Rate My Professor Mark Lynch

Mark Lynch is Lecturer in Social Work and Simulated Learning and Director of Simulated Learning in the School of Social Work and Human Services at Griffith University. He leads the SLE Practice Learning Centre, where he introduces social work students to real-life professional scenarios through innovative simulation techniques. His educational approach emphasizes experiential learning, professional identity development, and the cultivation of complex assessment and interpersonal skills essential for social work practice. Lynch integrates cycles of experiential learning to foster cultural humility among students and prioritizes authenticity in simulation design over risk aversion, enhancing student reflection and learning outcomes in field education.

Lynch's academic contributions focus on pedagogy, simulation in social work education, and counselling competencies, particularly in international contexts. Key publications include 'Professional Identity Development in Field Placement Learning' (2025, corresponding author), examining student growth in simulated clinics for Bachelor of Social Work students; 'Authenticity Over Risk Aversion: Defining Simulation in Australian Social Work Field Education' (2024, co-authored with M. Fox, S. Harris, G. Jefferies); 'Counselling Skills and Competencies Tool: Scale Development and Preliminary Data' (2021), developing the CSCT instrument validated with entry-level students, experienced counsellors, and non-professionals; and 'Counselling Knowledge and Skills in Papua New Guinea: Identifying the Gaps' (2021), based on interviews and simulations with 25 PNG counsellors. Additional works encompass 'Key Design Characteristics of Interprofessional Simulation-based Learning Experiences as Rated by Allied Health and Nursing Students' (2021), 'Applying Cycles of Experiential Learning to Engage in Cultural Humility' (2020), and contributions to creative counselling training resources. He has designed and led Australia Awards projects including the Papua New Guinea Graduate Certificate in Counselling (2019–2021) and short courses (2024), addressing skill gaps via training cards. Lynch convenes courses such as Interpersonal Skills (1008HSV).