Professor at University of Southern Queensland, Australia.
Prof. Georgina Barton is a renowned Australian educator and researcher in literacy, arts education, and pedagogical innovation. With a career that bridges classroom teaching, higher education leadership, and national-level literacy consultancy, she is recognized for her strategic influence on teacher education and her commitment to reflective and culturally responsive teaching. A Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and accomplished violinist, she brings interdisciplinary depth to her scholarship. Prof. Barton has led major initiatives in research mentorship and curriculum reform while publishing extensively in top-tier education journals.
Publication Profile
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Google Scholar
Education
MBA in Arts Innovation, The Global Leaders Institute, 2023
– Completed Harvard Adaptive Leadership program (avg. score: 98%)
Principal Fellow (PFHEA), Higher Education Academy, 2020
– Highest recognition under UK Professional Standards Framework
Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, Griffith University, 2016
– Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Bursary Award
Ph.D. in Education and Musicology, Queensland University of Technology, 2004
– Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) recipient
Bachelor of Arts, University of Queensland, 1993
– Majors: English Literature and Music
Diploma of Teaching, Brisbane College of Advanced Education, 1989
– Qualified in Secondary English and Music
AMEB Certifications: AMusA (Violin), 7th Grade Piano, 6th Grade Theory of Music
Professional Experience
Prof. Georgina Barton is a Professor (Level E) at the University of Southern Queensland’s School of Education. She has served in various leadership roles, including Acting Head of School, Deputy Head, and Associate Head of Research. Previously, she was an Associate Professor and Program Director at USQ and a Senior Lecturer and Lecturer at Griffith University, where she led English and Literacy Education programs. She also held a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Queensland and has over two decades of teaching experience across primary and secondary schools in Queensland.
Her leadership extends to large-scale academic administration, accreditation of teacher education programs (serving over 4,000 students), curriculum development, and mentoring early and mid-career researchers. She has led numerous research groups, including the Phoenix Writers and Learning Innovation and Excellence cluster. Her contributions include literacy consultancy in school systems and professional development in arts education.
Research Interests
Literacy Education & Multimodal Literacies
Arts and Arts-Based Research
Reflective Practice and Teacher Professional Learning
Curriculum Innovation & Pedagogy in Teacher Education
Compassion in Education & Social Justice
Interdisciplinary Approaches in Education Research
Author Metrics
Publications: 100+ scholarly outputs (journal articles, book chapters, edited volumes)
Top Journals: Australian Journal of Language and Literacy, Literacy Learning: The Middle Years, and others
h-index: ~15–20 (Google Scholar estimated)
Citations: 1,000+
Supervision: Multiple Ph.D. and M.Ed. candidates
Leadership: Led writing groups producing over 70 Q1 articles in 4 years
Top Noted Publication
1. The importance of aesthetics in workplace environments: an investigation into employees’ satisfaction, feelings of safety and comfort in a university
Authors: G. Barton, A.H. Le
Journal: Facilities
Volume/Issue: Vol. 41, No. 13/14
Pages: 957–969
Year: 2023
Citations: 11
Abstract Summary:
This study explores how aesthetics in university workplaces affect employees’ satisfaction, comfort, and perceptions of safety. Findings suggest a significant relationship between aesthetically pleasing environments and improved well-being and productivity.
2. A survey of middle years students’ perceptions of aesthetic literacies, their importance and inclusion in curriculum and the workforce
Authors: G. Barton, A.H. Le
Journal: The Australian Journal of Language and Literacy
Volume/Issue: Vol. 45, No. 1
Pages: 71–84
Year: 2022
Citations: 11
Abstract Summary:
This paper reports on middle school students’ views regarding aesthetic literacies and how these are (or should be) reflected in school curricula and future workplaces. Students expressed a desire for greater inclusion of the arts in education.
3. Workplace experience of international students
Author: G. Barton
Journal: Journal of International Students
Volume/Issue: Vol. 10, No. 2
Page: 218
Year: 2020
Citations: 11
Abstract Summary:
This article investigates international students’ experiences in Australian workplaces during their studies, highlighting challenges such as cultural adjustment, communication, and discrimination, as well as positive impacts on employability and integration.
4. Adolescent learners and reading: Exploring a collaborative, community approach
Authors: G. Barton, L. McKay
Journal: The Australian Journal of Language and Literacy
Volume/Issue: Vol. 39, No. 2
Pages: 162–175
Year: 2016
Citations: 11
Abstract Summary:
This paper presents a case study on using a community-based approach to support adolescent reading engagement and development, emphasizing collaboration among schools, families, and communities.
5. Reflective practice in music: A collaborative professional approach
Author: G. Barton
Book Chapter: Teaching Reflective Learning in Higher Education: A Systematic Approach Using Pedagogic Patterns
Pages: [Not specified]
Year: 2014
Citations: 11
Abstract Summary:
The chapter discusses how reflective practices can enhance music educators’ professional development. Using collaborative models, it demonstrates strategies for integrating reflective learning into music education settings.
Conclusion
Prof. Georgina Barton is an outstanding candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award in Education. Her scholarly leadership, interdisciplinary innovation, and dedication to reflective and compassionate pedagogy underscore a career of sustained excellence. With her impressive publication record, transformative influence on teacher education, and commitment to mentoring the next generation, she exemplifies the qualities this award seeks to honor.