Speculative pedagogies symposium

An Education Policy Research Network Event

Pedagogy refers to the practice of teaching and the particular philosophies and ethico-political commitments that underpin it. In this broad sense, pedagogy is ubiquitous – we are always being taught and we are constantly learning. However, the term is most often used to denote how education happens in formal institutions such as pre-schools, schools and universities. Within this frame, discussions on pedagogy in Australia predominantly revolve around questions of educator effectiveness involving things like ‘best practice’, ‘engagement’ and ‘employability’.

While we consider these questions to be important, this symposium offers a moment to imagine pedagogy beyond its present confines. We invite participants to reconsider some of the taken-for-granted assumptions about pedagogy that prevail in the present – what it is, where and how it happens, who and what are involved, and for what ends – so as to reimagine how education could be otherwise. This symposium will centre on dialogue between attendees and speakers. We invite researchers, artists, designers, and practitioners in any field for whom pedagogy (understood in its broadest sense) is a topic of interest to join us. Afternoon tea and light refreshments will be provided.