Susan Shannon

Dr Susan Shannon is an Architect and was for 15 years a University Teacher, with a particular professional interest in evaluation of student learning outcomes.

Her 1996 PhD considered the realm of student learning outcomes both in architecture and more generally. Her expertise in evaluation was developed during this period. Subsequently Dr Shannon has held a range of positions at the University of Adelaide involving that expertise and evaluating student learning outcomes for National Teaching Development Grants and the Learning and Teaching Development Unit and Online Learning and Teaching Unit as well as Manager of the Evaluation Program, Spencer Gulf Rural Health School from 2003-2007.

Dr Shannon's research also focuses upon the use of blended learning in teaching the techtonics of design and generally how built environment design students learn best, including the challenges for first year students. Using mixed method research, and advanced evaluation skills, Dr Shannon has evaluated studio learning particularly the teaching of techtonics of design to first - third year design and architectural engineering students. She is interested in the contribution of blended learning  environments to students' learning outcomes, and with that the contribution of digital and online assessment and evaluation for students in these areas.

In 2012, Dr Shannon's research focused upon the role of Architectural Registration. Her research focus was on women in architecture, broadening the scope to include the factors pertaining to women’s advancement in and withdrawal from the profession as well as registration as an architect. The research involved comparing Australian registration data with that from other countries with relevant registration procedures.

In 2013-2014 Dr Shannon persisted with her research into Factors in Non-Registration of Women as Architects, through making further research into men's patterns of registration. She has supervised Yishu Zeng,and Jenna Holder in Adelaide Summer Research Scholarships during summers of 2012-2013-2014 to develop a data-base of B Arch and M Arch graduates from both South Australian Universities and their registration status; as well as the numbers of South Australian graduates from both universities compared with registration data.This research is published in Creative Education 5 (16) (September 2014).