Spheres of Influence: Ventures and Visions in Educational Development*3-6 July, 2002 AbstractDiscourses in educational development: Representations of learner independence in university cultureDavid Palfreyman, Zayed University, United Arab Emirates This session presents findings from research into the ways in which educational development is represented by mainly expatriate managers and curriculum developers in a University School of English in Turkey. The institution has made a concerted attempt to promote 'learner independence' in both students (through the Language Centre curriculum) and teachers (through staff development programs); but this has been complicated by the varying interpretations of different participants. Interviews and institutional documents were analyzed in terms of their representations of learning and independence. Emerging themes were traced through various types of data to build up a holistic impression of how autonomy is culturally constructed by those who manage the curriculum and the running of the institution. The session will discuss how representations of learning and independence in the institution's approach to students and teachers draw on different discourses. On the one hand, a 'training' discourse focuses on the curriculum, social order, and developing skills for a tightly defined working context; while on the other a 'developmental' discourse emphasizes wider educational goals, freedom, and the empowerment of individuals. The two discourses are grounded in different contexts, and potentially conflict in their assumptions and in their implications for practice. The ways in which these discourses were deployed by informants, and the ways in which conflicts between the two discourses are resolved, reflect interests of prestige and order in the national, institutional and professional contexts shaping the institution. Discussion will focus on the implications of these findings for approaches to educational development in other institutions. Key words: Objectives, outcomes and activities: David Palfreyman has been involved in English Language teaching, educational development and materials development for 15 years in Europe and the Middle East. His research interests include critical language study; cultural aspects of curriculum design and implementation; teacher learning; and technology in education. Contact: David Palfreyman, email: David.Palfreyman@zu.ac.ae |