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The rhetoric and reality of University engagement
Abstract

The rhetoric and reality of University engagement

Margaret Marshman and Michael Christie
44th Annual Conference of the Australasian Science Education Research Association: Programme and Abstracts, pp.46-47
Annual Conference of the Australasian Science Education Research Association (ASERA), 44th (Wellington, New Zealand, 02-Jul-2013–05-Jul-2013)
2013
url
https://asera.org.au/View
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Abstract

Education Systems
In this position paper the authors argue a case for greater engagement on the part of university leadership and lecturers in promoting science learning and understanding in school and society. The vision statements and strategic plans of six sandstone and six regional Australian universities are scrutinized in order to determine what exactly is promised by way of engagement with the public. Using discourse analysis the feasibility of enacting this particular vision, as compared to the two other duties of the university (teaching and research), is analysed. One of the conclusions of the paper is that there is little cooperation between university leaders and lecturers in carrying out the vision and promise of public engagement. A particular case is presented which exemplifies how this might be rectified. The case is evaluated and its effect documented. The case involves cooperation between a Deputy Vice Chancellor, a university science teacher-educator, a PhD student and a secondary school teacher, who lead a small group of senior science students on a visit to the Australian Synchrotron. The paper concludes with suggestions for a more thorough investigation of this area. Judging from a literature search this area appears to be under researched.

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