Community Education research is located in concerns for community based learning and about how issues of structural inequality, discrimination and exclusion impinge on community development. Research interests, connected to educational philosophy, learning and pedagogy flow from these considerations. Key strands of research are concerned with lifelong learning; community based adult learning, youth work and community work. Policy analysis is a core interest particularly with regard to community learning and development, capacity building, participation and empowerment. Positive learning strategies, socially situated learning and communities of practice connect to concerns about the role of the practitioner in facilitation and animation and to research interests in community education practice development.
The strong connection between research interests and community education practice draws from a significant partnership with senior managers and fieldwork staff in National Agencies, Local Authorities, Voluntary Sector Organisations and Community Based Organisations.
Research active staff members include: David Wallace, Gordon Mackie, Anne Ryan and Annette Coburn. For further detailed information contact Professor Howard Sercombe.
In addition to the above research themes the Division of Community Education hosts :
Research Students
There are three MPhil currently studying in the Division