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Dr Sara Mashayekh

Dr Sara Mashayekh

Lecturer
Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA)
School of Education

Dr Sara Mashayekh is a Lecturer in the School of Education at UNSW Sydney and Program Director of the Master of Education and Master of Educational Leadership. Her work spans AI in education, educational research and researcher development, professional learning, and inclusive and participatory pedagogy. Her scholarship focuses particularly on how educational environments and technologies can strengthen human judgement, agency, participation and meaningful engagement. She teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate education, supervises Honours, coursework and higher degree research students, and contributes to curriculum and programme design, educational innovation, and professional learning.
E-mail
sara.mashayekh@unsw.edu.au
Location
G32, Morven Brown Building Sydney NSW 2052
  • Book Chapters | 2026
    Darejeh A; Mashayekh S; Sepasgozar SME, 2026, 'Generative Artificial Intelligence for Image Synthesis', in Metaverse, Generative AI, and Brain–Computer Interfaces, Taylor & Francis, pp. 257 - 295, http://dx.doi.org/10.1201/9781003557555-11
    Book Chapters | 2026
    Darejeh A; Mashayekh S; Sepasgozar SME, 2026, 'Generative Artificial Intelligence for Image Synthesis: Applications in Construction, Architecture, and Metaverse Design', in Metaverse Generative AI and Braincomputer Interfaces Shaping the Future of the Digital Landscape, pp. 257 - 295, http://dx.doi.org/10.1201/9781003557555-11
    Book Chapters | 2026
    Darejeh A; Srihakorth K; Mashayekh S; Sepasgozar SME, 2026, 'Metaverse and Virtual Reality Integration in Computer Science', in Metaverse, Generative AI, and Brain–Computer Interfaces, Taylor & Francis, pp. 83 - 104, http://dx.doi.org/10.1201/9781003557555-5
    Book Chapters | 2026
    Darejeh A; Srihakorth K; Mashayekh S; Sepasgozar SME, 2026, 'Metaverse and Virtual Reality Integration in Computer Science: Applications in Programming Education', in Metaverse Generative AI and Brain Computer Interfaces Shaping the Future of the Digital Landscape, pp. 83 - 104, http://dx.doi.org/10.1201/9781003557555-5
    Book Chapters | 2025
    Darejeh A; Mashayekh S, 2025, 'How the Metaverse and Brain Computer Interfaces can Revolutionise the Education Industry', in Futureshock: Happenings in Computer Science, Taylor and Francis, pp. 76 - 98
    Book Chapters | 2025
    Stacey M; Mashayekh S, 2025, 'Teachers’ Views on the Marketisation of Religiously-Affiliated Schools: from ‘Permeation’to ‘Toleration’and Implications for Equity', in Religion in Modern Education, pp. 101 - 122, https://brill.com/edcollchap/book/9789004756021/BP000018.xml
    Book Chapters | 2020
    Burns A; McPherson P; Edwards E; Luong-Phan N-H; Manh LD; Lim S; Mashayekh S; Mochizuki N; Tran LA, 2020, 'Human research ethics: Post hoc narrative reflections', in Research Ethics in Second Language Education
  • Journal articles | 2025
    Darejeh A; Chilcott G; Oromiehie E; Mashayekh S, 2025, 'Virtual Reality and Digital Twins for Mechanical Engineering Lab Education: Applications in Composite Manufacturing', Education Sciences, 15, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/educsci15111519
    Journal articles | 2025
    Stacey M; Amazan R; Baker S; Thompson K; Rubee M; Mashayekh S, 2025, 'Experiences of discomfort in social justice education with pre-service teachers: understanding and responding to student resistance', Critical Studies in Education, 66, pp. 535 - 553, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17508487.2025.2550362
    Journal articles | 2025
    Stacey M; Mashayekh S, 2025, 'Teachers with religious commitments in religiously affiliated schools: caution and connection', Teachers and Teaching: theory and practice, 32, pp. 254 - 271, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2025.2476550
    Journal articles | 2024
    Sargazi Moghadam T; Darejeh A; Delaramifar M; Mashayekh S, 2024, 'Toward an artificial intelligence-based decision framework for developing adaptive e-learning systems to impact learners’ emotions', Interactive Learning Environments, 32, pp. 3665 - 3685, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2023.2188398
    Journal articles | 2022
    Darejeh A; Mashayekh S; Marcus N, 2022, 'Cognitive-based methods to facilitate learning of software applications via E-learning systems', Cogent Education, 9, pp. 2082085, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2022.2082085
    Journal articles | 2022
    Mashayekh S, 2022, 'Agentic learners and task negotiation: How is task response constructed', Studies in Educational Evaluation, 73, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.stueduc.2022.101149
  • Conference Papers | 2025
    Darejeh A; Liu D; Mashayekh S, 2025, 'Filmmaking Education Using Virtual Reality and Generative AI for Real-Time Feedback in Simulated Environments', in Eck U; Lee G; Plopski A; Smith M; Sun Q; Tatzgern M (eds.), Proceedings 2025 IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality Adjunct Ismar Adjunct 2025, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), SOUTH KOREA, Daejeon, pp. 708 - 710, presented at 2025 IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality Adjunct (ISMAR-Adjunct), SOUTH KOREA, Daejeon, 08 October 2025 - 12 October 2025, http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/ISMAR-Adjunct68609.2025.00151
    Conference Papers | 2024
    Darejeh A; Moghadam TS; Delaramifar M; Mashayekh S, 2024, 'A Framework for AI-Powered Decision Making in Developing Adaptive e-Learning Systems to Impact Learners' Emotional Responses', in 11th International and the 17th National Conference on E Learning and E Teaching Icelet 2024, http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/ICeLeT62507.2024.10493103
    Conference Presentations | 2024
    Darejeh A; Sargazi Moghadam T; Delaramifar M; Mashayekh S, 2024, 'A Framework for AI-Powered Decision Making in Developing Adaptive e-Learning Systems to Impact Learners' Emotional Responses', presented at 11th International and the 17th National Conference on E-Learning and E-Teaching (ICeLeT), 27 February 2024 - 29 February 2024
    Conference Papers | 2023
    Darejeh A; Mashayekh S, 2023, 'Mind-Object Control as a New Form of Interaction in Metaverse for Users With Motor Disability', in Mind-Object Control as a New Form of Interaction in Metaverse for Users With Motor Disability, Journal of Biomedical Physics and Engineering, presented at 5th Shiraz International Congress on Mobile Health
    Conference Presentations | 2023
    Stacey M; Mashayekh S, 2023, 'Market-oriented Schooling and Religious Affiliation: teacher perspectives.', presented at ANU Religion in Modern Education, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia., 13 April 2023 - 15 April 2023
    Conference Presentations | 2022
    Mashayekh S, 2022, 'Teachers with religious commitments in religiously-affiliated Australian schools,', presented at Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE), University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia., 01 December 2022 - 05 December 2022
    Conference Presentations | 2021
    Mashayekh S, 2021, 'Teaching English to reluctant learners: a sociocultural analysis', presented at Teaching English as a Foreign Language to Reluctant Learners Symposium, INTI University, 02 June 2021 - 02 June 2021
    Conference Presentations | 2020
    Mashayekh S, 2020, 'The influence of task on EAL learner oral language performance: a sociocultural analysis.', presented at Conference on Multilingualism, UNSW, Sydney, Australia, 09 October 2020 - 09 October 2020
    Conference Presentations | 2019
    Mashayekh S, 2019, 'Agentic learners, task negotiation and learner’s activity', presented at FASS Conference, UNSW, Sydney, Australia., 14 August 2019 - 14 August 2019
    Theses / Dissertations | 2019
    Mashayekh S, 2019, The influence of task on EAL learner oral language performance
    Conference Presentations | 2018
    Mashayekh S; Davison C; Michell M, 2018, 'Classroom-based assessment tasks and EAL learners’ positioning.', presented at Australian Council of TESOL Associations (ACTA) annual conference, 02 October 2018 - 05 October 2018
    Conference Presentations | 2018
    Mashayekh S, 2018, 'Classroom-based oral performance assessment and students' positioning.', presented at Applied Linguistics Association of Australia (ALAA) annual conference, University of Wollongong, 26 November 2018 - 28 November 2018
    Conference Presentations | 2018
    Mashayekh S, 2018, 'EAL learners’ positioning in classroom-based oral performance assessment.', presented at UNSW Headways, UNSW, Sydney, 16 July 2018 - 18 July 2018
    Conference Presentations | 2018
    Mashayekh S, 2018, 'Language assessment tasks and EAL learners' agency.', presented at Applied Linguistics Association of Australia (ALAA) annual conference, Wollongong, 26 November 2018 - 28 November 2018
    Conference Presentations | 2018
    Mashayekh S, 2018, 'Tasks and their interplay with EAL learners’ agency.', presented at British Educational Research Association (BERA), Newcastle, England, 09 September 2018 - 12 September 2018
    Conference Presentations | 2016
    Mashayekh S, 2016, 'The influence of task on EAL learner oral language performance.', presented at Applied Linguistics Association of Australia (ALAA), 05 December 2016 - 07 December 2016
    Conference Presentations | 2014
    Mashayekh S, 2014, 'Identifying and developing a research gap in postgraduate Research', presented at 5th FLL International Postgraduate Conference (FLLIPC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 27 November 2014 - 28 November 2014
    Conference Presentations | 2013
    Mashayekh S, 2013, 'Teaching reading comprehension: beyond traditional approaches.', presented at International Conference of Applied Linguistics and Professional Practice (ALAPP), 12 December 2013 - 13 December 2013

  • 2026 — UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture Impact Fund — Research capability and evidence-informed professional learning
  • 2026 — UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture Faculty Research Grant — AI-supported educational research and researcher development
  • 2025 — UNSW School of Education Research Outputs Scheme Grant — Generative AI in educational research pedagogy
  • 2024 — UNSW School of Education Seed Funding Scheme — Experiences of international students in Australian teacher education

  • UNSW Students' Choice Teaching Award nominee, 2022, 2024, & 2025
  • Recipient of Applied Linguistics Association of Australia (ALAA) Post-graduate Award, 2018.
  • Recipient of Australian Postgraduate Award, 2015. 
  • Research Award in the 5th FLL International Postgraduate Conference (FLLIPC), 2014.

My expertise includes AI in education and educational technologies; educational research and researcher development; teacher professional learning and evidence-informed practice; inclusive, relational and participatory pedagogy; power, equity and legitimacy in education; curriculum and educational design; and student engagement, belonging and transition pedagogy.

My work is particularly focused on how educational environments and technologies can be designed to strengthen learner and professional judgement, agency, participation and meaningful engagement. I have a strong interest in human-centred and sociocultural approaches to AI, including the use of AI to support research learning, critical AI literacy, feedback, reflection and decision-making without displacing the human thinking education is intended to develop. This strand of work has grown into a broader programme on researcher development and evidence-informed professional learning for educators.

I also work extensively in inclusive and culturally responsive education, particularly around participation, belonging, power, learner legitimacy and the experiences of diverse, first-year and international students. My teaching and scholarship examine how relational design, academic literacies, transition pedagogy and thoughtful use of technology can create more inclusive and engaging learning environments.

A further area of expertise is curriculum and programme design. My current role includes postgraduate programme leadership, curriculum renewal, programme alignment, progression planning and educational quality across the Master of Education and Master of Educational Leadership.

 

My Research Supervision

Nora Straker — Teacher Beliefs about Literacy and Learning Difficulties

Danyang Nie — AI-Supported Academic Oracy for International ESL Students

Pichpisey Sovann — Learning Analytics and Student Engagement in Higher Education

Ke Zhao — Immersive Technologies for Language Learning

Jacob Issa — Teacher Data Literacy and Instructional Decision-Making

Naomi Thenuwara — Digital Experience and International Student Transitions

Vasudha Punyane — Power and Education Policy in NSW

My Teaching

  • Mater of Education, EDST5448 – Educational research
  • Bachelor of Education, EDST5180 – Educational research
  • Mater of Education, EDST5451 –  Educational Policy: Theory and Practice
  • Bachelor of Education, EDST2070 –  Culture, Identity and Education
  • Bachelor of Education, EDST1104 –  Social Perspectives in Education