Professor Tonia Gray

Professor Tonia Gray

Professor in Secondary Specialist in Pedagogy & Learning,
Dean's Unit, School of Education

Biography

Professor Tonia Gray is a Senior Researcher in the Centre for Educational Research at Western Sydney University.  With a Masters in Community Health and a PhD in Education, Tonia’s transdisciplinary research explores the intersection of outdoor experiential education, human-nature relationships, gender and health/wellbeing. She is Chair of the Australian Tertiary Outdoor Educators Network and co-editor-in-chief of the Journal Outdoor and Environmental Education

Her twinned passions for teaching and research have earned Tonia several major awards such as the 2019 Association of Experiential Education Distinguished Researcher of the Year  and the prestigious 2014 Australian Award for University Teaching.

Tonia has received two large Category 1 research grants and more recently, investigated the impact of community gardens in vulnerable communities. She is an advocate for Greener Spaces, Better Places to promote green places as valuable destinations for people to work, live and play. As principal supervisor, Tonia has facilitated over 20 HDR students on their post-graduate journey;  and published a vast array of monographs, book chapters and refereed publications (see publications tab).

MAJOR TEACHING AWARDS

2014     Australian Award University Teaching (AAUT) Teaching Excellence Award

2014    Fellow of WATTLE (The Wollongong Academy of Tertiary Teaching and Learning Excellence)

2013    Vice Chancellor’s Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning

2009    Vice Chancellor’s Outstanding Contribution to Teaching and Learning (OCTAL) University of Wollongong - Highest Teaching Award

2009     Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) Citation "for engaging students in life-altering learning, providing a role model for scholarly activity in outdoor education, and building an internationally recognised program"

Areas of Research and Publication

Children in Nature; Ecopedagogies; Reflection and Experience Based Learning (EBL), Gender in Outdoor Education/Adventure Therapy, Risk Taking Behaviours in Adolescence, Risk Management, Wellbeing, Resiliency, Burnout, Facilitation and Leadership, Teaching Methods: PD/H/PE.

This information has been contributed by Professor Gray.

Qualifications

  • PhD University of Wollongong

Professional Memberships

  • Outdoors NSW (2016 - 2020)
  • Journal Of Outdoor and Environmental Education (2015 - 2020)
  • 202020 Vision Advocate (2014 - 2020)
  • Australian Association of Bush Adventure Therapy (2017 - 2017)
  • Chair, Australian Tertiary Outdoor Education Network (2017)
  • International Adventure Therapy Conference Committee (2018 - 2018)
  • NSW Representative, AABAT (2017 - 2018)
  • Association of Experiential Education (2020 - 2021)

Awards

  • 2019 Distinguished Researcher 2019-11-14
  • 2021 Inaugural Fellow Outdoor Education Australian (OEA) 2021-09-29

Organisational Unit (School / Division)

  • Dean's Unit, School of Education

Committees

  • Professoriate Leadership Group

Contact

Email: T.Gray@westernsydney.edu.au
Phone:
Mobile:
Location: J.1.22
Penrith (Kingswood)

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Teaching

Previous Teaching Areas

  • 100701 Leadership, Mentoring and Professional Growth, 2012
  • 101259 Learning and Creativity, 2012
  • 101263 Education and Transformation, 2012
  • 101263 Education and Transformation, 2013
  • 101263 Education and Transformation, 2016
  • 101263 Education and Transformation, 2017
  • 101639 Introduction to Teaching and Learning, 2012
  • 101639 Introduction to Teaching and Learning, 2013
  • 101658 Transformative Learning, 2013
  • 101658 Transformative Learning, 2014
  • 102157 Ecopedagogies, 2016
  • 102157 Ecopedagogies, 2018
  • 102206 Experience-based Outdoor Education, 2016
  • 102206 Experience-based Outdoor Education, 2017
  • 102206 Experience-based Outdoor Education, 2018

Publications

Books

  • Gray, T. and Mitten, D. (2018), 'The Palgrave International Handbook of Women and Outdoor Learning', : Palgrave Macmillan 9783319535494.
  • Hall, T., Gray, T., Downey, G. and Singh, M. (2018), 'The Globalisation of Higher Education: Developing Internationalised Education Research and Practice', : Palgrave Macmillan 9783319745787.
  • Malone, K., Truong, S. and Gray, T. (2017), 'Reimagining Sustainability in Precarious Times', : Springer 9789811025488.
  • Gray, T. and Dickson, T. (2012), 'Risk Management in the Outdoors : a Whole-of-organisation Approach for Education, Sport and Recreation', : Cambridge University Press 9780521152310.
  • Dickson, T., Gray, T. and Hayllar, B. (2005), 'Outdoor and Experiential Learning: Views From The Top', : Otago University Press 1-877139-81-5.

Chapters in Books

  • Gray , T. and Bailey, P. (2022), 'Gone rogue : re-wilding education in alternative outdoor learning environments', Contemporary Approaches to Outdoor Learning: Animals, the Environment and New Methods, Palgrave Macmillan 9783030850944.
  • Mann, J., Gray, T. and Truong, S. (2022), 'Rediscovering the potential of outdoor learning for developing 21st century competencies', High-Quality Outdoor Learning: Evidence-Based Education Outside the Classroom for Children, Teachers and Society, Springer 9783031041075.
  • Peel, N., Gray, T. and Reis, A. (2022), 'Climate change, leisure and health : the double-edged sword of leisure and the environment', Exploring the Leisure-Health Nexus: Pushing Global Boundaries, CABI 9781789248142.
  • Birrell, C. and Gray, T. (2019), 'Gender issues in outdoor and environmental education', Encyclopedia of Teacher Education, Springer 9789811311796.
  • Sharma-Brymer, V., Gray, T. and Brymer, E. (2018), 'Sport participation to create a deeper environmental identity with pro-environmental behaviors', Routledge Handbook of Sport and the Environment, Routledge 9781138666153.
  • Gray, T. and Mitten, D. (2018), 'Nourishing terrains : women's contributions to outdoor learning environments', The Palgrave International Handbook of Women and Outdoor Learning, Palgrave Macmillan 9783319535494.
  • Gray, T. (2018), 'Thirty years on, and has the gendered landscape changed in outdoor learning?', The Palgrave International Handbook of Women and Outdoor Learning, Palgrave Macmillan 9783319535494.
  • Thomas, L., Taylor, N. and Gray, T. (2018), 'Building relationships on and with Mother Mountain : women incorporating indigenous knowledge into outdoor learning', The Palgrave International Handbook of Women and Outdoor Learning, Palgrave Macmillan 9783319535494.
  • Mitten, D. and Gray, T. (2018), 'Pathways forward to a more inclusive future whilst honouring the past', The Palgrave International Handbook of Women and Outdoor Learning, Palgrave Macmillan 9783319535494.
  • Singh, M., Gray, T., Hall, T. and Downey, G. (2018), 'Globalizing higher education policy practice : internationalizing education through learning transformations in knowledge construction', The Globalisation of Higher Education: Developing Internationalised Education Research and Practice, Palgrave Macmillan 9783319745787.
  • Downey, G., Gray, T., Hall, T. and Singh, M. (2018), 'Developing global perspectives : responding to the state of international education in Australian universities', The Globalisation of Higher Education: Developing Internationalised Education Research and Practice, Palgrave Macmillan 9783319745787.
  • Gray, T. and Downey, G. (2018), 'Incorporating participatory action research and social media as a research tool whilst Gen-Y studies abroad', The Globalisation of Higher Education: Developing Internationalised Education Research and Practice, Palgrave Macmillan 9783319745787.
  • Gray, T., Downey, G., Jones, B., Truong, S., Hall, T. and Power, A. (2018), 'Generating and deepening reflection whilst studying abroad : incorporating photo elicitation in transformative travel', The Globalisation of Higher Education: Developing Internationalised Education Research and Practice, Palgrave Macmillan 9783319745787.
  • Truong, S., Gray, T., Downey, G., Jones, B., Power, A. and Hall, T. (2018), 'From one songline to another : Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students' study tour journey of Indigenous connection and solidarity', The Globalisation of Higher Education: Developing Internationalised Education Research and Practice, Palgrave Macmillan 9783319745787.
  • Gray, T., Hall, T., Downey, G., Jones, B., Truong, S. and Power, A. (2018), 'The epitome of transformation : enhancing outbound mobility experiences in the twenty-first century', The Globalisation of Higher Education: Developing Internationalised Education Research and Practice, Palgrave Macmillan 9783319745787.
  • Gray, T. (2018), 'Retrofitting biophilic design elements into office site sheds : does 'going green' enhance the well-being and productivity of workers?', Landscape Architecture: The Sense of Places, Models and Applications, IntechOpen 9781789237122.
  • Gray, T. (2017), 'Re-thinking human-plant relations by theorising using concepts of biophilia and animism in workplaces', Reimagining Sustainability in Precarious Times, Springer 9789811025488.
  • Bentsen, P., Ho, S., Gray, T. and Waite, S. (2017), 'A global view of learning outside the classroom', Children Learning Outside the Classroom: From Birth to Eleven, Sage 9781473912267.
  • Gray, T. and Thomson, C. (2017), ''Running through our veins' : a longitudinal study of the agentic role of arts-based practice in nature attunement', Building Sustainability with the Arts: Proceedings of the 2nd National EcoArts Australis Conference, Cambridge Scholars Publishing 9781443891332.
  • Gannon, S., Naidoo, L. and Gray, T. (2016), 'Educational aspirations, ethnicity and mobility in western Sydney high schools', Super Dimensions in Globalisation and Education, Springer 9789811003103.
  • Gray, T. and Birrell, C. (2015), 'A case study of women and adventure : "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing" : the lure of adventure travel for women', Adventure Programming and Travel for the 21st Century, Venture Publishing 9781939476043.
  • Gray, T. and Neill, J. (2012), 'Program evaluation', Risk Management in the Outdoors : a Whole-of-organisation Approach for Education, Sport and Recreation, Cambridge University Press 9780521152310.
  • Brymer, E. and Gray, T. (2012), 'Program design and activity selection', Risk Management in the Outdoors : a Whole-of-Organisation Approach for Education, Sport and Recreation, Cambridge University Press 9780521152310.
  • Neill, J. and Gray, T. (2012), 'Technology, risk and outdoor programming', Risk Management in the Outdoors: a Whole-of-Organisation Approach for Education, Sport and Recreation, Cambridge University Press 9780521152310.
  • Gray, T. and Birrell, C. (2005), 'Burnout in Adventure Therapy: Bushfire as a catalyst for change and soul work - An Australian Perspective', Outdoor and Experiential Learning: Views From The Top, Otago University Press 1-877139-81-5.
  • Gray, T. (2005), 'Exploring Our Connections And Relationships With Place And/Or Nature', Outdoor and Experiential Learning: Views From The Top, Otago University Press 1-877139-81-5.

Journal Articles

  • Mann, J., Gray, T. and Truong, S. (2023), 'Does growth in the outdoors stay in the outdoors? : the impact of an extended residential and outdoor learning experience on student motivation, engagement and 21st century capabilities', Frontiers in Psychology, vol 14 .
  • Tracey, D., Gray, T., Manohar, N., Kingsley, J., Bailey, A. and Pettitt, P. (2023), 'Identifying key benefits and characteristics of community gardening for vulnerable populations : a systematic review', Health and Social Care in the Community, vol 2023 .
  • Reis, A., Gray, T., Mann, J., Mallinson, J., Katnoria, M., Seach, W. and Peel, N. (2023), '[In Press] Measuring nature-based health interventions : a rapid review of instrumentation and outcomes', Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, .
  • Sturges, M., Gray, T., Barnes, J. and Lloyd, A. (2023), 'Parents' and caregivers' perspectives on the benefits of a high-risk outdoor play space', Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, vol 26, no 3 , pp 359 - 382.
  • Adams, D. and Gray, T. (2023), 'An exploration of how the disruption of mainstream schooling during the COVID-19 crisis provided opportunities that we can learn from so that we may improve our future relationship with the more-than-human world', SN Social Sciences, vol 3 .
  • Gray, T., Allen-Craig, S., Mitten, D. and Charles, R. (2022), 'Widening the aperture : using visual methods to broaden our understanding of gender in the outdoor profession', Annals of Leisure Research, vol 25, no 3 , pp 314 - 334.
  • Gray, T., Tracey, D., Truong, S. and Ward, K. (2022), 'Community gardens as local learning environments in social housing contexts : participant perceptions of enhanced wellbeing and community connection', Local Environment: The International Journal of Justice and Sustainability, vol 27, no 5 , pp 570 - 585.
  • Mann, J., Gray, T., Truong, S., Brymer, E., Passy, R., Ho, S., Sahlberg, P., Ward, K., Bentsen, P., Curry, C. and Cowper, R. (2022), 'Getting out of the classroom and into nature : a systematic review of nature-specific outdoor learning on school children's learning and development', Frontiers in Public Health, vol 10 .
  • Dickson, T. and Gray, T. (2022), 'Nature-based solutions : democratising the outdoors to be a vaccine and a salve for a neoliberal and COVID-19 impacted society', Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, vol 22, no 4 , pp 278 - 297.
  • Truong, S., Gray, T. and Ward, K. (2022), 'Enhancing urban nature and place-making in social housing through community gardening', Urban Forestry Urban Greening, vol 72 .
  • Panagiotaros, C., Boddy, J., Gray, T. and Ife, J. (2022), '(Re-)Imagining social work in the anthropocene', British Journal of Social Work, vol 52, no 8 , pp 4778 - 4794.
  • Ward, K., Truong, S. and Gray, T. (2022), 'Connecting to nature through community engaged scholarship : community gardens in social housing as sites for collaborative relationships, psychological and physiological wellbeing', Frontiers in Psychiatry, vol 13 .
  • Scott, S., Gray, T., Charlton, J. and Millard, S. (2022), 'The impact of time spent in natural outdoor spaces on children's language, communication and social skills : a systematic review protocol', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol 19, no 19 .
  • Mann, J., Gray, T., Truong, S., Sahlberg, P., Bentsen, P., Passy, R., Ho, S., Ward, K. and Cowper, R. (2021), 'A systematic review protocol to identify the key benefits and efficacy of nature-based learning in outdoor educational settings', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol 18, no 3 .
  • Kingsley, J., Egerer, M., Nuttman, S., Keniger, L., Pettitt, P., Frantzeskaki, N., Gray, T., Ossola, A., Lin, B., Bailey, A., Tracey, D., Barron, S. and Marsh, P. (2021), 'Urban agriculture as a nature-based solution to address socio-ecological challenges in Australian cities', Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, vol 60 .
  • Cole, D., Parada, R., Gray, T. and Curry, C. (2020), 'Learning attribution in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (DoEIA)', Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, vol 20, no 1 , pp 49 - 67.
  • Yager, Z., Gray, T., Curry, C. and McLean, S. (2020), 'Pre-service teachers' gendered attitudes towards role modelling in health and physical education', Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, vol 25, no 1 , pp 67 - 78.
  • Gray, T., Mitten, D., Potter, T. and Kennedy, J. (2020), 'Reflective insights toward gender-inclusive outdoor leadership', Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, vol 12, no 1 , pp 102 - 120.
  • Allen-Craig, S., Gray, T., Charles, R., Socha, T., Cosgriff, M., Mitten, D. and Loeffler, T. (2020), 'Together we have impact : exploring gendered experiences in outdoor leadership', Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, vol 12, no 1 , pp 121 - 139.
  • Tracey, D., Gray, T., Sweeting, J., Kingsley, J., Bailey, A. and Pettitt, P. (2020), 'A systematic review protocol to identify the key benefits and associated program characteristics of community gardening for vulnerable populations', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol 17, no 6 .
  • Quay, J., Gray, T., Thomas, G., Allen-Craig, S., Asfeldt, M., Andkjaer, S., Beames, S., Cosgriff, M., Dyment, J., Higgins, P., Ho, S., Leather, M., Mitten, D., Morse, M., Neill, J., North, C., Passy, R., Pedersen-Gurholt, K., Polley, S., Stewart, A., Takano, T., Waite, S. and Foley, D. (2020), 'What future/s for outdoor and environmental education in a world that has contended with COVID-19?', Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, vol 23 , pp 93 - 117.
  • Gray, T. (2019), 'Outdoor learning and psychological resilience : making today's students better prepared for tomorrow's world', Curriculum Perspectives, vol 39, no 1 , pp 67 - 72.
  • Passy, R., Bentsen, P., Gray, T. and Ho, S. (2019), 'Integrating outdoor learning into the curriculum : an exploration in four nations', Curriculum Perspectives, vol 39, no 1 , pp 73 - 78.
  • Kingsley, J., Bailey, A., Torabi, N., Zardo, P., Mavoa, S., Gray, T., Tracey, D., Pettitt, P., Zajac, N. and Foenander, E. (2019), 'A systematic review protocol investigating community gardening impact measures', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol 16, no 18 .
  • Davies, R., Potter, T. and Gray, T. (2019), 'Diverse perspectives : gender and leadership in the outdoor education workplace', Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, vol 22 , pp 217 - 235.
  • Mitten, D., Gray, T., Allen-Craig, S., Loeffler, T. and Carpenter, C. (2018), 'The invisibility cloak : women's contributions to outdoor and environmental education', The Journal of Environmental Education, vol 49, no 4 , pp 318 - 327.
  • Lloyd, A., Gray, T. and Truong, S. (2018), 'Seeing what children see : enhancing understanding of outdoor learning experiences through body-worn cameras', Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, vol 10, no 1 , pp 52 - 66.
  • Sharma-Brymer, V., Brymer, E., Gray, T. and Davids, K. (2018), 'Affordances guiding Forest School practice : the application of the ecological dynamics approach', Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, vol 21, no 1 , pp 103 - 115.
  • Lloyd, A., Truong, S. and Gray, T. (2018), 'Place-based outdoor learning : more than a drag and drop approach', Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, vol 21, no 1 , pp 45 - 60.
  • Gray, T., Norton, C., Breault-Hood, J., Christie, B. and Taylor, N. (2018), 'Curating a public self : exploring social media images of women in the outdoors', Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, vol 10, no 2 , pp 153 - 170.
  • Tracey, D., Gray, T., Truong, S. and Ward, K. (2018), 'Combining acceptance and commitment therapy with adventure therapy to promote psychological wellbeing for children at-risk', Frontiers in Psychology, vol 9 .
  • Lloyd, A., Truong, S. and Gray, T. (2018), 'Take the class outside! : a call for place-based outdoor learning in the Australian primary school curriculum', Curriculum Perspectives, vol 38, no 2 , pp 163 - 167.
  • Gray, T. (2018), 'Outdoor learning : not new, just newly important', Curriculum Perspectives, vol 38, no 2 , pp 145 - 149.
  • Truong, S., Singh, M., Reid, C., Gray, T. and Ward, K. (2018), 'Vertical schooling and learning transformations in curriculum research : points and counterpoints in outdoor education and sustainability', Curriculum Perspectives, vol 38, no 2 , pp 181 - 186.
  • Gray, T. and Pigott, F. (2018), 'Lasting lessons in outdoor learning : a facilitation model emerging from 30 years of reflective practice', Ecopsychology, vol 10, no 4 , pp 195 - 204.
  • Yager, Z., Gray, T., Curry, C. and McLean, S. (2017), 'Body dissatisfaction, excessive exercise, and weight change strategies used by first-year undergraduate students : comparing health and physical education and other education students', Journal of Eating Disorders, vol 5, no 1 .
  • Power, A., Truong, S., Gray, T., Downey, G., Hall, T. and Jones, B. (2017), 'When outbound mobility programs and service learning align in pre-service teacher education', Asia Pacific Education Review, vol 18, no 3 , pp 401 - 412.
  • Gray, T., Allen-Craig, S. and Carpenter, C. (2017), 'Selective hearing : the unrecognised contribution of women to the outdoor profession', Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, vol 20, no 1 , pp 25 - 34.
  • Gray, T. (2017), 'Gender asymmetry in outdoor learning environments', Te Whakatika, , no 34 , pp 18 - 21.
  • Gray, T. (2017), 'A 30-year retrospective study of the impact of outdoor education upon adolescent participants : salient lessons from the field', Pathways: The Ontario Journal of Outdoor Education, vol 29, no 3 , pp 4 - 15.
  • Burrell, A., Gray, T., Wright, D. and Ward, K. (2017), 'The way digitized lectures and film presence coaching impact academic identity : an expert facilitated participatory action research case study', International Journal of Social, Behavioral, Educational, Economic, Business and Industrial Engineering, vol 11, no 6 , pp 1398 - 1403.
  • Pfautsch, S. and Gray, T. (2017), 'Low factual understanding and high anxiety about climate warming impedes university students to become sustainability stewards : an Australian case study', International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol 18, no 7 , pp 1157 - 1175.
  • Gray, T., Mitten, D., Loeffler, T., Allen-Craig, S. and Carpenter, C. (2017), 'Defining moments : an examination of the gender divide in women's contribution to outdoor education', Research in Outdoor Education, vol 15 , pp 47 - 71.
  • Breault-Hood, J., Gray, T., Truong, S. and Ullman, J. (2017), 'Women and girls in outdoor education : scoping the research literature and exploring prospects for future body image enquiry', Research in Outdoor Education, vol 15 , pp 21 - 46.
  • Hall, T., Gray, T., Downey, G., Sheringham, C., Jones, B., Power, A. and Truong, S. (2016), 'Jafari and transformation : a model to enhance short-term overseas study tours', Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, vol 27 , pp 33 - 46.
  • Gray, T. and Thomson, C. (2016), 'Transforming environmental awareness of students through the arts and place-based pedagogies', LEARNing Landscapes, vol 9, no 2 , pp 239 - 260.
  • Jones, B., Power, A., Gray, T., Downey, G., Hall, T. and Truong, S. (2016), 'If you build it, they may not come : why Australian university students do not take part in outbound mobility experiences', Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, vol 13, no 3 .
  • Gray, T. (2016), 'The "F" word : feminism in outdoor education', Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, vol 19, no 2 , pp 25 - 41.
  • Truong, S., Gray, T. and Ward, K. (2016), '"Sowing and growing" life skills through garden-based learning to reengage disengaged youth', LEARNing Landscapes, vol 10, no 1 , pp 361 - 385.
  • Gray, T. and Birrell, C. (2015), ''Touched by the Earth' : a place-based outdoor learning programme incorporating the Arts', Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, vol 15, no 4 , pp 330 - 349.
  • Lloyd, A. and Gray, T. (2014), 'Place-based outdoor learning and environmental sustainability within Australian Primary Schools', Journal of Sustainability Education, vol September 2014 .
  • Vickery, N. and Gray, T. (2014), 'The effects of professional experience upon pre-service physical and health education teacher's resilience, self-efficacy and stress', University of Sydney Papers in HMHCE, vol 3 , pp 17 - 42.
  • Gray, T. and Birrell, C. (2014), 'Are biophilic-designed site office buildings linked to health benefits and high performing occupants?', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol 11, no 12 , pp 12204 - 12222.
  • Wright, M. and Gray, T. (2013), 'The hidden turmoil : females achieving longevity in the outdoor learning profession', Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, vol 16, no 2 , pp 12 - 23.
  • O'Flynn, G., Pryor, Z. and Gray, T. (2013), 'Embodied subjectivities : nine young women talking dance', Journal of Dance Education, vol 13, no 4 , pp 130 - 138.
  • Gray, T. and Martin, P. (2012), 'The role and place of outdoor education in the Australian National Curriculum', Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, vol 16, no 1 , pp 39 - 50.
  • Dowdell, K., Gray, T. and Malone, K. (2011), 'Nature and Its Influence on Children's Outdoor Play', Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, vol 15, no 2 , pp 24 - 35.
  • Brymer, E., Gray, T. and Cotton, W. (2011), 'Outdoor experiential training as a medium for the development of today's leaders', Journal of Spirituality, Leadership and Management, vol 5, no 1 , pp 58 - 66.
  • Brymer, E., Gray, T., Cotton, W. and Carpenter, C. (2010), 'Profiling outdoor leadership', Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership (JOREL), vol 2, no 1 , pp 93 - 108.
  • Brymer, E. and Gray, T. (2010), 'Developing an intimate relationship with nature through extreme sports participation', Lesiure/Loisir, vol 34, no 4 , pp 361 - 374.
  • Brymer, E., Downey, G. and Gray, T. (2009), 'Extreme sports as a precursor to environmental sustainability', Journal of Sport and Tourism, vol 14, no 2-3 , pp 193 - 204.
  • Brymer, E. and Gray, T. (2009), 'Dancing with nature : rhythm and harmony in extreme sport participation', Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning (JAEOL), vol 9, no 2 , pp 134 - 149.
  • Dickson, T., Gray, T., Downey, G., Saunders, J. and Newman, C. (2008), 'Profiling Australian snowsport injuries : a snapshot from the Snowy Mountains', Journal of Sport and Tourism, vol 13, no 4 , pp 273 - 295.
  • Nicholls, V. and Gray, T. (2007), 'The role of stillness and quiet when developing human/nature relationships', Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, vol 11, no 1 , pp 21 - 28.
  • Brymer, E. and Gray, T. (2006), 'Effective leadership: Transformational or transactional', Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, vol 10, no 2 , pp 13 - 19.
  • Dickson, T. and Gray, T. (2006), 'Facilitating Experiences: A snapshot of what's happening out there', Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, vol 10, no 2 , pp 41 - 52.

Conference Papers

  • Gray, T., Allen-Craig, S., Carpenter, C. and Nicholls, V. (2018), 'Celebrating our past, harnessing our future as a collective voice : exploring feminism for men and women in outdoor education', National Outdoor Education Conference, Hobart, Tas..
  • Gray, T., Truong, S., Tracey, D. and Ward, K. (2018), 'Get out of the way and let the outdoors be the teacher', European Institute for Outdoor Adventure Education and Experiential Learning. Conference, Plymouth, England.
  • Louise, M. and Gray, T. (2018), 'Moving the embodiment of trauma within the process of adventure', International Adventure Therapy Conference, Stanwell Tops, N.S.W..
  • Truong, S., Gray, T., Ward, K. and Tracey, D. (2018), 'Expanding the circles across outdoor learning and acceptance commitment therapy in schools', International Adventure Therapy Conference, Stanwell Tops, N.S.W..
  • Gray, T., Mitten, D., Potter, T. and Kennedy, J. (2018), 'Reflective insights to help advance the outdoor profession towards gender inclusive leadership', International Outdoor Education Research Conference, Sippy Downs, Qld..
  • Truong, S., Gray, T., Ward, K., Tracey, D. and Pettitt, P. (2018), 'The impact of community gardening on perceived health and wellbeing in social housing communities', International Outdoor Education Research Conference, Sippy Downs, Qld..
  • Allen-Craig, S., Gray, T., Mitten, D., Loeffler, T., Socha, T. and Cosgriff, M. (2018), 'Rethinking outdoor education leadership spaces : using catching features, hand rails, and bearings to help amplify lesser heard voices in the broad landscape of outdoor learning', International Outdoor Education Research Conference, Sippy Downs, Qld..
  • Gray, T. (2017), 'Get out of the way and let Nature weave her magic', European Institute for Outdoor Adventure Education and Experiential Learning. Seminar, Plymouth Marjan University.
  • Gray, T. (2017), 'Lasting lessons in outdoor education : a 30-year retrospective study examining the durable effects on adolescent participants', European Institute for Outdoor Adventure Education and Experiential Learning. Seminar, Plymouth Marjon University.
  • Meyer, A., Gray, T. and Truong, S. (2017), 'Experiential approaches to creating a new narrative on research and evaluation with indigenous people', Symposium on Experiential Education Research, Montreal, Canada.
  • Gray, T. and Downey, G. (2017), 'Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad Presents...Tonia Gray presenting on "Jafari and transformation: a model to enhance short-term overseas study tours"', Forum on Education Abroad. Annual Conference, Seattle, Wash..
  • Lloyd, A., Truong, S. and Gray, T. (2016), 'Beyond the walls : within the curriculum : exploring the niche position of place-based outdoor learning for primary schools', International Outdoor Education Research Conference, Unama?ki/Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada.
  • Lloyd, A., Gray, T. and Truong, S. (2016), 'Seeing what they see : exploring the potential of GoPro video cameras in outdoor research with children', International Outdoor Education Research Conference, Unama?ki/Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada.
  • Gray, T., Taylor, N., Norton, C., Breault-Hood, J. and Christie, B. (2016), 'Social media and the airbrushed outdoor experience : friend or foe?', International Outdoor Education Research Conference, Unama?ki/Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia,Canada.
  • Breault-Hood, J., Gray, T., Truong, S. and Ullman, J. (2016), 'The impact of outdoor education on the body image and self-efficacy of adolescent girls', International Outdoor Education Research Conference, Unama?ki/Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada.
  • Gray, T., Allen-Craig, S., Mitten, D., Loeffler, T. and Carpenter, C. (2016), 'Defining moments : women's contribution to outdoor education leadership and an examination of the gender divide', International Outdoor Education Research Conference, Unama?ki/Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada.
  • Gray, T. (2016), 'Does outdoor education get better with age? A 30-year longitudinal study of the impact of outdoor education upon adolescent participants', International Outdoor Education Research Conference, Unama?ki/Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada.
  • Gray, T. (2016), 'Running through our veins : a three-year study of the agentic role of arts-based practice in nature attunement', EcoArts Australis Conference, Wollongong, N.S.W..
  • Gray, T., Hall, T., Jones, B., Truong, S., Power, A., Sheringham, C., Bailey, P. and Downey, G. (2016), 'Enhancing programs to integrate tertiary outbound mobility experiences (EPITOME)', Developing Global Perspectives Symposium, Sydney, N.S.W..
  • Hall, T., Gray, T., Downey, G., Sheringham, C., Cole, D., Power, A. and Jones, B. (2016), 'EPITOME : rethinking student mobility for a global future', Asia-Pacific Association for International Education. Conference, Melbourne, Vic..
  • Truong, S. and Gray, T. (2016), 'Indigenous connectivity : Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander students' journeys to Canada for study abroad', Australian International Education Conference, Melbourne, Vic..
  • Truong, S., Gray, T. and Ward, K. (2016), ''Sowing and growing' life skills through garden-based learning to re-engage disengaged youth', National Outdoor Education Conference, Sunshine Coast, Qld..
  • Gray, T. and Crosby, S. (2015), 'After hours school care in the Australian bush', World Environmental Education Congress, Gothenburg, Sweden.
  • Gray, T. (2015), 'The arts and place-based pedagogies : transformative and creative learning to move students from awareness to action', World Environmental Education Congress, Gothenburg, Sweden.
  • Gray, T. (2015), 'The outsiders : slowing down Gen Y via techno-fasting and nature immersion', World Environmental Education Congress, Gothenburg, Sweden.
  • Gray, T. and Birrell, C. (2013), 'Touched by the earth : the impact of a multi-sensory immersion program on Year 7-8 students', International Outdoor Education Research Conference, University of Otago.
  • Taylor, N., Gray, T. and Birrell, C. (2012), 'Introducing Generation Y to the wilderness', Australian Association for Research in Education. Conference, Sydney, N.S.W..
  • Downey, G. and Gray, T. (2012), 'Blogging with the Facebook generation : studying abroad with Gen Y', Joint Australian Association for Research in Education and Asia-Pacific Educational Research Association Conference, Sydney, N.S.W..
  • Gray, T. and Stuart, K. (2012), 'The power of storytelling in adventure therapy', International Adventure Therapy Conference, Edinburgh, Scotland.
  • Philpott, T. and Gray, T. (2008), 'Capturing the complex nature of learning to teach in the outdoors', AARE 2007 International Education Research Conference, Freemantle.
  • Nicholls, V., Gray, T. and Hoban, G. (2008), 'Busy doing nothing : researching the phenomenon of quiet time in outdoor experiential learning', 11th International Conference on Experiential Learning (ICEL), UTS Sydney.
  • Nicholls, V. and Gray, T. (2008), 'Sense and sensibility : reality and romanticism in human/nature relationships', Connecting with the Essence of Adventure Therapy - 4th International Adventure Therapy Conference, NZ.
  • Burrell, A., Gray, T. and Gray, B. (2007), 'Less is More: Ongoing Perspectives from Young, Fast and dead', Australian and New Zealand Marketing and Communications (ANZMAC) Conference, Dunedin, NZ.
  • Burrell, A., Gray, T. and Gray, B. (2007), 'Less means more when it comes to fear appeals and teenage drivers', Australian & New Zealand Marketing Academy, Dunedin, N.Z..
  • Nicholls, V. and Gray, T. (2006), 'Sense and Sensibility: Looking at the reality and romance of human/nature relationships', Fourth International Adventure Therapy Conference, New Zealand.
  • Burrell, A. and Gray, T. (2006), 'Young, Fast And Dead: Marketing Communication Solutions To Change P-Plate Driver Behaviour', 20th Australian and New Zealand Marketing and Communications (ANZMAC) Conference Proceedings ?Management: Pragmatism, Philosophy, Priorities?, Brisbane, Queensland.
  • Burrell, A. and Gray, T. (2006), 'Young, fast and dead: a fresh perspective from the Early Driving Group', Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy (ANZMAC) Conference, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld..

Other Publications

  • 2023, 'Assessing the Impact of the Vision Valley Outdoor Education Pilot Initiative at Pymble Ladies' College', Report
  • 2021, 'Pathways to Wellbeing, Social Cohesion, Skill Development, and Participation in Disadvantaged Communities: Royal Botanic Garden Sydney's Master Gardener Volunteer Program', Report
  • 2020, 'Nurturing Leadership from the Bottom Up: Supporting Leadership and Career Aspirations for Sessional Staff', Report
  • 2019, 'Mother Nature Needs Her Daughters: A Homeward Bound Global Review and Fact Sheet Investigating Gender Inequality in STEMM', Report
  • 2019, 'Mother Nature Needs Her Daughters: A Homeward Bound Global Review and Fact Sheet Investigating Gender Inequality in STEMM', Report
  • 2019, 'Exploring Ways to Elevate Women's Leadership Voices to Achieve Career Longevity and Gender Parity', Report
  • 2018, 'The Impact of Royal Botanic Gardens' Community Greening Program on Perceived Health, Wellbeing, and Social Benefits in Social Housing Communities in NSW', Report
  • 2018, 'ACT in the Outdoors: A Program Based on Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Adventure Therapy: Facilitator Manual', Report
  • 2018, 'Vertical Schools and Green Space: Canvassing the Literature', Report
  • 2017, 'Fostering the Wellbeing of Students With Challenging Behaviour and/or Emotional Needs Through Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Outdoor Learning', Report
  • 2016, 'Research into Outdoor Education Learner Attribution Theory: The Effects Of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award on Learning', Report
  • 2016, 'Implementing a Trauma Informed Framework in a Disability Non-government Organisation', Report
  • 2016, 'Enhancing Programmes Integrating Tertiary Outbound Mobility Experiences (EPITOME): Final Report 2016', Report
  • 2015, 'Love Your Lagoons: Place-based Learning and Environmental Action in South Western Sydney', Report
  • 2015, 'Wild Nature Play: Researching OOSH in the Bush', Report
  • 2013, 'Student Trajectory Aspiration Research (STAR): A Study of Aspirations, Enablers and Barriers to Further Education in the Blacktown Learning Community', Report
  • 2012, 'Bringing the learning home : programs to enhance study abroad outcomes in Australian universities', Report
  • 2008, 'Australian Outdoor Adventure Activity Benefits Catalogue', Report

Areas of Research and Publication

  • Ecopedagogy,
  • Reflection and Experience Based Learning (EBL) in educational settings,
  • Outdoor Education, and Adventure Therapy.
  • Risk Taking Behaviours in Adolescence, Risk Management in the Outdoors,
  • Burnout in the Outdoor Profession,
  • Facilitation and Leadership in Outdoor Education,
  • Teaching Methods and Curriculum Implementation Strategies:
  • PD/H/PE. Research Methods in Experiential Education
  • Career Aspirations of Low SES students
  • Bringing the Learning Home: The Impact of Study Abroad in Tertiary Settings
  • Dance and Body Perceptions
  • Perceptions of Body Image for pre-service PDHPE students

This information has been contributed by Professor Gray.

Current Projects

Title: Sowing Seeds of Hope
Funder:
  • Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
Western Researchers: Tonia Gray, Danielle Tracey and Katina Dimoulias
Years: 2022-01-21 - 2024-04-30
ID: P00027757

Previous Projects

Title: Love Your Lagoons
Funder:
  • AGL Upstream Investments Pty Limited
Western Researchers: Margaret Somerville, Tonia Gray, Carol Birrell and Susanne Gannon
Years: 2013-08-16 - 2014-12-31
ID: P00021768
Title: Researching and evaluating children and staff's experience of OOSH in the Bush
Funder:
  • Centennial Park Trust
Western Researchers: Karen Malone, Tonia Gray, Carol Birrell and X
Years: 2014-08-21 - 2015-04-10
ID: P00022375
Title: A pilot study of the Royal Botanic Gardens' Community Greening Program and Wellbeing
Funder:
  • Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
  • University of Western Sydney
Western Researchers: Tonia Gray and Danielle Tracey
Years: 2019-07-01 - 2023-11-30
ID: P00025924
Title: The impact of Royal Botanic Gardens' Community Greening program on perceived health, wellbeing, and social benefits in social housing communities in NSW
Funder:
  • Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
Western Researchers: Son Truong, Tonia Gray, Kumara Ward and Danielle Tracey
Years: 2017-05-01 - 2018-04-30
ID: P00024002
Title: The Survey on the Learning Style Preferences of Students at Sports Universities in Vietnam
Funder:
  • Ministry of Education and Training, Vietnam
Western Researchers: Tonia Gray and Tim Hall
Years: 2017-06-20 - 2020-12-31
ID: P00024483
Title: Implementing trauma-informed practice in a disability NGO: Supporting the wellbeing and recovery of clients in the disability sector
Funder:
  • Department of Family and Community Services
Western Researchers: Tonia Gray and Danielle Tracey
Years: 2015-06-10 - 2016-07-31
ID: P00022898
Title: Fostering the wellbeing of students with challenging behaviour and/or emotional needs through Acceptance Commitment Therapy
Funder:
  • Lomandra School
Western Researchers: Tonia Gray, Danielle Tracey, Son Truong and Kumara Ward
Years: 2016-09-02 - 2017-04-30
ID: P00023621
Title: Assessing the Impact of a School Outdoor Education Long-term Initiative at Pymble Ladies' College
Funder:
  • Pymble Ladies College
Western Researchers: Tonia Gray, Jacqueline Ullman and Christina Curry
Years: 2022-02-14 - 2023-06-23
ID: P00028417
Title: Enhancing Programmes to Integrate Tertiary Outbound Mobility Experiences (EPITOME)
Funder:
  • Department of Education and Training (ACRG)
Western Researchers: Tonia Gray, Tim Hall, Anne Power and Son Truong
Years: 2014-12-04 - 2017-01-06
ID: P00022544
Title: Pathways to wellbeing, skill development and participation in disadvantaged communities: Royal Botanic Garden Sydney's Master Gardener Volunteer Program
Funder:
  • Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
Western Researchers: Danielle Tracey, Tonia Gray and Katina Dimoulias
Years: 2018-09-04 - 2021-09-30
ID: P00025265

Supervision

Professor Gray is available to be a principal supervisor for doctoral projects

Current Supervision

Thesis Title: Analysing and evaluating the practical realities of environmental social work
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: What will it take for outdoor education in Australia to realise its potential?
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: The Survey on the Learning Style Preferences of Students at Sports Universities in Vietnam
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Outdoor Education as a Frame for Motivation Training Programs
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Comparison and reflection on outdoor play from the perspectives of 5-6-year-old children and teachers, incorporating children's perspective into outdoor play in kindergartens Junjie Liu East China Normal University
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Impacts of a Surfing Therapy Program on Ex-Serving Veterans
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Play as a Pedagogy in Primary School
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Becoming-Death while Vitally Alive in our Material Everyday
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Academic Stage Fright - considering a theoretical solution
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: How are Bushcraft Style Programs Perceived by the Outdoor Education Industry and Schools in Victoria and Could They Add Value to Our Students' Experiences?
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Growing an Outdoor Educator: The Impact of an Experiential Programme on Development of Pedagogy Practices in Pre-Service Outdoor Education Teachers: A Case Study
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: The Impact of Outdoor Education on the Body Image and Self-Concept of Adolescent Females
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Inclusive Leadership in Outdoor Education: It's Not Just Women's Business
Field of Research:

Previous Supervision

Thesis Title: The Impact of an Experiential Program on Development of Pedagogy in Pre-Service Outdoor Teachers: A Case Study
Field of Research: Teacher Education
Thesis Title: Train for War Adapt for Peace: A Case Study of the Implications of Risk Management on Static Line Parachute Training in the ADF
Field of Research: Other Education
Thesis Title: Placed-based Outdoor Learning Enriching Curriculum: A Case Study in an Australian Primary School
Field of Research: Education Studies; Curriculum Studies; Other Education
Thesis Title: Investigating the Effectiveness of Game-Based Teaching and Learning in Enhancing Student Engagement in Mandarin Class
Field of Research: Curriculum And Education Studies; Education
Thesis Title: Integration of Nonformal and Formal Education into Conservation Programs: A Case Study of Taronga Zoo's in-situ Youth Programs
Field of Research: Other Education

Media

Title: ABC News Breakfast
Description: My Park Rules
Title: SBS The Feed
Description: Why we need more green spaces in our cities
Title: Catalyst ABC TV
Description: Nature Play
Title: 2GB
Description: Interview with Graham Ross Biophilic Offices and the impact of plants of health and well-being of workers
Title: 202020Vision
Description: Health and Well-being: Green Cities and Child in Nature Advocate
Title: Daily Telegraph
Description: Making Children Go Wild
Title: Sydney Morning Herald
Description: Outdoor treks no cakewalk for screenagers
Title: Sydney Morning Herald
Description: Children respond to call of the wild
Title: ABC Radio
Description: Advocates Call for more green spaces
Title: Australian Financial Review 27 March 2014
Description: Health Benefits of Nature

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