Centre for Studies in Literacy, Policy and Learning Cultures (LPLC)
The Centre for Studies in Literacy, Policy and Learning Cultures consists of some of Australia's leading academics in the fields of literacy, policy, middle years of schooling, literacy assessment and pedagogy, curriculum, adult education, vocational education and training, historical research methods, media and new information and communication technologies in literacy education, gender education, equity and education, leadership, school reform, indigenous education and Aboriginal literacy. The Centre was also a foundation member of the Hawke Research Institute (HRI).
The LPLC research agenda
LPLC researchers are developing new forms of socially responsible, change-oriented, advocacy research and development programs predicated on the principles of participation and equity. We work collaboratively with young people, educational workers, parents/caregivers/families, teachers, administrators and policy makers. All Centre members share a research interest in, and conduct professional development with, the education profession. Research at the LPLC addresses three broad domains: literacy, policy and learning cultures.
Literacy
Centre members conduct research in literacy and language education at all levels of education. We focus on early literacy; critical literacy; literacy and middle schooling; new literacies; English for speakers of other languages and tertiary literacies and pedagogies. Researchers have a commitment to researching the equity implications of changing linguistic and cultural diversity.
Policy
Centre researchers are engaged in a wide range of policy related research. This research addresses such issues as the development and effects of policy in various educational sites, local responses to system wide policy and the development of policy within educational institutions. Centre members also work with schools and systems in the development of policy.
Learning cultures
Centre members conduct research into teaching and learning practices that
include traditional classroom pedagogies, culturally sensitive pedagogies
and emerging practices associated with new technologies. A key focus is on
the learning cultures that emerge in different circumstances.
Research foci that arise from these domains include:
- language, discourse and representation in education
- young people, education and identities
- various educational sites including pre-school and school classrooms, workplaces, cyber-cultures, popular cultures, corporate cultures
- locating learning and identities in space and place
- equity and diversity in education and education for a just world
- the relationship between education and broader social, cultural, political, technological and economic changes.
Teaching program
The Centre provides a range of programs at graduate and postgraduate level through the School of Education at Magill. Programs include:
- PhD in Education
- Professional Doctorate in Education
- Master of Education specialisation offered by the Centre:
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - Graduate Certificate in Education
Postgraduate students can study internally or through flexible delivery including online courses. Postgraduate students are provided high quality facilities and support on campus.