Learning through experience: developing international & regional research agenda

• Date: Thursday 23 - Friday 24 June 2011
• Time: 2 days
• Location: Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland UK
• For: RPL researchers, practitioner and policy-makers interested in the theme of informal and flexible learning.

** Limited places now available for this event **

Background

This event is the first in a series of International Symposium organised by the Centre on global themes of lifelong learning. The aim of the series is to provide the Lifelong Learning community with opportunities to:

• Network and hear from leading international experts across a range of lifelong learning issues
• Shape the development of new and existing fields of knowledge, methods and practices
• Engage in knowledge exchange through seminars, workshops and other forms of interactions

Aim

This event will provide a focus for RPL researchers, practitioner and policy-makers interested in the theme of informal and flexible learning.  The challenges of developing research relevant to both regional and international contexts and concerns will be addressed, with particular reference to the fields of RPL.  The event will be organised in collaboration with the Prior Learning International Research Centre (PLIRC), Open Learning Division at Thomson Rivers University Canada http://www.tru.ca/distance/plirc.html

Key questions for symposium delegates to address include:

• What is the current focus of RPL research in different countries, and what have we learned from this in terms of the use and impact of RPL?
• To what extent is, or can, RPL support national agendas of lifelong learning, widening participation, social inclusion and workforce development, as well as pedagogical and curriculum development?
• What are the gaps in our understanding of RPL, as well as in the broader evidence base, which could form the basis of regional and international research agendas?  

Presentations

A keynote presentation by Dr Judy Harris will set the scene for discussions of an international research agenda for RPL.  These discussions will be informed by the presentation of papers by members of the international RPL community which will address key research issues, outcomes and questions from the perspective of different countries.  Group discussions will provide opportunities for delegates to engage directly in debate and questions that will help shape symposium outcomes and the emerging research agendas.  A final summing up by Professor Tara Fenwick, ProPEL, School of Education, University of Stirling, acting as ‘Symposium Respondent’ will conclude the event. 

Postgraduate Student Scholarships - now closed

We have a number of postgraduate student scholarships, sponsored by the Scottish Government, available towards the cost of attending this event. 　　Scholarships are open to full-time postgraduate student and are awarded on the basis of merit through a process of application to the event organisers. Scholarships will cover attendance at the event and a contribution to travel and accommodation costs.

Interested applicants are invited to submit an email that includes:  

• a summary statement of the research project being undertaken
• a current CV as an attachment
• a short letter of recommendation by a member of academic staff familiar with the student and the work
• a short statement of his or her interest in the area of Recognition of Prior Learning and future career or academic intentions

All applications should be sent to the Centre for Research in Lifelong Learning, crll@gcu.ac.uk

Further Information

The symposium will be held over two days, to include an opportunity to continue with informal conversations over dinner as well as a drink reception (sponsored by The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) and the launch of the first PLIRC publication Researching Prior Learning: An international profile and research agenda - eds Harris, Breier and Wihak, NIACE 2011 (forthcoming).More information can be found in the event leaflet and booking form.

It will take place in the Continuing Professional Development Centre, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland UK. The delegate fee for attending over the two days will be £150 with the option to add on the attendance at the drinks reception book launch sponsored by NIACE and conference dinner on the evening of 23 June 2011 for £30.　 This fee excludes overnight accommodation which is available in Caledonian Court University Accommodation which is located just across the road from the campus. It is a modern purpose built complex of 100 flats, each flat is self contained with 6 or 8 rooms. Please refer to the summer 2011 brochure

Journal for Workplace Learning

The Venue and the City of Glasgow

Glasgow Caledonian University has become one of the largest universities in Scotland with nearly 17,000 students. The campus is self–contained and situated right in the heart of the lively city of Glasgow.  The University is made up of six academic schools in the areas of business, health and science and technology.  Glasgow Caledonian University attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds, from local school leavers to PhD students from all over the world. We pride ourselves on providing a friendly, modern and effective learning environment for all of our students. It has a strong commitment to increasing access to study and lifelong learning is illustrated by the fact that we have over 4,000 mature students and the largest number of part-time students in Scotland.

Glasgow is a vibrant post industrial city. It combines outstanding Victorian architecture with many innovative modern buildings, and was designated as the UK City of Architecture and Design in 1999. It has a number of world class art collections in the Burrell, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Gallery of Modern Art. The city has an impressive range of high quality restaurants and bars, and a very lively club scene for those with real staying power. Scotland’s wonderful mountains, lochs and first National Park (Loch Lomond) are within easy travelling distance, and the capital city of Edinburgh can be reached in 45 minutes by train.

Travelling to Glasgow

Glasgow has excellent rail links with the rest of the UK, with Queen Street and Central Stations located in the City Centre. Glasgow International Airport is a 15 minute drive by motorway from the City Centre and there is a regular shuttle bus service between the City and the Airport. http://www.gcu.ac.uk/theuniversity/howtofindus/

FAQs

Do you have a question about this event, please have a look at our FAQs section.