School of Education

The purpose of the conference is to consider the role and significance of theory in educational research and educational practice and to provide opportunities for discussion, exchange and networking. The conference takes a broad definition of education which includes school education, informal education, work-based learning, vocational education, higher education, adult education and lifelong learning.
The discussion will be guided by such questions as:

• What theories are drawn upon in educational research and educational practice? With what intentions and to what effects?
• What are the different traditions of theory and theorising in different historical contexts and national settings?
• How is theory development changing? How should theory development change?
• What is the relationship between educational theory and theory development in other disciplines? Is there distinctive educational theory?
• Does theory make a difference? What constitutes good theory in research and in educational practice?
• How can theoretical work by promoted?

The conference will be organised around short discussion papers (ca. 3,000 words), full papers (ca. 6,000 words), progress reports from doctoral students (ca. 3,000 words), discussion posters (ca. 1,000 words), and proposals for theory clinics (in which presenters work with the audience in the critical analysis of the theoretical dimensions of existing research or practice) are invited.
Presentations will follow on the following issues:

• work that engages in theorising of educational processes and practices in new ways
• work that explores or exemplifies the utility of particular forms or traditions of theorising in educational research or practice
• work that analyses the roles of theory in educational research or practice
• work that provides insight in different traditions of theorising, particularly international comparisons
• position papers, vision papers, agenda settings papers about the future of theory in educational research or practice

Professor Thomas S. Popkewitz, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
Popkewitz Abstract

Professor Julie Allan, University of Stirling, UK
Making a difference - in theory

Allan Theorylab 2012 Keynote 

Plus invited presentations from :
Prof Vivvienne Baumfield (University of Glasgow, UK)
Prof Andreas Fejes (Linköping University, Sweden)
Prof Paul Standish (Institute of Education, London)

Registration fee
Early bird – £270.00
Standard fee – £320.00
Student Fee – £200.00 (inc 2 nights accommodation)
Single Day – £160.00/£135.00

Accommodation is at Stirling Management Centre or at the halls of residence at the University of Stirling

Register now
Registration form

Booking
For more information, contact:
let.conference@stir.ac.uk

The city and University are easily accessible by public transport, and are situated roughly 50km/35miles from the international airports outside Glasgow and Edinburgh.

View more information on getting here.

Sessions Programme

Click to download the Sessions Programme: TheoryLab Sessions Programme

Summary Programme

Click to download the Summary Programme: TheoryLab 2012 Summary Programme  

Programme Book 

Click to download the Programme Book: TheoryLab Conference Programme Book