Educational Philosophy: Theory, Methodology and Speculation

Leads: Sarah Galloway, John I’Anson, Kay Sidebottom  and Terrie-Lynn Thomson

This research group addresses and embraces important contemporary understandings of educational theory and practice. Using lenses such as critical posthumanism, new materialism, and other relational ontologies and imaginaries, this group works across themes and disciplines with a strong focus on ethics and the poetics of education.

Taking education beyond schooling, it will also bring in ecological perspectives and consideration of global concerns in order to take a wide and nuanced view of the complexities affecting education now and in the future. It is anticipated that the work of this group offers different and novel theoretical/researcherly lenses through which to view existing issues and challenges.

A number of Early Career Researchers (ECRs) and Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) within the faculty are already working with exciting post-qualitative methodologies and theories in their research. This research group provides a supportive nexus which will allow those at early stages in their careers to experiment with ideas and methods; including a regular reading group, open to any colleagues with an interest across the university. In terms of the University’s wider missions concerning Places, Spaces and Lives, this group contributes through consideration and promotion of the vital role of education in times of environmental and democratic crisis, social injustice and polarised thinking.