Ms. Dr Elinor Assoulin
Details
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College: School of GUSS
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Department: School of GUSS
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Campus: City Campus Australia
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elinor.assoulin@rmit.edu.au
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ORCID: 0000-0003-3334-3029
About
Dr. Elinor Assoulin is a lecturer and researcher at the School of Global Urban and Social Studies within RMIT University's College of Design and Social Context. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy from RMIT University, where her dissertation introduced Art Yarning as an innovative social science research method and focused on the lived experiences of art yarning journeys with Indigenous communities. Dr. Assoulin's extensive educational background includes a Master's degree in Art Therapy and a Bachelor's degree in Primary Education. Her expertise encompasses integrated decolonized and visual methodologies, Indigenous critical theories, postcolonial theories, art therapy in research, and the intersection of art, race, and intercultural communication.
Teaching interests
Dr. Assoulin has been a lecturer at RMIT University since 2022, teaching a range of subjects within the Research Training Unit, including: Foundations of Social Research Research Strategies Honours Engaged In Research Doing Research Qualitative Research Methods. Previously, she was a sessional academic lecturer at RMIT since 2015 for courses such as Loss, Trauma & Grief, Constructions of the Self, Indigenous Studies, Public Policy, and more.
Teaching Approaches:
Dr. Assoulin employs a dynamic, student-centred teaching methodology that emphasises critical thinking, reflective learning, and practical application. Her approaches include:
- Integrating Research into Curriculum: Providing contemporary examples that bridge theory and practice.
- Promoting Critical Thinking: Encouraging students to question assumptions and analyse perspectives through discussions, debates, and problem-solving activities.
- Interactive and Collaborative Learning: Using group projects, peer reviews, and workshops to promote active learning and develop teamwork and communication skills.
- Reflective Practice: Encouraging students to assess their learning experiences, identify improvements, and set goals for continuous growth.
- Inclusive Pedagogy: Adapting strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and backgrounds, ensuring an inclusive and supportive classroom environment.
- Mentorship and Support: Providing guidance and fostering a positive, empowering learning environment beyond classroom instruction.
Research interests
Dr. Assoulin's research pursuits delve into the advancement and exploration of integrated decolonized and visual methodologies, particularly within Indigenous and postcolonial frameworks. Her primary research interests encompass:
Integrated decolonized and visual methodologies
Indigenous critical theories
Postcolonial theories
Art therapy in research
Phenomenology
Ethics in Indigenous research contexts
Visual communication, race, and identity
Central to her innovative contributions is the development of art yarning, an advanced social science research method that integrates art therapy techniques with Indigenous knowledge systems. This approach exemplifies her dedication to conducting research that upholds ethical standards and respects diverse cultural perspectives.
