SEN, (Journal of the Science Teachers’ Association of NSW).
    Member Science Teachers’ Association NSW (STANSW).
    Member Australian Science Teachers’ Association (ASTA).