AARIA is a future-focused, nine-year programme aimed at advancing teaching and learning in Aotearoa New Zealand through collaboration with tertiary institutions, researchers, and educators. The Review Panel subsequently selected the final six proposals for 2024.
“We have every confidence that these projects will make a valuable contribution to the tertiary education sector, and we are excited for them to get underway.” says Dr Marvin Wu, Programme Manager, Research and Innovation.
Ako Aotearoa would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the 155 teams who registered for this round, recognising the dedication and efforts involved.
We are also excited to share that the 2025 AARIA Contestable Funding Round is in the preparation stage, with a planned launch in March 2025.
2024 projects funded | 6
Total funding awarded by Ako Aotearoa | $259,320
Total Organisational contribution | $297,281
2024 AARIA projects
Empowering Aotearoa | An Inclusive Approach to AI Literacy in Tertiary Education
This research addresses AI literacy gaps among diverse New Zealand learners by co-creating practical resources for assessment. The project will create equitable resources that enable all students to build AI literacy through assessment activities.
Lead Researcher - Tim Gander
Organisation - academyEX
Ako Aotearoa funding: $49,800
Organisational funding: $33,500
A Tiriti Led Hinengaro | The Effectiveness of Te Kete o Hinengaro in Supporting Whānau, Community and Learning Environments
This project aims to explore how Te Kete o Hinengaro (Psychological Kits), which incorporate mātauranga Māori, work-based learning, and cognitive psychology, influence the academic performance and career readiness of ākonga, in comparison to traditional educational resources. The study will build on existing research in psychology while providing contextual insights to inform the applied approach of the study.
Lead Researcher - Dr Tia Neha
Organisation - Victoria University of Wellington
Ako Aotearoa funding: $49,079
Organisational funding: $55,470
Matapaki Atamai Hangahanga | Promoting Reflective and Interactive Learning with AI Conversations
Traditional written methods often fail to engage students. This project intends designing two types of AI-powered verbal conversational assessments:
- Reflection – where the AI engages students in real-time dialogue
- AI Student – where through role reversal, student will play the role of tutor who will ‘teach the AI’.
This role-reversal approach (AI as student) introduces a novel assessment type, helping students articulate and reinforce their learning by teaching. By incorporating conversational AI, the project creates an engaging environment that deepens reflection, fosters critical thinking, and maintains student interest.
Lead Researcher - Dr Nasser Giacaman
Organisation - University of Auckland
Ako Aotearoa funding: $50,000
Organisational funding: $69,186
Circle of Knowledge | Engaging Stratergies for Teaching and Learning
This is a research project to answer the question: “How does the implementation of teaching and learning circles (TLCs) in adult and community education sites influence teaching and learning practices?” The project aims to enhance educational experiences through collaborative and reflective strategies, fostering knowledge sharing and growth.
Lead Researchers - Dr Cherie Chu-Fuluifaga and Hannah Pia Baral
Organisation - Victoria University of Wellington and Adult and Community Education (ACE) (co-led)
Ako Aotearoa funding: $21,500
Organisational funding: $21,500
Can a focus on ākonga Māori learning experiences and outcomes positively impact on the learning experiences and outcomes for all ākonga Māori and all ākonga?
This action research will explore the impact of an approach that prioritises listening to the learning experiences and outcomes of ākonga Māori, with educators responding through iterative knowledge-building and inquiry cycles to embed culturally responsive, relationships-based practices. The impact of this approach will be evaluated for ākonga Māori as well as all ākonga.
Lead Researcher - Tim Seaholme
Organisation - Universal College of Learning (UCOL)
Ako Aotearoa funding: $43,845
Organisational funding: $44,850
Panitīnaku | Kaupapa Māori Approaches to Doctoral Examination
This research project will investigate how the examination and evaluation process of doctoral studies can effectively support and enhance the kaupapa Māori experience of doctoral study.
Lead Researchers - Dr Mera Penehira and Dr Miriama Postlethwaite
Organisation - Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi (TWWoA)
Ako Aotearoa funding: $45,096
Organisational funding: $72,775
