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Associate Professor Paul Evans

Associate Professor Paul Evans

Associate Professor

PhD (Music Education) (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

Master of Music Education (University of Western Australia)

Bachelor of Music Bachelor of Education (Hons. 1) (UNSW)

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA)
School of Education

Paul Evans is an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology in the School of Education at UNSW Sydney. His areas of expertise include expertise, motivation, instruction, teaching strategies, learning, practice, and performance in educational settings. His research with schools, universities, and music programs is published in nationally and internationally leading journals and books. Paul supervises a team of research students and convenes the Cognitive Load and Motivation Lab at UNSW. He teaches educational psychology in undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degree programs, and is an active member of the Educational Psychology Research Group.

Research

My research studies people in educational contexts such as school classrooms, workplaces, universities, and music studios. Across these contexts, I examine sources of high-quality motivation and the kinds of behaviours and cognitions required for learning and improving expertise. I also study the effectiveness of various teaching approaches and strategies in relation to how the mind learns, including the following areas:

  • Self-determination theory, a theory of motivation, development, and psychological needs.
  • Cognitive load theory, a theory of instructional strategies based on human cognitive architecture
  • Self-regulated learning, a framework of metacognitive and behavioural strategies that influence learning.
  • Deliberate practice, an approach to studying the amount and quality of practice behaviours that lead to improvements in learning and performance.

I focus on quantitative, survey-based research using statistical procedures such as structural equation modelling and multilevel modelling to study complex datasets (e.g., latent variables, longitudinal measures, clustered data), with some complementary methods such as observational and mixed-methods approaches.

This research ranges from theoretical and fundamental research to applied research as part of partnerships with schools and other educational organisations. It is published in a range of internationally recognised, peer-reviewed academic journals, books, and international conferences. I have collaborated with over 20 academic researchers nationally and internationally, and supervise a team of around 10 research students who belong to the Cognitive Load and Motivation Research Lab at UNSW. I am an editorial board member of the Journal of Research in Music Education, a consulting editor for Educational Psychology, and a regular peer-reviewer for a range of journals in educational psychology, music psychology, and music education.

Research Supervision

I convene the Cognitive Load and Motivation Research Lab, a group of researchers and research students working in and across cognitive load theory, motivation, and related areas in educational settings (including schools, classrooms across a range of subjects, or with a focus on music). I have limited places available for research degree students (MEd, EdD, and PhD) who wish to work in these areas.

Current Research Students

  • Wei Sun (PhD)
  • Yooie Choi (EdD)
  • Sijing (Fiona) Zhou (PhD)
  • Michael Murphy (EdD)
  • Fiona Cooney (EdD)
  • Jonathan Clipsham (EdD)
  • Michael Kaissis (EdD)
  • Stephen Lukins (Grad Cert Ed)
  • Hayley Dean (EdD)
  • Marie McGregor (co-supervisor, PhD)
  • Bronwyn Bell (PhD)

Past Research Students

  • Sijing (Fiona) Zhou (BEd Honours, 2021)
  • Andrew Kingsford-Smith (MEd, 2019)
  • Elisabeth Freer (PhD, 2018)
  • Danny Carroll (MPhil, 2018)
  • Tamica Grant (PhD co-supervisor, 2017)
  • Siriwimon Na Chiangmai (PhD, 2016)
  • Hamamah (PhD, 2015)
  • Jennifer Fernandez (BEd Honours, 2013)

External Research Supervision

  • Alicia Barksdale (DMA, Boston University, 2021)
  • Byron Graves (DMA, Boston University, 2019)
  • DuWayne Dale (DMA, Boston University, 2017)
  • Mark Liu (DMA, Boston University, 2016)

Teaching

I teach classes in educational psychology and motivation, across pre-service teacher education programs and postgraduate professional development programs. I have previously taught classes in music psychology, music education, and creativity. My teaching philosophy is informed by my research in the area, and focuses on understanding students, their prior knowledge, and their interests, while developing evidence-informed teaching programs and strategies that engage students, develop their expertise, and maximise their potential.

Phone
+61 2 9065 9525
Location
G50 Morven Brown Building
  • Book Chapters | 2023
    Evans P; Martin A, 2023, 'Explicit Instruction', in O'Donnell A; Barness NC; Reeve J (ed.), Oxford Handbook of Educational Psychology, Oxford University Press,
    Book Chapters | 2023
    Evans P, 2023, 'Motivation and Self-Regulation in Music, Musicians, and Music Education', in The Oxford Handbook of Self-Determination Theory, Oxford University Press, pp. 638 - 664,
    Book Chapters | 2022
    Evans P; Ryan RM, 2022, 'INTRINSIC AND EXTRINSIC MOTIVATIONS FOR MUSIC PERFORMANCE', in The Oxford Handbook of Music Performance: Development and Learning, Proficiencies, Performance Practices, and Psychology: Volume 1, pp. 576 - 603,
    Book Chapters | 2022
    Evans P; Ryan RM, 2022, 'Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations for Music Performance', in The Oxford Handbook of Music Performance, Volume 1, Oxford University Press (OUP), pp. 576 - 603,
    Book Chapters | 2022
    Martin AJ; Evans P, 2022, 'Buoyancy, Resilience, and Adaptability', in The Oxford Handbook of Music Performance, Volume 1, Oxford University Press (OUP), pp. 630 - 651,
    Book Chapters | 2021
    Martin A; Evans P, 2021, 'Buoyancy, resilience, and adaptability', in G M (ed.), Oxford Handbook of Music Performance, Oxford University Press, Oxford
    Book Chapters | 2020
    Martin A; Evans P, 2020, 'Load reduction instruction policy', in Allen K; Reupert A; Oades L (ed.), Building better schools with evidence-based policy: Adaptable policy for teachers and school leaders, Routledge, New York
    Book Chapters | 2019
    Martin AJ; Evans P, 2019, 'Load reduction instruction (LRI): Sequencing explicit instruction and guided discovery to enhance students’ motivation, engagement, learning, and achievement', in Advances in Cognitive Load Theory: Rethinking Teaching, Routledge, Oxon, U.K., pp. 15 - 29,
    Book Chapters | 2017
    Evans PA; McPherson GE, 2017, 'Processes of musical identity consolidation during adolescence', in Hargreaves D; Macdonald RMR; Miell D (ed.), Oxford Handbook of Musical Identities, Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK, pp. 213 - 231,
    Book Chapters | 2017
    McPherson GE; Miksza P; Evans PA, 2017, 'Self-regulated learning in music practice and performance', in Schunk DH; Greene JA (ed.), Handbook of Self-Regulation of Learning and Performance, Routledge, New York, pp. 181 - 193,
    Book Chapters | 2016
    Jung JY; Evans PA, 2016, 'The career decisions of child musical prodigies', in McPherson GE (ed.), Musical Prodigies: Interpretations from psychology, music education, musicology and ethnomusicology, Oxford University Press, Oxford, England, pp. 409 - 423,
    Book Chapters | 2016
    McPherson GE; Evans PA; Kupers E; Renwick JM, 2016, 'Applying Self-Determination and Self-Regulation Theories for Optimizing Music Performance', in Mornell A (ed.), Art in Motion III: Performing Under Pressure, Peter Lang, Frankfurt am Main, pp. 131 - 148
    Book Chapters | 2015
    Evans PA, 2015, 'Motivation', in McPherson GE (ed.), The Child as Musician: A Handbook of Musical Development, edn. 2, Oxford University Press, Oxford, England, pp. 325 - 339,
    Book Chapters | 2015
    Evans PA, 2015, 'Motivation', in McPherson GE (ed.), The Child as Musician: A Handbook of Musical Development, Oxford University Press, Oxford, England, pp. 325 - 339,
    Book Chapters | 2015
    Martin AJ; Collie RJ; Evans P, 2015, 'Motivation and engagement in music: Theory, research, practice, and future directions', in Fleming J; Gibson R; Anderson, M. (ed.), How Arts Education Makes a Difference: Research Examining Successful Classroom Practice and Pedagogy, Routledge, London, pp. 169 - 185,
    Book Chapters | 2015
    McPherson GE; Davidson JW; Evans PA, 2015, 'Playing an instrument', in McPherson GE (ed.), The Child as Musician: A Handbook of Musical Development, Oxford University Press, Oxford, England, pp. 401 - 421,
    Book Chapters | 2014
    Evans PA, 2014, 'Motivation', in Thompson WF (ed.), Music in the Social and Behavioral Sciences, SAGE Publications,
    Book Chapters | 2014
    McPherson GE; Evans PA, 2014, 'Education, Music', in Thompson WF (ed.), Music in the Social and Behavioral Sciences, SAGE Publications,
    Book Chapters | 2007
    Evans PA; McPherson GE, 2007, 'Come studiare [How to practise]', in Tafuri J; McPherson G (ed.), Orientamenti per la didattica strumentale dalla ricerca all'insegnamento [Guidelines for Teaching Music from Research to Practice], Libreria Musicale Italiana, Lucca, Italy, pp. 33 - 48
    Book Chapters | 2007
    Juslin PN; Evans PA; McPherson GE, 2007, 'L'interpretazione musicale e le emozioni [Communicating Musical Emotions]', in Tafuri J; McPherson G (ed.), Orientamenti per la didattica strumentale dalla ricerca all'insegnamento [Guidelines for Teaching Music], Libreria Musicale Italiana, Bologna, Italy, pp. 132 - 155
    Book Chapters | 2007
    McPherson GE; Evans PA, 2007, 'Capacità uditivo-creative [Aural-creative skils]', in Tafuri J; McPherson G (ed.), Orientamenti per la didattica strumentale dalla ricerca all'insegnamento [Guidelines for Teaching Music], Libreria Musicale Italiana, Lucca, Italy, pp. 93 - 114
    Book Chapters | 2007
    McPherson GE; Evans PA, 2007, 'Il suono prima del segno [The sound before the sign]', in Tafuri J; McPherson G (ed.), Orientamenti per la didattica strumentale dalla ricerca all'insegnamento [Guidelines for teaching music from research to practice], Libreria Italiana Musicale, Lucca, Italy, pp. 15 - 32
  • Journal articles | 2024
    Evans P; Vansteenkiste M; Parker P; Kingsford-Smith A; Zhou S, 2024, 'Cognitive Load Theory and Its Relationships with Motivation: a Self-Determination Theory Perspective', Educational Psychology Review, 36,
    Journal articles | 2024
    Evans P; Vansteenkiste M; Parker P; Kingsford-Smith A; Zhou S, 2024, 'Correction to: Cognitive Load Theory and Its Relationships with Motivation: a Self-Determination Theory Perspective (Educational Psychology Review, (2024), 36, 1, (7), 10.1007/s10648-023-09841-2)', Educational Psychology Review, 36,
    Journal articles | 2024
    Sun SW; Evans P; Martin AJ, 2024, 'Load reduction instruction: Exploring its applicability in a Chinese-speaking secondary school context', Teaching and Teacher Education, 148,
    Journal articles | 2023
    Evans P; Martin AJ, 2023, 'Load reduction instruction: multilevel effects for motivation, engagement, and achievement in mathematics', Educational Psychology, 43, pp. 1125 - 1143,
    Journal articles | 2021
    Kingsford-Smith A; Evans P, 2021, 'A longitudinal study of psychological needs satisfaction, value, achievement, and elective music intentions', Psychology of Music, 49, pp. 382 - 398,
    Journal articles | 2021
    Miksza P; Evans P; McPherson GE, 2021, 'Wellness Among University-level Music Students: A Study of the Predictors of Subjective Vitality', Musicae Scientiae, 25, pp. 143 - 160,
    Journal articles | 2021
    Osborne MS; McPherson GE; Miksza P; Evans P, 2021, 'Using a microanalysis intervention to examine shifts in musicians’ self-regulated learning', Psychology of Music, 49, pp. 972 - 988,
    Journal articles | 2020
    Blackwell J; Miksza P; Evans P; McPherson GE, 2020, 'Student Vitality, Teacher Engagement, and Rapport in Studio Music Instruction', Frontiers in Psychology, 11, pp. 1007,
    Journal articles | 2019
    Burns EC; Martin AJ; Evans PA, 2019, 'The role of teacher feedback-feedforward and personal best goal setting in students' mathematics achievement: a goal setting theory perspective', EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY,
    Journal articles | 2019
    Evans P; Liu MY, 2019, 'Psychological Needs and Motivational Outcomes in a High School Orchestra Program', Journal of Research in Music Education, 67, pp. 83 - 105,
    Journal articles | 2019
    Freer E; Evans P, 2019, 'Choosing to study music in high school: Teacher support, psychological needs satisfaction, and elective music intentions', Psychology of Music, 47, pp. 781 - 799,
    Journal articles | 2019
    McPherson GE; Osborne MS; Evans P; Miksza P, 2019, 'Applying self-regulated learning microanalysis to study musicians’ practice', Psychology of Music, 47, pp. 18 - 32,
    Journal articles | 2019
    Miksza P; Evans P; McPherson GE, 2019, 'Motivation to pursue a career in music: The role of social constraints in university music programs', Psychology of Music, 49, pp. 030573561983626 - 030573561983626,
    Journal articles | 2018
    Evans P; Martin AJ; Ivcevic Z, 2018, 'Personality, coping, and school well-being: an investigation of high school students', Social Psychology of Education, 21, pp. 1061 - 1080,
    Journal articles | 2018
    Martin AJ; Evans P, 2018, 'Load reduction instruction: Exploring a framework that assesses explicit instruction through to independent learning', Teaching and Teacher Education, 73, pp. 203 - 214,
    Journal articles | 2017
    Freer E; Evans PA, 2017, 'Psychological needs satisfaction and value in students’ intentions to study music in high school', Psychology of Music, 46, pp. 881 - 895,
    Journal articles | 2017
    Martin TG; Martin AJ; Evans P, 2017, 'Student engagement in the Caribbean region:Exploring its role in the motivation and achievement of Jamaican middle school students', School Psychology International, 38, pp. 184 - 200,
    Journal articles | 2016
    Bonneville-Roussy A; Evans PA; Verner-Filion J; Vallerand RJ; Bouffard T, 2016, 'Motivation and coping with the stress of assessment: Gender differences in outcomes for university students', Contemporary Educational Psychology,
    Journal articles | 2016
    Martin AJ; Martin TG; Evans P, 2016, 'Motivation and Engagement in Jamaica: Testing a Multidimensional Framework Among Students in an Emerging Regional Context', Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment,
    Journal articles | 2015
    Evans P; McPherson GE, 2015, 'Identity and practice: The motivational benefits of a long-term musical identity', Psychology of Music, 43, pp. 407 - 422,
    Journal articles | 2015
    Evans PA; Bonneville-Roussy A, 2015, 'Self-determined motivation for practice in university music students', Psychology of Music, 44, pp. 1095 - 1110,
    Journal articles | 2015
    Evans PA, 2015, 'Self-Determination Theory: An Approach to Motivation in Music Education', Musicae Scientiae: the journal of the European Society for the Cognitive Sciences of Music, 19, pp. 65 - 83,
    Journal articles | 2015
    Russell D; Evans PA, 2015, 'Guitar pedagogy and preparation for tertiary training in NSW: An exploratory mixed-methods study', Australian Journal of Music Education, 2015, pp. 52 - 63
    Journal articles | 2012
    Evans P; McPherson GE; Davidson JW, 2012, 'The role of psychological needs in ceasing music and music learning activities', Psychology of Music, May 9 2012, pp. 1 - 20,
    Journal articles | 2008
    Evans P; Schubert E, 2008, 'Relationships between expressed and felt emotions in music', Musicae Scientiae, 12, pp. 75 - 99,
    Journal articles | 2008
    Evans P; Schubert E, 2008, 'Relationships between expressed and felt emotions in music', Musicae Scientiae, 12, pp. 75 - 99,
  • Theses / Dissertations | 2020
    Kingsford-Smith A, 2020, Engaged or Just Compliant? A Person-Centred Investigation of the Dimensionality and Structure of Student Engagement and Motivation,
    Other | 2020
    Sweller J; Martin A; Evans P, 2020, Cognitive load theory, load reduction instruction, and problem solving. In 'NSW Department of Education Expert Panel',, NSW Department of Education,
    Conference Presentations | 2016
    Martin TG; Martin A; Evans P, 2016, 'Testing the Relevance of Expectancy-value Theory in a Caribbean Context', presented at American Educational Research Association, 08 April 2016 - 12 April 2016
    Conference Papers | 2013
    Bonneville-Roussy A; Evans PA, 2013, 'A model of self-determination theory in university music learning', University of Melbourne, Australia, presented at Australian Music Psychology Society: Inaugural Conference on Music, Health, and Wellbeing, University of Melbourne, Australia, 28 November 2013 - 01 December 2013
    Conference Papers | 2013
    Evans PA, 2013, 'Self-Determination as a model for motivation in music learning', Rochester, New York, USA, presented at 5th Self-Determination Theory International Conference, Rochester, New York, USA, 27 July 2013 - 30 July 2013
    Conference Papers | 2012
    Evans PA, 2012, 'Self-determination theory in music: A 10-year longitudinal and retrospective study of motivation to learn a musical instrument', Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, presented at International Conference on Motivation (hosted by Earli SIG 8), Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 28 August 2012 - 30 August 2012,
    Conference Papers | 2011
    Evans P; Davidson, J. W. ; McPherson GE, 2011, 'Music, learning, motivation, and achievement in children and adolescents', University of Western Australia, Perth, presented at ''Power of Music' - the 34th National Conference of the Musicological Society of Australia and the 2nd International Conference on Music and Emotion, University of Western Australia, Perth, 30 November 2011 - 03 December 2011
    Conference Papers | 2011
    Evans PA; McPherson GE; Davidson JW, 2011, 'Self-determination in music: Psychological needs and the formation of beliefs and values', Universitè Laval, Quèbec, Canada, presented at Sixth SELF biennial international conference, Universitè Laval, Quèbec, Canada, 19 July 2011 - 22 July 2011
    Conference Papers | 2008
    Evans PA; Davidson JW; Faulkner, R. ; McPherson GE, 2008, 'Music in the lives of students over a ten-year period', Roehampton University, London, UK, presented at 2nd European Conference on Developmental Psychology of Music, Roehampton University, London, UK, 01 September 2008 - 04 September 2008
    Conference Papers | 2008
    Evans PA; Davidson, J. W. ; McPherson GE, 2008, 'Music in our lives: An investigation of music learning between 9 and 19 years of age', Sapporo, Japan, presented at 10th International Conference on Music perception and Cognition, Sapporo, Japan, 25 August 2008 - 29 August 2008,
    Conference Papers | 2006
    Evans P; Schubert E, 2006, 'Quantification of Gabrielsson`s relationships between felt and expressed emotions in music', in Demorest SM; Morrison SJ; Campbell PS (eds.), ICMPC11 -- 11th International Conference of Music Perception and Cognition, Causal Productions, Seattle, Washington USA, pp. 153 - 153, presented at ICMPC11 -- 11th International Conference of Music Perception and Cognition, Seattle, Washington USA, 22 August 2006 - 26 August 2006
    Conference Papers | 2006
    Schubert E; Evans P; Rink J, 2006, 'Emotion in real and imagined music: Same or different?', in Demorest SM; Morrison SJ; Campbell PS (eds.), ICMPC11 -- 11th International Conference of Music Perception and Cognition, Causal Productions, Seattle, Washington USA, pp. 270 - 271, presented at ICMPC11 -- 11th International Conference of Music Perception and Cognition, Seattle, Washington USA, 22 August 2006 - 26 August 2006

My Teaching

Postgraduate classes:

EDST5112: Learning: Psychological and Social Perspectives

EDST5321: Motivation in Educational Settings

Undergraduate classes:

EDST2044: Motivation in Learning and Teaching

GENT0508: Music on my Mind: The Psychology of Music (equivalent to MUSC3102; EDST2092)

Previous classes

EDST1107: Introduction to Music Education

MUSC5121: Creativity in Music

MUSC3602: Creativity in Music Education

MUSC2502: Introduction to Secondary Music Education

MUSC4602: Music Teaching Experience