
Inspires students to reach new heights.
Brings real-world examples to learning.
Makes complex ideas simple and clear.
Makes every class a rewarding experience.
Always fair, encouraging, and motivating.
Abirami Sashidharan is an Associate Teaching Fellow in the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and Language Department at the School of Pre-University and Continuing Education (SPACE), Curtin University Malaysia. She is part of the core team supporting learning and teaching initiatives within SPACE, which focuses on pre-university programs and continuing education to prepare students for academic and professional success. Her responsibilities include delivering English language instruction and facilitating work-integrated learning experiences, helping foundation students build essential communication skills and practical competencies for higher education pathways.
Sashidharan actively contributes to discussions on contemporary educational challenges. In 2025, she co-authored the article 'The Rise of Generative AI and Death of Values in Education' with Dr. Anita Jimmie, Senior Teaching Fellow in the same department, published in Curtin Insight on the Curtin University Malaysia news site. The piece analyzes the emergence of generative AI (GenAI) tools and their disruptive impact on education. It addresses how GenAI undermines core values such as honesty and originality, with students using it to generate essays that evade standard plagiarism detection software. The authors note varying institutional responses, with humanities disciplines more vulnerable than technical ones due to reliance on written assessments. They advocate for pedagogical adaptations, including a return to traditional methods like pen-and-paper exams under supervision, alongside ethical integration of AI to modernize learning without compromising integrity. This work highlights her expertise in language education, technology's role in teaching, and strategies for maintaining academic standards amid technological advancements. Her affiliation is also noted on ResearchGate with the Department of Foundation Studies at Curtin University Sarawak, the former name of the Malaysia campus.
