IJMCS (International Journal of Multidisciplinary Comparative Studies), University of Greenwich – Host
The IJMCS developed from the establishment and publication of a journal, The International Journal of Multidisciplinary Comparative Studies, after which the conference is named. The journal itself was informed by the desire of beginner researchers across Europe to receive guidance rather than dismissal of their submissions. At a conference in Sophia Bulgaria in 2012, the current editors were persuaded to set up the journal which has since offered a publication outlet for beginners as well as experienced researchers. The ultimate goal of IJMCS is to support the development of researchers worldwide. As such, papers published in the journal, as well as presentations at the conference have come from academics all over the world. It is that tradition of supporting researchers that has encouraged the collaboration with TELL and LRSN for this year’s conference, as these two are also interested in supporting research and researchers.
London LSRN (formerly London and South East)
The London LSRN (LLSRN) has been going strong since the 1990s, with Sai Loo (UCL Institute of Education, University College London) and Rania Hafez (University of Greenwich) as the current co-conveners. LLSRN offers a collegiate environment and space for a professional dialogue, where like-minded colleagues meet to discuss research, exchange ideas, and disseminate findings. The topics relate to the Further Education (and skills) sector, which we see as diverse, multi-disciplinary, and porous in its activities (such as the programme offers). We view this as one of the strengths of this sector, and it opens up opportunities for collaboration with other sectors. Our free events are hosted in London thanks to the generosity of our members. LLSRN is part of a larger national network of the Learning and Skills Research Network (https://lsrn.wordpress.com/).
There are currently over 320 members. We have got very good relations and links with other networks such as the Association of Research in Post Compulsory Education (ARPCE) the Learning and Skills Research Network (LSRN), #FEResearchmeet and others. Members receive regular email updates, and this website featuring TELL, FE research and teacher education is available with a range of resources, updates and information. We hold approximately four free network meetings around the country at colleges, universities and other venues, where members share research, ideas and news and discussion points in a meeting usually running from 11.00 to 3.00. We also take part in events organised by other relevant organisations such as the Learning and Skills Research Network (LSRN), the British Educational Research Association (BERA) and Association for Research in Post Compulsory Education (ARPCE). TELL is free and anyone with a genuine interest can join by emailing Jim Crawley at j.crawley@bathspa.ac.uk
Conference presentations will be open to members of the three networks. The main aim is to disseminate, discuss, collaborate and offer a supportive and informal platform to highlight the issues concerning the Further Education sector in England. This sector though posited in the English contexts is also relevant to international audiences who have interests of technical and vocational education and training (TVET as known in England as vocational education and training), and adult and lifelong education. The English sector also straddles the secondary and higher education sectors regarding teaching provisions such as TVET, first degrees and work-related offers. From these educational contexts, this event has much to offer interested conference participants and presenters. Presenters are encouraged to submit abstracts on any of the educational issues:
*Teacher educators, Teacher education and training, Teaching and learning (incl. TVET, apprenticeships etc., Policy-making, Institutional perspectives, Learners’ perspectives, Micro aspects of working, teaching and learning, Social justice, ethnicity and gender issues, Curriculum development and formation, Evaluations and assessments & FE/HE.
You Can Also Submit Abstract or Paper to Any of the Regular IJMCS Thematic Sections Below