Personal information

Education, Parent Engagement, English/Literacy, Humanities and Social Sciences, Dialogic Pedagogies
Australia

Biography

Dr Linda-Dianne (Linda) Willis is Senior Research Fellow and Adjunct Senior Lecturer in the School of Education and Professional Studies at Griffith University. She is also a Griffith Institute for Educational Research (GIER) member. Linda's major research interests are in parent and community engagement, initial teacher education, English and literacy curriculum and pedagogy; and Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) curriculum and pedagogy. She has also conducted research in early years education, education partnerships, education leadership and global citizenship. Linda has championed innovative collaborative teaching and research methods such as co-teaching and co-generative dialoguing in early, primary, secondary and tertiary education settings.

Since 2016, Linda has been awarded almost $700K to conduct research (12 projects/10 as Lead Chief Investigator) as a result of competitive external grants. Significantly, she was awarded approximately $300K in the 2016 and 2017 Queensland Department of Education's Education Horizon grant scheme to lead longitudinal research titled, Principal Leadership for Parent-School-Community Engagement. The impact of this research and Linda’s leadership were publicly singled out in 2023 by the Honourable Grace Grace MP, Queensland Minister for Education, as creating valuable resources for schools and informing improvements across the education system.

Linda's current research, Engaging Parents in Inquiry Curriculum (EPIC), comprises the third year of longitudinal research conducted continuously since 2021 in Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) member schools. At a national level, the significance of EPIC (ISQ) was highlighted in The Senate Education and Employment Reference Committee’s 2023 final report into The National Trend of School Refusal and Related Matters in its recommendations to all State and Territory authorities to better support schools to engage parents.

Linda is known internationally and nationally for her research in parent and community engagement. Her work in education research (parent engagement, initial teacher education, curriculum and pedagogy) is marked by enduring partnerships with universities, schools, colleagues, teachers and industry stakeholders locally, interstate and nationally and across State, Catholic and Independent education sectors.

Linda is a registered teacher with extensive experience in the early, primary and middle years. She has taught in State and Independent schools in roles including Senior Classroom Teacher, Middle School Leader and STEM District Liaison Teacher.

Linda's higher education roles at Griffith University (2020-2022) have included: Program Director, Bachelor of Education (BEd) (early, primary and senior years); Senior Lecturer (HASS education); and Education Lead, Griffith University’s Climate Action Beacon (CAB). Previously, she was Program Director, Master of Teaching (MTeach) (Primary) and Lecturer (English/literacy and HASS education) at The University of Queensland (2010-2019). As Program Director, Linda successfully spearheaded Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) program accreditation for Stage two submissions for the BEd (Griffith University) and MTeach (Primary) (The University of Queensland) programs to achieve the maximum five years accreditation approved by the Queensland College of Teachers.

Since 2010, Linda has taught and designed English/literacy and HASS education courses in BEd (early years, primary, middle years of schooling, secondary and dual degree) and Master of Teaching (Primary) programs. At Griffith University, she convened courses in Communication for Learning and Teaching, HASS and English/literacy (Gold Coast, Logan and Mount Gravatt campuses/face-to-face and online). At The University of Queensland she convened and taught courses in English/literacy, HASS and STEM (including senior secondary Mathematics).

Linda received her PhD in parent-teacher engagement in 2013. She has subsequently supervised 17 higher degree research students to completion (PhD/Masters/Honours). Linda has published widely in national and international journals. She is Lead Author on the 2021 international volume, Principal Leadership for Parent Engagement in Disadvantaged Schools: What Qualities and Strategies Distinguish Effective Principals?

Linda is the immediate past National Publications Director of the Australian Literacy Educators’ Association (ALEA) (2019-2023). In this role, she managed the publication of three national/international journals (published three times a year) and three editorial teams comprising between 20 and 30 members. She also served two, two-year terms on the ALEA Executive Board and National Council (2019-2023). Linda received ALEA’s National Special Services Award in 2017 for her role as Co-Editor in Chief of PLEPY (2014-2017).

Linda is also Honorary Senior Research Fellow at The University of Queensland (2020-2025).

Activities

Employment (4)

Griffith University: Brisbane, Queensland, AU

2022-10 to present | Education Lead (Climate Action Beacon)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Griffith University: Brisbane, Queensland, AU

2022-03-06 to present | Lead Chief Investigator and Senior Research Fellow (School of Education and Professional Studies)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Griffith University: Brisbane, Queensland, AU

2020-01-01 to 2022-03-04 | Senior Lecturer in Humanities and Social Sciences Education (School of Education and Professional Studies)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

The University of Queensland: Brisbane, Queensland, AU

2010-02-01 to 2019-12-31 | Lecturer, Curriculum Studies (School of Education)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Education and qualifications (4)

Queensland University of Technology: Brisbane, QLD, AU

2007-01-01 to 2013-07-25 | PhD - Doctor of Philosophy (Education)
Education
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Queensland University of Technology: Brisbane, QLD, AU

2005-02-01 to 2006-12-31 | Masters Coursework (Education)
Education
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Brisbane College of Advanced Education: Brisbane, Queensland, AU

1982-02-01 to 1984-04-16 | Bachelor of Education (Education)
Education
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Mt Gravatt College of Advanced Education: Brisbane, Queensland, AU

1978-02-01 to 1980-12-08 | Diploma of Teaching
Education
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Professional activities (10)

Life Course Centre UQ: Brisbane, Queensland, AU

2018 to present
Membership
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

British Educational Research Association: London, London, GB

2018 to present
Membership
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE): Brisbane, Queensland, AU

2015 to present
Membership
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Global Learning Centre (GLC): Brisbane, Queensland, AU

2014 to present
Membership
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Australia Teacher Education Association (ATEA): Brisbane, Queensland, AU

2013 to present
Membership
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Social and Citizenship Education Association of Australia (SCEAA): Brisbane, Queensland, AU

2012 to present
Membership
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Social Educators’ Association of Queensland (SEAQ): Brisbane, Queensland, AU

2012 to present
Membership
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Australian Literacy Educators’ Association (ALEA): Brisbane, Queensland, AU

2009 to present
Membership
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Bulimba State School: Bulimba, QLD, AU

2014 to 2021 | Bulimba State School Council - Invited Member
Invited position
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Australian Literacy Educators’ Association : Brisbane, Queensland, AU

2017
Distinction
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Funding (1)

Principal leadership for parent-school-community engagement

2017 to 2022 | Grant
Queensland Department of Education (Brisbane, Queensland, AU)
GRANT_NUMBER: URL
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis
grade
Preferred source (of 2)‎

Works (50 of 61)

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Planning for inquiry learning: A Queensland perspective on teaching HASS in initial teacher education.

Teaching humanities and social sciences in the primary school.
2019 | Book chapter
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Creating new spaces for pre-service teachers to engage with parents: An Australian coteaching and cogenerative dialoguing project

Home-School Relations: International Perspectives
2018 | Book chapter
EID:

2-s2.0-85063561166

Contributors: Willis, L.-D.
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis via Scopus - Elsevier

Using an online social media space to engage parents in student learning in the early-years: Enablers and impediments

Digital Education Review
2018 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-85049322416

Contributors: Willis, L.-D.; Exley, B.
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis via Scopus - Elsevier

What gives some Principals the edge on parent-school-community engagement? Principal leadership for engaging parents and community in disadvantaged schools: Four case studies.

2018 | Report
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Why do some disadvantaged Queensland schools appear to be better at parent engagement than others? Investigating exemplary Principal leadership practices for parent-school-community engagement

2018 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Engage to learn: Working in partnership with families.

2018-11-27 | Lecture
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Why do some schools appear to be better at parent engagement than others? Investigating exemplary principal leadership practices.

2018-11-19 | Lecture
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Principal leadership for parent-school-community engagement in disadvantaged schools.

2018-10-16 | Lecture
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Principal leadership qualities and strategies: Engaging parents and the community in disadvantaged schools.

2018-09-12 | Conference paper
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Povey, J., Willis, L.-D., & Hodges, J. (2018). Why do some schools appear to be better at parent engagement than others? Investigating exemplary principal leadership practices. Seminar presentation 12 November 2018, BIP Lab, The University of Chicago, Chicago USA.

2018-09-07 | Conference paper
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Case studies of authentic parent/carer/community engagement in school curriculum: from the early years to secondary schooling.

Qld Catholic Schools Parents Biennial Conference
2018-06-09 | Conference paper
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Advocating for reconciliation using an artefact as stimulus

Practical Literacy: The Early and Primary Years
2017 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Affordances and challenges of engaging parents in student learning using social media

Parent Engagement Conference Australia with The Smith Family, Maximising every child’s potential
2017 | Conference paper
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Children as advocates-The potential of using social media in the early and primary years

Practical Literacy: The Early and Primary Years
2017 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Dedication to Narelle Oliver (1960-2016)

Practical Literacy: The Early and Primary Years
2017 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Implications for Pedagogy: Flipping the Classroom to Engage Pre-service Teachers

The Flipped Classroom
2017 | Other
Part of ISBN: 9789811034114
Contributors: Linda-Dianne Willis
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis via Crossref Metadata Search

Using metalogue to develop an understanding of cogenerativity and school-university partnerships in initial teacher education

2017 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

What gives some Principals in educationally-disadvantaged schools the edge on parent-school-community engagement? Summary of quantitative findings.

2017 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Wonder

Practical Literacy: The Early and Primary Years
2017 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Exploring Cogenerativity in Initial Teacher Education School-University Partnerships Using the Methodology of Metalogue

Educating Future Teachers: Innovative Perspectives in Professional Experience
2017-09-06 | Other
Part of ISBN: 9789811054839
Contributors: Linda-Dianne Willis; Helen Grimmett; Deborah Heck
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis via Crossref Metadata Search

Theorising the Third Space of Professional Experience Partnerships

Educating Future Teachers: Innovative Perspectives in Professional Experience
2017-09-06 | Other
Part of ISBN: 9789811054839
Contributors: Rachel Forgasz; Deborah Heck; Judy Williams; Angelina Ambrosetti; Linda-Dianne Willis
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis via Crossref Metadata Search

Advocacy

Practical Literacy: The Early and Primary Years, 21 3: 3-3.
2016 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Editorial

English in Australia
2016 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-84994559823

Contributors: Exley, B.; Collins, G.; Bishop, K.; Willis, L.-D.
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis via Scopus - Elsevier

Engaging parents in schools and building parent-school partnerships: The role of school and parent organisation leadership

International Journal of Educational Research
2016 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 0883-0355
Contributors: Jenny Povey; Alice Kate Campbell; Linda-Dianne Willis; Michele Haynes; Mark Western; Sarah Bennett; Emma Antrobus; Charley Pedde
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis via Crossref Metadata Search
grade
Preferred source (of 2)‎

Exploring cogenerativity for developing a coteaching community of practice in a parent-teacher engagement project

International Journal of Educational Research
2016 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 0883-0355
Contributors: Linda-Dianne Willis
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis via Crossref Metadata Search
grade
Preferred source (of 2)‎

Language variation and change in the Australian curriculum English: Integrating sub-strands through a pedagogy of metalogue

English in Australia
2016 | Journal article
EID:

2-s2.0-84994579920

Contributors: Willis, L.-D.; Exley, B.
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis via Scopus - Elsevier

Parent Engagement in Schools (PES)-Primary School Summary

2016 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Parent Engagement in Schools (PES)-Research brief for the Queensland Department of Education and Training

2016 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Parent engagement: The current research. How can schools engage with parents in ways that will benefit student learning?

CIRCLE-The Centre for Innovation, Research, Creativity and Leadership in Education
2016 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Performance poetry

2016 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Review – Social diversity within multiliteracies: complexity in teaching and learning.

Practical Literacy: The Early and Primary Years, 21 2: 43-44.
2016 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Using culturally diverse literature

Practical Literacy: the early and primary years
2016 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Visual literacy

Practical Literacy: The Early and Primary Years
2016 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

‘From little things big things grow’: Introducing a model for reimagining the professional experience within university-school partnerships

Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) Conference
2016 | Conference paper
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Children’s pedagogic rights in the web 2.0 era: A case study of a child’s open access interactive travel blog

Global Studies of Childhood
2016-11-07 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 2043-6106
Contributors: Beryl Exley; Linda-Dianne Willis
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis via Crossref Metadata Search

Towards a Common Transnational Education Framework: Peculiarities in China Matter

Higher Education Policy
2016-09 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 0952-8733
Contributors: Mingyan Hu; Linda-Dianne Willis
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis via Crossref Metadata Search
grade
Preferred source (of 2)‎

20th anniversary platinum edition

Practical Literacy: The Early and Primary Years
2015 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Coteaching for parent-school-community engagement: Seen through the four resources model

Practically Primary
2015 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Editorial: 20th Anniversary Platinum Edition

Practically Primary
2015 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Enacting active and informed citizenship in an early years context

The Social Educator
2015 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Engagement with families and communities.

Practically Primary, 20 1: 3-3.
2015 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Grammar's journey-Teacherly reflections from Linda-Dianne Willis and Beryl Exley

Practically Primary
2015 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Language and literacy learning environments

Practically Primary, 20 2: 3-3.
2015 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Me and my backyard... can I make a difference?

Practically Primary
2015 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Promoting English and literacy through global education: Transforming student outcomes

Australian Association for the Teaching of English and Australian Literacy Educators’ Association (AATE/ALEA) National Conference
2015 | Conference paper
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Writing for ALEA’s journals-Practical Literacies: the Early and Primary Years, Literacy Learning: the Middle Years and the Australian Journal of Language and Literacy

Australian Association for the Teaching of English and Australian Literacy Educators’ Association (AATE/ALEA) National Conference
2015 | Conference paper
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

An engaging pedagogy for Social Education: Co-teaching in a teacher education program

The Social Educator
2014 | Journal article
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Coteaching for Social and Citizenship Education in a pre-service teacher education course

Social and Citizenship Education Association of Australia (SCEAA) National Conference
2014 | Conference paper
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Exploring cogenerativity for building communities of practice in a new teacher-education program

Australian Association for Research in Education and New Zealand Association for Research in Education Joint Conference
2014 | Conference paper
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis

Exploring participatory methods in a teacher-education program

Australian Teacher Educators’ Association (ATEA) National Conference
2014 | Conference paper
Source: Self-asserted source
Linda-Dianne Willis
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Peer review (5 reviews for 3 publications/grants)

Review activity for Australian educational researcher. (1)
Review activity for International journal of applied positive psychology. (1)
Review activity for The Australian journal of language and literacy. (3)