Summer School for Literacy Professionals and Researchers
18th - 22nd July, 2011 - CANCELLED
Linking Learning to Literacies: A Social Practice View
Lancaster Literacy Research Centre is based at the Institute for Advanced Studies and is internationally known for its research on literacy in all areas of social life and for its work on improving communication and collaboration between researchers and educational practice. Our one week Summer Schools are an exciting opportunity for Skills for Life and other professionals interested in literacy and numeracy practice, policy and research to join us for a week of exploration, learning and literacy theories. Throughout the week we will identify, examine, analyse, and evaluate the usefulness of learning and literacy theories, as well as generate new knowledge about them. The course is designed to model a range of teaching and learning approaches, particularly ones that are enquiry-based and action-oriented. Previous participants have come from the UK and overseas and included Skills for Life and other adult education practitioners, researchers (including doctoral level), managers, and teacher trainers. The course can be taken as stand-alone credit which allows you to gain 20 postgraduate points towards related courses at Lancaster or other Universities.
The course is led by Sondra Cuban, and will include contributions from internationally known Lancaster Literacy Research Centre members, Mary Hamilton, David Barton, Candice Satchwell, Julia Gillen, Anita Wilson, Karin Tusting, Kathy Pitt and Uta Papen.
Aims of the Summer School
The summer school introduces adult learning theories at a postgraduate level. It will facilitate critical analysis of the field for adult literacy, ESOL, numeracy research, practice, and policymaking. During the week you will learn about adult learning theories as they relate to literacy theories, and understand how they work together in various contexts. The course directly addresses the issues of linking literacy to pedagogical theory, and corresponds to the revised subject specialisations at levels three and four and beyond.
You will develop a more complex, contextualized view of adult literacy learning and adult learners. As experienced practitioners, managers and researchers in the field, you will draw on your professional and academic experiences, examine and build theories, enhance your knowledge bases and further your professional development.
The course consists of five sequential units, covering topics on adult learning and literacies. Each unit will comprise an action research stage of inquiry, whereby you will choose a theory to focus on, and then collaboratively engage with it in a syndicate group. The following summarises the contents of each Unit:
- Unit 1- Introduction to Learning and the Adult Learner
We begin with an introduction to adult learning theories, definitions, principles, with a focus on literacy theories; we will discuss adult learners; the terminology and hot issues in the field. You will identify a learning theory to explore in-depth; through a collaborative group process, and generate criteria to evaluate it. Your group will analyze it through the action research method, starting with initial questions, on the first day, and ending with proposals for policy and research (on the last day). - Unit 2- Literacy Learning Provision
We move on to look at places of learning, with a focus on learning sites. All types of learning provision will be critically analyzed. The concepts of participation and persistence will be examined; and an examination of cross-cultural contexts of literacy provision.
- Unit 3- In-depth Discussion of Learning Theories and Mapping
them onto Literacy Theories
Throughout the week, a number of adult learning theories will be presented and discussed. In this session, we analyze these theories in depth, and with reference to the ways they fit with different literacy, numeracy, and ESOL theories.
- Unit 4 - Learning Theories, Methods in Contexts
Here, we will focus on adult learning theories as they relate to various types of methods of instruction, literacy, numeracy, and ESOL learning contexts, and various populations. How do methodologies change according to learning contexts (further education vs. community organizations)? To what extent do tutors use these theories in the classroom? How are they modified or changed by institutional regulations and policy dictates, as well as other influences, geographic and historical? What populations seem to respond best or worst to different methods of instruction?
- Unit 5 - Learning Theories, Literacy Policies and Research
On the last day, we will look at the adult learning theories and their implications for literacy research and policies.
Who would be interested in joining the summer school?
If you are a Skills for Life practitioner or involved with adult education or a post-graduate student at a UK university interested in deepening your knowledge of theory, interested in more advanced continuing professional development, we aim to provide you with a stimulating, mind-expanding week that will be directly relevant to your professional practice. No pre-requisites in adult learning or literacies are required for this course. For anyone who would like to attend the conference day (day 2) please contact Kathryn for further details.
What participants told us about the 2009 Summer School
"That linking literacies to learning is not a straight forward process! The work completed by everyone enabled me to have an invaluable insight into how different learning theories relate to literacy learning. Also the idea of power and control is interwoven with everything we do, it is not very often that you have the opportunity to stop and think about this."
(UK FE Lecturer)
"The course met and exceeded my expectations. As a doctoral student, the course was academically rigorous (which I wanted) yet connected to classroom praxis (where much of my professional life is situated)."
(University HE Lecturer and PhD student from outside the UK)
"I found it useful talking to other people on the course. People who all have an interest in basic skill but are from different parts of the UK and America."
(UK FE Lecturer)
Can I get Credit for the Summer School?
Yes, if you wish, you can take this as a 20-credit module on the Lancaster Masters in Adult Literacy, Numeracy, and ESOL (MAALNE) programme or it can be used as credit for other postgraduate level courses at a UK University. To gain credit you will need to submit an assignment. Please contact us for details, and we will be happy to advise you about this and further modules on the MA programme or about PhD study at Lancaster.
How does the Summer School fit into the Lancaster Adult Literacy Numeracy and ESOL Postgraduate Studies route?
The Summer School is an optional postgraduate module carrying 20 credits towards the Certificate, Diploma, or the Masters in Adult Literacy, Numeracy, and ESOL. If you wish to take this module and register for our postgraduate studies programmes please contact us and we will be happy to talk to you.
What will the assessment for the Summer School consist of?
Throughout the week individual participants will be asked to collaborate within a group to focus on one of the learning theories. This group will work together to prepare a critically reflective peer teaching session for 20 minutes on the last day of the week. The summer school convenor, in addition to summer school peers, will evaluate the teaching session according to set criteria. Each group will be fully supported in their preparation for this session with tutor and peer support.
In addition, participants wishing to gain the full 20 credits will also be asked to submit a written assignment. The written element of the course should compare and contrast two adult learning theories with reference to literacy theories, and implications for practice, policy, and research. The written assignment will draw on the reading and discussion materials presented in the course.
What does this cost include?
Type of Registration |
Cost |
|---|---|
| Residential |
£980.00 |
Non Residential |
£780.00 |
Five Day Fee |
£710.00 |
Concerence Day 2 (Tuesday) |
£50.00 |
Applicants may be sponsored through staff development, accessed through your employer. You may also be eligible for a Career Development Loan. Information is available via the government website.
More information regarding funding for Postgraduate study can be found on the Lancaster University Funding website.
What do these costs include?
Residential
- All tuition fees
- Bed & Breakfast Monday - Thursday (single en-suite student room on campus)
- Lunch - Monday - Friday
- Evening Meal - Monday - Thursday
- Daily refreshments
Non Residential
- All tuition fees
- Lunch - Monday - Friday
- Evening Meal - Monday - Thursday
- Daily refreshments
Five Day Fee
- All tuition fees
- Lunch - Monday - Friday
- Daily refreshments
Conference Day 2 (Tuesday)
- Attendance on Tuesday with lunch & refreshments
How to apply for the Summer School?
Full details and application forms can be downloaded.
Who do I contact if i have any questions?
Sondra Cuban or Kathryn Doherty will be pleased to answer your questions. Contact them at:
Department of Educational Research
County South
Lancaster University
Lancaster
LA1 4YD
E-mail: Sondra Cuban Kathryn Doherty
If you are considering gaining credit from the summer school towards a full postgraduate qualification (Certificate / Diploma / MA) in Adult Literacy, Numeracy and ESOL Please contact Sondra who will be happy to discuss this option with you.
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