Prof Michele Simons

Prof Michele Simons

School of Education

College of Education, Behavioural and Social Science

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD (as Co-Supervisor) - email supervisor to discuss availability.

Available For Media Comment.

I have worked at the University of South Australia since 1993 in a variety of roles including research assistant, tutor and as a lecturer.

Immediately prior to coming to the University I worked in the community as a Manager of a Family Relationships Education Program in a non-government welfare organisation I am currntly Program Director for the Bachelor of Education (Adult, Vocational and Workplace Learning).

Vocational Education and Training - learning and training in workplaces; apprenticeships and traineeships; competency-based training,Workforce development; career development,Theory and practice of evaluation,Quantitative research methods

Year Citation
2025 Rowe, E., Sullivan, A., Tippett, N., Simons, M., Grist, E., Reupert, A., . . . White, S. (2025). Precariously employed early career teachers and induction policies: a critical policy study. Journal of Education Policy, online, 1-19.
DOI
2023 Reupert, A., Sullivan, A., Tippett, N., White, S., Woodcock, S., Chen, L., & Simons, M. (2023). An Exploration of the Experiences of Substitute Teachers: A Systematic Review. Review of Educational Research, 93(6), 901-941.
DOI Scopus10 WoS7
2014 Simons, M., & Harris, R. (2014). Educational leadership in Australian private VET organisations: How is it understood and enacted?. Research in post-compulsory education, 19(3), 245-260.
DOI
2008 Simons, M. A., & Smith, E. (2008). The understandings about learners and learning that are imparted in Certificate IV level courses for VET teachers and trainers. International journal of training research, 6(1), 23-43.
DOI WoS11
2008 Harris, R. M., & Simons, M. A. (2008). Back to the workplace: TAFE teachers and their emerging role as workforce development practitioners in enterprises. eZine, Sept., 1-10.
2006 Simons, M. A. (2006). (Re) forming marriage in Australia. Family matters.
2006 Harris, R., & Simons, M. (2006). VET practitioners working with private enterprises : a third space?. Journal of workplace learning, 18(7/8), 478-494.
DOI
2006 Poell, R., Van Der Krogt, F., Vermulst, A., Harris, R., & Simons, M. (2006). Roles of informal workplace trainers in different organizational contexts: empirical evidence from Australian companies. Human resource development quarterly, 17(2), 175-198.
DOI Scopus22
2005 Halford, W., & Simons, M. (2005). Couple relationship education in Australia. Family Process.
2005 Harris, R., & Simons, M. (2005). Exploring the notion of retention in apprenticeship. Education and training, 47(4/5), 350-365.
DOI
2004 Harris, R. M., Simons, M. A., & Carden, P. J. (2004). Peripheral journeys: learning and acceptance of probationary constables. Journal of workplace learning, 16(4), 205-218.
DOI
2003 Harris, R. M., Simons, M. A., Willis, P. A., & Carden, P. J. (2003). Exploring complementarity in on-and off-job training for apprenticeships. International journal of training and development, 7(2), 82-92.
DOI
2002 Poell, R., Harris, R. M., & Simons, M. A. (2002). New roles of workplace trainers in learning organisations. Dialogue (Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia).
2002 Simons, M. A., & Parker, R. (2002). Relationship education services. Family matters.
2001 Harris, R., Willis, P., Simons, M., & Collins, E. J. (2001). Relative contributions of institutional and workplace learning environments: an analysis of apprenticeship training. Journal of vocational education and training, 53(2), 263-278.
DOI
2001 Simons, M., Harris, R., Edwards, G., & Edwards, A. (2001). Competency standards and user's guide for relationship educators. Australian Family & Society, 151.
2000 Harris, R., & Simons, M. (2000). The role of workplace trainer: implications for national competency standards and the building of training / learning cultures. Australian vocational education review.
2000 Simons, M. A. (2000). Journal Scan. Australian journal of adult learning.
1999 Harris, R., & Simons, M. (1999). Views through three windows: a study of the purposes and usefulness of on-and off-job training. Australian and New Zealand journal of vocational education research.
1999 Simons, M. A., & Harris, R. M. (1999). Sharpening the focus: a case study of the development of competency standards for marriage and relationship educators. Australian journal of adult and community education.
1998 Harris, R., Willis, P., Simons, M., & Underwood, F. (1998). The pelicans flight : apprentices experiencing on and off-job learning environments. Training agenda: a journal of vocational education and training.
1997 Simons, M., & Harris, R. (1997). Non participation in adult education: a case study of pre-marriage education programs. New Zealand journal of adult learning.

Year Citation
2019 Sullivan, A., Johnson, B., & Simons, M. (Eds.) (2019). Attracting and Keeping the Best Teachers. Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
DOI
2006 Harris, R., Simons, M., & Bone, J. (2006). Mix or Match? New Apprentices' learning styles and trainers' preferences for training in workplaces. Australia: NCVER.
2006 Harris, R., Simons, M., & McCarthy, C. (2006). Private training providers in Australia : their characteristics and training activities.. Adelaide, S. Aust.: NCVER.
2001 Harris, R., Simons, M., Hill, D., Smith, E., Pearce, R., Blakeley, J., . . . Snewin, D. G. (2001). The changing role of staff development for teachers and trainers in vocational education and training. Adelaide: National Centre for Vocational Education Research.
2001 Strickland, A., Simons, M., Harris, R., Robertson, I., Harford, M., & Edwards, A. (2001). Evaluating on-and-off-the-job approaches to learning and assessment in apprenticeships and traineeships. Adelaide: NCVER.
2001 Harris, R., Simons, M., Bridge, K., Bone, J. R., Symons, H., Clayton, B., . . . Blom, K. (2001). Factors that contribute to retention and completion rates for apprentices and trainees. Adelaide: National Centre for Vocational Education Research.
2000 Harris, R., Simons, M., & Bone, J. R. (2000). More than meets the eye? Rethinking the role of workplace trainer. Adelaide: NCVER.
1998 Harris, R., Willis, P., Simons, M., & Underwood, F. (1998). Learning the job : juggling the messages in on- and off-the-job training. Leabrook, S. Aust.: NCVER.
1997 Simons, M., & Harris, R. (1997). Analysis of the roles of marriage and relationship educators: development and validation of national competency standards. Adelaide: CREEW University of South Australia.

Year Citation
2019 Johnson, B., Sullivan, A., Simons, M., & Peters, J. (2019). How School Leaders Attract, Recruit, Develop and Retain the Early Career Teachers They Want. In Professional Learning and Development in Schools and Higher Education (pp. 101-122). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
DOI
2019 Johnson, B., Sullivan, A., & Simons, M. (2019). Teacher retention: some concluding thoughts. In A. Sullivan, B. Johnson, & M. Simons (Eds.), Source details - Title: Attracting and keeping the best teachers: issues and opportunities (pp. 211-220). Singapore: Springer.
DOI
2019 Sullivan, A., Johnson, B., & Simons, M. (2019). Introduction - Attracting and keeping the best teachers: issues and opportunities. In A. Sullivan, B. Johnson, & M. Simons (Eds.), Source details - Title: Attracting and keeping the best teachers: issues and opportunities (pp. 1-11). Singapore: Springer.
DOI
2014 Simons, M. (2014). Evaluation in workforce development. In R. Harris, & T. Short (Eds.), Source details - Title: Workforce development perspectives and issues (pp. 317-327). Singapore: Springer.
DOI
2009 Simons, M., & Harris, R. (2009). Workplace trainers in enterprises: merging and emerging areas of practice. In C. Velde (Ed.), Source details - Title: International perspectives on competence in the workplace: implications for research, policy and practice (pp. 123-137). Netherlands: Springer.
DOI
2009 Guthrie, H., Harris, R., Simons, M., & Karmel, T. (2009). Teaching for technical and vocational education and training (TVET). In L. J. Saha (Ed.), Source details - Title: International handbook of research on teachers and teaching (pp. 851-863). Netherlands: Springer Verlag.
DOI
2008 Harris, R., & Simons, M. (2008). Becoming one of them : the experience of institution-based educators providing training in companies in Australia. In C. Kimble (Ed.), Source details - Title: Communities of practice : creating learning environments for educators (pp. 143-161). Charlotte, N.C.: Information Age Publishing.
2004 Harris, R., & Simons, M. (2004). Adult and vocational educators : their changing work and professional development. In Source details - Title: Adult Education @ 21st Century (pp. 137-151). New York: Peter Lang Publishing.
2003 Silliman, B., Schumm, W., Parker, R., & Simons, M. A. (2003). Marital satisfaction, adulthood. In Source details - Title: Encyclopedia of primary prevention and health promotion (pp. 677-683). New York: Kluwer Academic.
2001 Strickland, A., Simons, M., Harris, R., Robertson, I., & Harford, M. (2001). On and Off -job approaches to learning and assessment in apprenticeships and traineeships. In Source details - Title: Australian apprenticeships - research readings (pp. 199-219). Leabrook, South Australia: National Centre for Vocational Education Research Ltd.
2001 Harris, R., Simons, M., Symons, H., & Clayton, B. (2001). Factors that contribute to retention and completion in apprenticeships and traineeships. In Source details - Title: Australian apprenticeships: research readings (pp. 221-237). Leabrook, South Australia: NCVER.
2000 Harris, R. M., & Simons, M. A. (2000). Informal workplace trainers: their role in building a training culture. In Source details - Title: International perspectives on competence in the workplace : research, policy, and practice (pp. 117-138). Boston, USA: Kluwer Academic Publishers.
2000 Harris, R., & Simons, M. (2000). Workplace trainers in action : their role in building a training/learning culture. In Source details - Title: International perspectives on competence in the workplace: research policy and practice (pp. 117-135). USA: Kluwer.
1997 Simons, M., & Harris, R. (1997). Perceptions of vocational education and training staff towards recent national training reforms. In Source details - Title: Research reports into professional development (pp. 33-49). Brisbane: ANTA.
1997 Simons, M., & Harris, R. (1997). Strategic use of professional development to implement vocational education and training objectives. Volume 1: Final Report. In Source details - Title: Reports into professional development (pp. 95-126). Brisbane: ANTA.
1997 Simons, M., Guthrie, H., Mathers, R., & Perkins, K. (1997). Summary of professional development issues emerging from recent reviews and reports. In Source details - Title: Research reports into professional development (pp. 50-63). Adelaide, Australia: ANTA.
1997 Simons, M., & Harris, R. (1997). Strategic use of professional development to implement vocational education and training objectives. Volume 2: Case studies. In Source details - Title: Research reports into professional development (pp. 127-178). Brisbane: ANTA.

Year Citation
2013 Harris, R., & Simons, M. (2013). Chameleon leaders? The influence of context on leadership in Australian private providers. In T. Griffin (Ed.), 21st National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference 'No Frills' : refereed papers. South Australia: National Centre for Vocational Education Research.
2011 Simons, M., & Harris, R. (2011). Development of adult and vocational teachers in Europe and Australia: a Comparative analysis. In D. Houghton (Ed.), Creating and Sustaining International Connections: exploring the learning opportunities for Studying Creative Understandings about Teaching and Research for Equity and Access. UK: University of Leeds.
2008 Simons, M., & Harris, R. (2008). General staff in VET contexts : what are their working lives like?. In AVETRA 2008 Conference : VET in context. Crows Nest, N.S.W.: AVETRA.
2007 Harris, R., & Simons, M. (2007). Adult learning communities : researching registered providers of adult and community education in Australia. In Researching adult learning : communities and partnerships in the local and global context, 3-5 July 2007 : conference proceedings. UK: Leeds.
2005 Simons, M. (2005). Meeting the skill requirements of VET practitioners in new times. In Teacher education : local and global. Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia: Australian Teacher Education Association.
2005 Harris, R., & Simons, M. (2005). 'Playing the right tune in VET research' : Using cognitive interviewing to improve our instruments. In B. Blakeley, & J. J (Eds.), Emerging futures - recent, responsive and relevant research. Alexandria, N.S.W.: Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association.
2005 Harris, R., & Simons, M. (2005). "I'm the meat in the sandwich" : exploring VET practitioners' ways of working with private enterprises. In Conference papers : 4th international conference on researching work and learning. Sydney: University of Technology Sydney.
2004 Simons, M., & Stehlik, T. P. (2004). Getting connected: professional development in online learning and flexible delivery for contract and casual VET staff. In The seventh Australian VET research association conference: learner and practitioner - the heart of the matter. NSW, Australia: AVETRA (Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association).
2004 Harris, R., & Simons, M. (2004). Recognising the unrecognised: what outcomes do apprenticeships really deliver?. In Proceedings of the 44th annual national conference of adult learning Australia 2004: Bridging cultures. Canberra, Australia: Adult Learning Australia.
2003 Harris, R., & Simons, M. (2003). Out of sight, but not out of mind! : reality of change in the daily working lives of VET practitioners. In The sixth Australian VET Research Association conference : the changing face of VET. NSW, Australia: AVETRA.
2003 Harris, R., & Simons, M. (2003). Effective learning environments: perspectives of apprentices and trainees in the automotive and hospitality industries in Australia. In Journal of Vocational Education Training International Conference: 5th. London: Triangle Journals.
2002 Simons, M., & Harris, R. (2002). Changing vision - changing practices: the implementation of new approaches to learning and assessment using training packages. In Envisioning practice - implementing change. Australia: Australian Academic Press.
2002 Simons, M., & Harris, R. (2002). Building bridges between the researched and researchers: The use of reflective journals in vocational education research. In Making a World of Difference? Innovation, Internationalisation, New Technolgies and VET. Nowra, NSW: AVETA.
2002 Simons, M., & Harris, R. (2002). Understanding the change process in vocational education and training : a historical analysis. In Envisioning practice - implementing change.. Brisbane, Qld.: Australian Academic Press.
2001 Harris, R., Simons, M., Symons, H., & Clayton, B. (2001). Ostriches, snakes or chameleons? : VET teachers/trainers and the changing nature of their work. In Knowledge demands for the new economy. Brisbane, Qld.: Australian Academic Press.
2001 Simons, M. A. (2001). TAFE teachers as change agents: implementing training reforms in TAFE settings. In Knowledge demands for the new economy. Brisbane, Australia: Australian Academic Press.
2001 Simons, M. A., & Harris, R. M. (2001). Differing realities: staff development in public and private providers of VET. In Fourth national AVETRA conference - research to reality : putting VET research to work. Australia: AVETRA.
2000 Robertson, I., Harford, M., Strickland, A., Simons, M., & Harris, R. (2000). Learning and assessment issues in apprenticeships and traineeships. In Future research, research futures. Proceedings of the 3rd national conference of AVETRA. Alexandria, NSW: AVETRA.
2000 Simons, M., Harris, R., Symons, H., & Clayton, B. (2000). A national study of factors contributing to retention and completion rates of apprentices and trainees. In Learning Together, working together: Building communities for the 21st Century. Proceedings of the 8th annual international conference on post compulsory education and training. Brisbane: Australian Academic Press.
2000 Harris, R., & Simons, M. (2000). "There are workplace trainers and then there are workplace trainers": reconceptualising their role as workers and trainers. In Future research, research futures. Proceedings of the 3rd national AVETRA conference. Alexandria, NSW: AVETRA.
2000 Symons, H., & Simons, M. (2000). Trainee and apprentice retention and attrition in Australia. In Future research, research futures. Proceedings of the 3rd national conference of AVETRA. Alexandria NSW: AVETRA.
2000 Harris, R., & Simons, M. (2000). Trying to hit a moving target: a study of perspectives and practices in VET staff development. In Future research, research futures. Proceedings of the 3rd national conference of AVETRA. Alexandria, NSW: AVETRA.
2000 Robertson, I., Harford, M., Strickland, A., Simons, M., Harris, R., & Edwards, A. (2000). Evaluating on and off-job approaches to learning and assessment in apprentices and traineeships. In Learning together, working together: building communities for the 21st century. Proceedings of the 8th annual international conference on post compulsory education and training. Brisbane: Australian Academic Press.
1999 Harris, R., & Simons, M. (1999). Quality vocational education and training: what role does staff development play?. In Quality and diversity in VET research. Proceedings of the 2nd national AVETRA conference. Alexandria: AVETRA.
1999 Harris, R., & Simons, M. (1999). Re-thinking the role of workplace trainer: building a learning culture. In Changing Practice Through Research: Changing Research Through Practice. Proceedings of the 7th Annual International Conference on Post Compulsory Education and Training. Centre for Learning Work Research: CLWR.
1999 Simons, M., Harris, R., & Bone, J. (1999). Workplace trainers - what do they do?. In Quality and diversity in VET research. Proceedings of the 2nd national AVETRA conference. Alexandria, NSW: AVETRA.
1999 Harris, R. M., Simons, M. A., & Edwards, G. (1999). From institution-based to work-based learning. In J. Jeffery, & P. L. (Eds.), AARE Annual International Education Research Conference. Victoria, Australia: Australian Association for Research in Education.
1998 Simons, M. A. (1998). Making it and making it happen : TAFE teachers' ways of working with competency based training. In J. Jeffery, & P. L (Eds.), AARE Annual International Education Research Conference. Victoria, Australia: Australian Association for Research in Education.
1998 Harris, R. M., Bone, J. R., & Simons, M. A. (1998). A study of workplace pedagogies: the role of the workplace trainer in business environments. In J. Jeffery, & P. L. (Eds.), AARE Australian association for research in education conference. Victoria, Australia: Australian Association for Research in Education.
1998 Simons, M., & Harris, R. (1998). Professional development in VET: how significant is it in today's policy climate?. In VET research: influencing policy and practice. Proceedings of the fisrt national AVETRA conference. Alexandria: AVETRA.
1997 Willis, P., Simons, M., & Harris, R. (1997). On and off-job sites as learning environments: what does integrated training really mean?. In Good thinking, good practice. Research perspectives in learning and work. Brisbane: Griffith University, CLWR.

Year Citation
2012 Harris, R., & Simons, M. (2012). Two sides of the same coin: leaders in private providers juggling educational and business imperatives. Australia: NCVER.
2009 Simons, M., Harris, R., Pudney, V. A., & Clayton, B. (2009). Careers in vocational education and training: what are they really like?. Adelaide, South Australia: National Centre for Vocational Education Research.
2009 Harris, R., Simons, M., & Maher, K. (2009). New directions in European vocational education and training policy and practice: lessons for Australia. Australia: NCVER.
2008 Rainey, L., Simons, M., Pudney, V., & Hughes, E. (2008). What choice? An evaluation of career development services for young people. Adelaide: NCVER.
2006 Simons, M. A., Harris, R. M., & Smith, E. (2006). The certificate IV in assessment and workplace training : understanding learners and learning. Australia: NCVER.
2005 Harris, R., Simons, M., & Moore, J. (2005). 'A huge learning curve' : TAFE practitioners' ways of working with private enterprises. Adelaide: NCVER.
2005 Harris, R., Simons, M., & Clayton, B. (2005). Shifting mindsets: The changing work roles of vocational education and training practitioners. Australia: NCVER.
2003 Stehlik, T. P., Simons, M., Kerkham, L. J., Pearce, R., & Gronold, J. (2003). Getting connected. Professional development of contract and casual staff providing flexible learning: Volume 2. Adelaide, Australia: NCVER.
2003 Simons, M. A., & Harris, R. M. (2003). The community sector and skill formation. Working paper # 9. South Australia: Government of SA.
2003 Stehlik, T. P., Simons, M., Kerkham, L. J., Pearce, R., & Gronold, J. (2003). Getting connected. Professional development of contract and casual staff providing flexible learning: Volume 1. Adelaide, Australia: NCVER.
2003 Simons, M., Myers, D., Harris, R., & Blom, K. (2003). Implementing innovative approaches to learning and assessment through training packages. Adelaide, Australia: NCVER.
2002 Simons, M. A., & Parker, R. (2002). A study of relationship education services activities. Australia: Department of Family and Community Services.

  • Renewing the teaching profession in regional areas through community partnerships, ARC - Linkage Project, 30/06/2011 - 31/12/2017

Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
2023 Co-Supervisor - Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Emily Rowe

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