Sweta Patel

Dr. Sweta Patel

Lecturer, Early Childhood Education

Details

  • College: School of Education
  • Department: School of Education
  • Campus: Bundoora West Australia
  • sweta.patel@rmit.edu.au

Open to

  • Masters Research or PhD student supervision
  • Collaborative projects
  • Industry Projects
  • Membership of an advisory committee

About

Dr Sweta Vijaykumar Patel is a researcher and educator with a wealth of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education and Care. She has been fortunate to work in various capacities in India and Australia, such as Kindergarten Teacher, Centre Director, and Trainer and Assessor in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. 

 

Sweta’s teaching philosophy centres on placing students at the heart of the learning process. She views knowledge as socially co-constructed, where both students and teachers engage in mutual learning. Her approach emphasizes connecting theoretical concepts with real-world applications, helping students see the practical relevance of their education and fostering a deep sense of purpose and commitment to their academic journey.

 

As a researcher, Sweta's work explores the cultural, temporal, and diverse experiences of immigrants, with a particular focus on early childhood educators. She is also passionate about creative research methodologies, particularly using visual images and storytelling to explore diverse human experiences.

Academic positions

  • Lecturer
  • RMIT University
  • School of Education
  • Melbourne, Australia
  • 7 May 2024 – Present
  • Teaching Associate
  • Monash University
  • Faculty of Education
  • Melbourne, Australia
  • 2 Jan 2024 – 3 May 2024
  • Research Assistant
  • Monash University
  • Faculty of Education
  • Melbourne, Australia
  • 4 Aug 2020 – 3 May 2024

Teaching interests

Sweta is currently working as a lecturer and course coordinator for the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education at RMIT University, where she continues to share my passion for early childhood education with the next generation of educators.

She has nearly a decade of experience as an Early Childhood Educator, Trainer, and Assessor in the VET sector, where she facilitated workshops and teaching for students pursuing Certificates III and Diplomas in Early Childhood Education and Care. Prior to this, she worked as a Kindergarten Teacher and Centre Director in Australia and India.

Research interests

Sweta's research interests focus on studies related to immigrants, creative methodologies, culturally responsive pedagogy, temporality, digital literacy, and the well-being of early childhood professionals.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.