ΜΗΠΔ΄«Γ½

Conference Theme

Comparative Education and Development Alternatives

Critiques, innovations and transitions

The aim of this conference is to consider how central concepts in the field of comparative and international education – such as development, sustainability and global social justice– can be reimagined in order to offer new trajectories for educational research, policy and practice. We want to unpick what we mean by the idea of education for sustainable development and examine the different ways education might play out to meet – or challenge – the sustainable development goals (SDGs). This means searching for alternative approaches and reimagining the intersections between the many debates. Through this dialogue we hope to challenge dominant frameworks in order to imagine new possibilities for the future.

We welcome papers that discuss comparative and international education, formal and non-formal learning at primary, secondary and tertiary education, in all contexts including high, middle and low income countries across all global regions. Papers which reflect on innovative or alternative approaches that speak to the SDGs and the role education has to play in meeting these are particularly welcome, as well as analyses that explore the contributions of indigenous knowledges, postcolonial approaches, de-growth, civic agency and social movements. Transformative or innovative education initiatives that challenge inequalities in any context, break boundaries, or provide solutions to social challenges in times of uncertainty or crisis, are all encouraged.

Sub-themes

Social movements, indigenous knowledges and collective learning

  • Post development/postcolonial/ indigenous approaches to education
  • Problematizing concepts of development and challenging assumptions of education
  • Sustainable lifestyles and buen vivir
  • Grassroots movements, democratising knowledge and civil society as sites for learning

Global policy agendas and the Sustainable Development Goals

  • Divergence, convergence and policy priorities
  • Challenging dominant frameworks of education and sustainable development
  • Interdisciplinary initiatives and alternative conceptualizations of the SDGs
  • The roles of education in meeting the SDGs

Intersectional inequalities and social exclusion

  • Inclusion, exclusion and social justice
  • Mental health and well-being
  • Gender and education
  • Integrated early childhood education and care to adult education

Education in conflict, crisis and times of uncertainty

  • Education and migration
  • Education, conflict and peace building
  • Multidisciplinary responses to social uncertainties
  • Crossing borders and boundaries with education

Using technologies and breaking boundaries in education

  • Integrating frameworks and systems of education
  • Understanding new technologies and their impact on learning
  • Exploring geographical boundaries through new technologies
  • OERs, MOOCs and blended approaches to learning

Approaches to education for social justice, citizenship and sustainability

  • Conceptualization and practice of global citizenship education in different contexts
  • Education for conscientization and civic agency
  • Education for de-growth and economies of global social justice
  • Peace and peace-building education