Open University Widening Participation Conference 2012
Discourses of Inclusion in Higher Education
24th and 25th April 2012, Whittlebury Hall, Northamptonshire, UK
The Widening Participation Conference 2012 – Discourses of Inclusion in Higher Education builds on the success of the 2010 conference and will offer:
- A full and varied programme of international peer-reviewed papers addressing key themes of Inclusive policy and practice and Student experiences and circumstances;
- Workshops and collaborative sessions that bring together researchers and academics, policy makers and practitioners;
- Keynote addresses from internationally renowned and influential speakers.
- A range of opportunities which will facilitate the increased impact of research in inclusion, equity and widening participation.
- An inclusive approach which supports and facilitates the presence of quality postgraduate and international research.
Introduction
At a time when prevailing neo-liberal policy aims to position higher education as an economic venture and students as customers, discourses of inclusion are vital. Terms such as access, widening participation, equity, equality and diversity, and lifelong learning commonly feature in discourses of inclusion related to higher education. The shifting meanings and fluid uses of these terms serve as an indication of the increasing tensions between neo-liberal economic forces and the role of higher education in modern society.
Researchers and theorists, policy-makers and practitioners all have a voice in the diverse range of discourses of inclusion and much is still to be learned and understood from a sharing of their perspectives and experiences. As higher education systems across the world adapt to accommodate the needs of modern neoliberal society this international conference brings together these voices to consider the nature of inclusion.
The conference will examine and debate scholarly issues associated with inclusion and widening participation in higher education. It will map international perspectives on educational inclusion, report on important research findings, and develop new collaboration and joint working for the future.
Keynote speakers
Professor Trevor Gale, Professor Louise Morley and Professor Sir David Watson have been confirmed as guest speakers at the conference. Further details of these speakers can be found on this webpage.
Special Issue of Widening Participation and Lifelong Learning
A selection of peer reviewed papers from the conference will be published in a special issue of Widening Participation and Lifelong Learning in 2012. Further details on how to submit your paper can be found here.
Impact Workshops
In addition to a full programme of academic papers, the conference offers a range of impact workshops aiming to support and develop authors getting the most from their research, writing and teaching. Workshops include:
- Getting published with Routledge
- Journal Editor's forum
- The Open Education Resource movement
- Digital Scholarship
Supporting international and postgraduate research
This conference has facilitated the attendance of post-graduate students and non-UK researchers to the conference and set aside dedicated time in the programme to present their research.