Dennis is a test and scale developer, program evaluator, curriculum designer, and applied statistician. His area of interest revolves around Assessment for Learning (AfL) particularly in supporting teachers to make highly contextualised, consistent, fair and trustworthy assessment decisions to effectively support student learning. He has been involved in a number of international and national research projects. He also researches on a broad range of topics including student IT experiences, blended and online learning, standards-based assessment, and learning analytics to help inform curriculum design, professional development and policy. He has received various scholarships from the Philippines and Australian governments and a public diplomacy scholarship from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea. He was a former Dean of Education of the University of Southeastern Philippines before joining UNSW.
Digitalisation of professional learning: Development and application of mobile app to enhance teachers' self-efficacy in implementing the Philippine Department of Education developmental framework during COVID-19 pandemic. Australia Awards and Alumni Engagement Program – Philippines. 2020-2021. ~$28,000.
Rural and Regional Education Project. New South Wales Department of Education. 2020-2021. $787,000.
NSW Equity Consortium. University Alliance - UNSW Sydney, University of Technology Sydney and Macquarie University. Whole-of-cohort Outreach with Years 7-9 Literacy Focused. 2020-2021. $51,000.
Evaluation of ASDAN SEND Program at Wiliam Rose School. Funded by New South Wales Department of Education, Australia. 2020-2021. $54,200.
Improving Assessment Literacy across the Pemulwuy Learning Community. 2018-2021. $20,000.
Development of Training Modules based on Competency-Based Learning and Development (CBLD) Plan on Research Management for the Department of Education of the Philippines. Cardno Emerging Markets (Australia) Pty Ltd. Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 2018. $35,699.18.
Student Assessment Literacy: What is it and How is it Developed? UNSW Sydney School of Education. 2010. $5,000.
Development of a Competency-Based Learning and Development Plan. Funded by the Basic Education Sector Transformation, Cardno Emerging Markets (Australia) Pty Ltd for the Department of Education, Philippines. 2017. $25,000
Assessment for Learning
Evaluation of Educational Programs
Teacher Development