Who we are -Biographies

We have extensive experience in individual and small group consultations, seminars and pre-entry programs tailored to students from many disciplines and backgrounds, including Indigenous pathways. In 2018 students nominated us for UOW’s highest teaching award.

"I also would like to thank you Carol for your compassion, patience and dedication in supporting me with my learning and writing skills."

Dr Carol Priestley

PhD (Linguistics, ANU)MA First Class Hons (Linguistics, ANU)Postgrad Cert Education (TESOL & English, North Wales)BA Hons (Anthropology & Linguistics, London)

Carol Priestley is a highly qualified, committed teacher and academic with a strong background in teaching academic language and literacy, English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Linguistics. As an Academic Learning Development Lecturer at the University of Wollongong (UOW) Carol taught on two regional campuses and in the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre. She was nominated for the university's highest award for teaching Indigenous students in 2017.

As a linguist, Carol is an Honorary Lecturer of the School of Culture, History and Language, College of Asia and the Pacific, at the number 1 ranked Australian National University (ANU) and Adjunct Research Fellow of the School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science, Griffith University. She has conducted extensive research on Indigenous languages and cultures, lectured and coordinated in linguistics (e. g. cross-cultural communication and semantics), assisted the research and editing of leading linguists and postgraduate students and worked as a specialist on a Tok Pisin language speech recognition project.

She has many years experience as an EAL teacher in universities and schools in Japan, Wales, England and Australia, including teaching and coordinating a Bridging Year program for three full years, teaching University Foundation Studies, and teaching university entrants at UOW College and University of North Wales (Bangor).

Carol’s experience has been enriched by living in remote Papua New Guinea communities working voluntarily on language and culture documentation, literacy and community development. With input from Koromu knowledge holders she has published an extensive grammar of their previously unwritten language, ‘Koromu (Kesawai) grammar and information structure of a New Guinea language’, peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters about Tok Pisin and Koromu, as well as documents in the language for Koromu people. She also has experience editing and reviewing linguistic papers for other linguists and presenting at academic conferences.

For publications see, here

"David is extremely helpful and understanding of my needs. ... The assistance he provided was invaluable."

David Wallace

M Ed Distinction (Higher, Adult & Vocational),Grad Cert Distinction (Higher, Adult & Vocational),B Ed Hons (Secondary Teaching),Diploma in eLearning & Digital Culture passed with Distinction, University of Edinburgh,TAE Cert IV

David Wallace is a highly qualified, dedicated teacher and educationalist with a strong background in, and commitment to, the voluntary sector and social enterprise. In recent years he has been a Lecturer in Academic Learning Development, an Academic Tutor teaching History in the Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts, and an Educational Designer at the University of Wollongong

He has over 35 years of Information and Communication Technology experience and has freelanced as a Public Relations, Media & Technology Adviser. The combination of very strong teaching and technological backgrounds enables him to appreciate the many, diverse learning and technical needs of students, to reflect on practice and to learn from others.

David has managed medium to large scale operations and strategic projects in Australia and the United Kingdom. He is an accomplished professional who values honesty, integrity, and transparency and applies his extensive experience to provide high-quality teaching and assessment to a culturally diverse student population enhancing the educational experience of students, staff, prospective students and the wider community.

David’s career began when he studied as a State Registered Nurse (London). He also has a strong background in Journalism & Media, Language, Literacy & Numeracy, Business & Retail Operations and Support & Advocacy for People with Disabilities.