John Ainley
About John Ainley
John Ainley is a Principal Research Fellow at the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) with extensive experience in educational research and assessment. He has held various leadership roles, including Deputy CEO (Research) and has contributed to significant international studies in education.
Current Role at ACER
John Ainley serves as a Principal Research Fellow at the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) in Melbourne, Australia. He has held this position since 1975, contributing to educational research for nearly five decades. His role involves leading various research initiatives and projects aimed at improving educational practices and policies.
Previous Positions at ACER
Prior to his current role, John Ainley held significant positions at ACER. He worked as the Deputy CEO (Research) from 2000 to 2010, where he oversaw research operations. Additionally, he served as Associate Director and Head of the Policy Research Division from 1995 to 1999, focusing on policy-related educational research.
Educational Background
John Ainley studied at the University of Melbourne, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Chemistry. He also obtained a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in International and Comparative Education and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his extensive research work in the field of education.
Contributions to Educational Research
John Ainley has played a significant role in various educational research initiatives. He served as the international coordinator for the IEA International Civic and Citizenship Education Study in 2009 and led the IEA International Computer Information Literacy Study (ICILS) in 2013. He also directed the Australian National Assessment Program - ICT Literacy for three cycles, showcasing his expertise in educational assessments.
Involvement in Educational Policy
John Ainley actively contributes to educational policy and initiatives. He is a member of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Literacy and Numeracy in New South Wales and chairs the Advisory Council for the New South Wales Centre for Educational Statistics and Evaluation. He also participates in the Consortium Advisory Group for the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, reflecting his commitment to improving educational outcomes.