Brenda Cherednichenko

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Fulbright Senior Scholar

Media Profile

“The principle of learning that drives my practice is that of ‘learner responsiveness’. To be an excellent educator, teachers and researchers need to know and be able to respond appropriately so that students achieve their potential.”

Professor Brenda Cherednichenko from Edith Cowan University is one of four Australians to be awarded a 2008 Fulbright Senior Scholarship. Professor Cherednichenko will travel to The University of Texas, El Paso (UTEP) to work on a project to develop a Learning, Education and Research Network (LEARN) for improved educational outcomes for young people in disadvantaged communities.

Brenda’s project, LEARN, Dream, Achieve!, will be an Australian-U.S. partnership, with an Australian program being developed through her research and study of University of Texas’ University College and the Deparment of Teacher Education practices.

“The University of Texas has an international reputation for educational access, excellence and the transformation of education profile, specifically through engagement with local community to redress educational disadvantage in its region. This program will research and study UTEP’s successful practice and provide a basis for Australian reform and joint research.”

The Learning, Education and Research Network will develop cross country, cross cultural research and draw on the connections with UTEP that Brenda will establish.

“This scholarship will support development of deep knowledge and experience of the unique but highly regarded innovative school/community engagement practices at El Paso to inform the development of equity and access initiatives at Edith Cowan University.”

“Without a strong knowledge of people, pedagogy and products, that is, what students and organisations need to learn and improve, and how to assist this happen for optimum outcomes, then adaptability is not purposeful but simply a reaction.”

Prior to joining Edith Cowan University in late 2007 Brenda was Director of the Access and Success Project at Victoria University. Access and Success worked closely with schools in initiatives to enhance opportunities for young people in local regions.

Brenda completed her PhD in Education from the University of Melbourne, her Masters in Education at the University of Rochester in New York and her Bachelor of Education at the State College of Victoria.