ARPCE and Edinburgh College Seminar Event Report, September 11th 2015
Professional Enquiry & Developing Positive Learning Cultures
The first in a series of seminars devised by ARPCE and run collaboratively with college partners was held in Edinburgh College on Friday 11th September 2015. Delegates from across Scotland joined with Edinburgh College colleagues to hear presentations from Dr Bronwen Maxwell of Sheffield Hallam University and Professor Cate Watson of Stirling University.
The afternoon was opened by Edinburgh College Principal, Annette Bruton who talked about personal learning journeys and cultures of professional enquiry. Time was taken by delegates to debate questions about the nature of motivation and the desire to learn posed by Annette, the discussions led seamlessly into the presentation by Dr Bronwen Maxwell.
Dr Maxwell spoke extensively on the benefits of releasing the potential of professional enquiry in further education and the influence and impact that this can have on culture and trainee staff. The session was concluded with lively discussion and debate with delegates raising lots of interesting points about organisational culture and sector wide barriers to professional enquiry.
After a short break Professor Cate Watson gave a presentation outlining the Stirling University model of critical collaborative professional enquiry. The fascinating talk was followed by discussion led by Professor Watson where ideas and suggestions for tackling cultural barriers and engaging with critical enquiry were shared.
The seminar was closed by Professor Geoffrey Elliot, President of ARPCE, who thanked all delegates and speakers for their input and discussion. The afternoon provided a great opportunity for discussion, the sharing of ideas, creation of new contacts and the start of some new collaborative work and partnerships
Documents
Dr Bronwen Maxwell Presentation (PowerPoint show)
Realising the potential of Professional Learning and Professional Enquiry in Further Education
Dr Bronwen Maxwell Handout
Dr Bronwen Maxwell Tables handout (accompanies PowerPoint)
If you have an interest in hosting a seminar jointly organised with ARPCE please do not hesitate to contact Gary Husband on garyhusband6@gmail.com