Social Theories of Learning 2019-2020 – PGR Research Training Programme

by | Sep 12, 2019 | Uncategorised | 0 comments

This is a PGR research training programme open to PGR students and also staff. Students commencing their studies this year are welcome to attend and begin the programme alongside returning students and staff who continue to participate year after year.
While the programme is hosted by Manchester Institute of Education, we have students from across the University, other North West Universities and visiting international scholars. If you are interested developing your theoretical knowledge, either as part of a PhD project or in developing another piece of research, then please email or attend the below induction session.

If you would like to participate please contact artemis.christinaki@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk

Programme Outline:
Social Theories of Learning (STL) is an innovative programme designed to provide a solid theoretical foundation for research on learning. It is a postgraduate course intended for both established and aspiring researchers.

The programme will be focusing on developing theoretical knowledge of key social theories of learning and their application to research.

Its aims are:
• to develop advanced knowledge and understanding of social theories of learning
• to induct researchers into the scholarly practices of this community (study, collaborative inquiry, and critique)
• to help them ground their own research projects in theory

This year the course will focus on five strands:

Communities of Practice
Activity Theory/Figured Worlds – Vygotsky and Bakhtin
Bourdieu
Foucault and Discourse
Fanon

Our goal is to develop a sufficient understanding of the above theories and support the more specialist development in one theory in order to critically interpret, evaluate, and apply a social theory of learning in a research project.

Introductory Session and Research Matters Seminar:
Wed 25th Sept; 12-2.00pm University of Manchester, Ellen Wilkinson B4.3
(Research Matters 12-1pm; Social Theories of Learning Induction 1-2pm)

Participation
Our approach is intentionally multi-disciplinary: recently education, business, development studies, architecture, and pharmacy students have been part of the programme. Interactive engagement across disciplines adds to the richness of the conversations and the development of theory. Many participants join the programme more than once to continue broadening their learning.
Design
The programme invites participants into the kinds of conversations and debates that researchers have on theory. With only occasional formal presentations, the course mostly functions as a collaborative group of scholars who work together to make sense of theory and its application to their diverse project contexts.
Format
The programme cohort formally meets as a whole in three ‘sessions’ (each of 2 or 3 half days) over the year (usually November, February, and April), with small group work in between. The course is divided into three phases:
• Phase I: introduction to social theories of learning
Leading up to the first formal session, everyone reads introductory texts on each of the theoretical strands. Each text is discussed in successive reading groups, where questions and insights are collected. These become the foundation for presentations and discussions of each strand during the tutor feedback session where the STL tutors present and answer your questions on the introductory texts.
• Phase II: Deep dive into one theory
Participants form self-selected groups around each theory. They read and discuss the foundational texts, as well as critiques and applications. At the group presentation session, STL participants present and discuss their understanding and insights with the whole group so that everyone benefits from their exploration of their chosen strand.
• Phase III: Applying theory to your own research project
Participants develop one or more theoretical perspective for their own personal research, and share these in critical peer groups. Each participant presents their approach during the individual presentation sessions, where they receive constructive critiques and suggestions. On this basis, they produce a paper and receive detailed comments from two of the programme tutors. Examples of such papers have included: the theory part of their research proposal, a chapter of their dissertation, a paper they will present at a conference, or an article they intend to publish.

Please note that some students choose to just complete phase 1 and phase 2. The purpose of the programme is to develop students theoretical engagement and it is understood that some students may not wish to participate in Phase 3. Please email if you want more information on the programme structure and expectations.

Reading Groups 2019
2-3.30pm (Rooms to be confirmed (TBC))
2nd October; Communities of Practice
9th October; Activity Theory, Vygotsky and Bakhtin
16th October; Bourdieu
23rd October; Foucault and Discourse
30th October; Fanon

The other key dates for 2019-2020 are:
Tutor Feedback Sessions 6th and 13th November 2019 (2-6pm)
Group Presentations 18th and 25th March 2020 (2-6pm)
Individual Presentations 28th and 29th April 2020 (2-6pm)
(please see attached flyer for further information).

The STL team look forward to hearing from you and meeting all those who plan to participate this year. Please email Artemis on artemis.christinaki@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk if you need further information. 

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