Adult and vocational learning

John was a teacher and researcher in adult and vocational learning for over 25 years at the University of Technology Sydney. He has been a policy researcher in the area with a special interest in community education where he served on various advisory bodies. From 2010 to 2020 he held an appointment as Adjunct Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Canberra. 

Biography and recent publications

Preview the lifelong learning policy history

View article on professional knowledge formation

Browse an archive of ACE research

Browse papers on research and policy

Theatre for Children Sydney

John has researched the Theatre for Children founded and directed by Rosemarie Benjamin in Sydney 1937-1957. The theatre was a prime example of the rich experimentalism of progressive education

In September 2019 the theatre archive was donated to the Sydney Jewish Museum. A history of the Theatre has been published as a journal article. See the Theatre for Children webpage for more information.

History of Wat Buddha Dhamma

John has researched and written a history of Wat Buddha Dhamma, a pioneer Australian Buddhist organisation established near Wiseman's Ferry, NSW in 1978. Combining elements of monastery, meditation centre and resident community, the Wat became a by-word for the developing Australian Buddhist scene. For further information about Dhamma Pioneers and resources from the project, visit the Wat Buddha Dhamma history page.

John has a long-standing interest in the Buddhist meditation practice of satipaṭṭhāna vipassanā. He is a trustee of the Buddha Sāsana Association of Australia that owns and operates the Blue Mountains Insight Meditation Centre.