Media Release
15 October 2009
Widening participation in higher education
A
free public forum at UniSA next week hopes to inspire changes that will
make higher education available to those who might think that it is out
of their reach.
Led by Professor Miriam David from the University of London, the discussion will focus on ways to engage more socially diverse students, such as those at a social or economic disadvantage, in higher education.
The topic is of particular relevance to Australian universities, which have been set targets by the Australian government to enrol a more diverse student body and increase the participation of disadvantaged people in higher education.
Prof David, one of the world’s most highly respected scholars of education and social policy, will contend that there are opportunities for developing critical, inclusive or ‘connectionist’ pedagogies that would engage socially diverse students in a range of subjects and settings.
Solutions have been drawn from seven UK projects on Widening Participation in Higher Education, funded by the UK Government.
At the forum representatives from two Adelaide high schools will discuss changes they have implemented to assist those at a social and economic disadvantage in accessing higher education.
Prof David, who has served on the board of several prominent sociological associations, is visiting Australia at the invitation and sponsorship of the Australian Government founded National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education, which is hosted at UniSA.
The free public forum is jointly presented by the National Centre and UniSA’s Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre. Prof David will also speak at the National Centre’s Social Inclusion in Education national conference to be held in Sydney later this week.
Director of the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education, Professor Trevor Gale, says a visit from a scholar of this standing is a unique opportunity for Australia.
“There are few that match Prof David’s more than 20 years experience as a world leading researcher on social diversity, gender and inequalities in education,” he says.
“Her presentation will highlight important issues facing higher education in Australia and in other advanced nations, and will provide possible solutions to diversify future student populations.”
Executive Director of the Hawke Centre, Elizabeth Ho, says that this is an issue of vital importance to UniSA.
“UniSA was established with equity and access as key parts of its foundation charter. And while the university has one of the best track records in this area of any Australian university, these are matters that require our continued and focused attention if we are going to make a real difference to the future of all South Australians,” she says.
Event details:
Widening participation: Supporting the transition of non-traditional
groups to higher education
Monday the 19th October, 5:30pm
Bradley Forum, Hawke Building, UniSA City West Campus
To register visit here
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Media contact
- Heather Leggett office (08) 8302 0096 mobile 0434 078 819 email heather.leggett@unisa.edu.au