
BSc (Hons)
Masters Gifted Education
PhD
PGCE
Dip TESOL
Geraldine Townend is a published academic with over a decade of experience in the field of gifted education, having expertise in the area of twice exceptionality. In the UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture Faculty, Geraldine lectures and conducts research in GERRIC (Gifted Education Research and Resource Information Centre) in the areas of gifted education, gifted with learning disability, and special learning needs. Her research interests focus on supporting gifted and twice-exceptional students to aspire to their potential in education, which includes the development of positive academic self-concept.
Supervising Higher Degree research Students and running specialist courses each year, Geraldine works with around 600 students each year. She also works with on grant funded research linkage projects with, for example, The Department of Education and Autism Australia.
Geraldine’s research findings indicate that there are several sociological and psychological influences on academic self-concept, including a social comparison theory, and she is particularly interested in the interaction between teachers and their students. She has also focused on outcomes for pre- and post-graduate teachers’ understandings of diversity in education, including inclusive classroom practices and applications of National Curriculum. Her university teaching was recognised with the award of Teaching Excellence Commendation.
Geraldine advises government around curriculum and education, and has been featured on national TV. She has been currently working in an advisory capacity with the Department for Education, New South Wales. Geraldine conducts professional development for schools in the identification of, and support for, gifted underachievers, and has featured on Australian National television.
She also provides advice for parents and families of gifted and twice-exceptional students, and works closely with State, National and International Associations.
ASPECT Linkage 2020
Provost Award for teaching at Griffith University 2015 - awarded to top 1% of lecturers
Publications