Celebrating the breadth and rigour of research, knowledge creation at OISE
On Tuesday, March 27, 2012, more than 250 faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends gathered for a special celebration of research at the 10th anniversary of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education’s Research Celebration, combined with a Graduate Student Open House and a pre-event on Aboriginal Education Research.
The Research Celebration showcased OISE faculty and students who achieved excellence, innovation, and leadership in research during the past academic year through event poster presentations, information tables, and multimedia displays.
Dean Julia O’Sullivan spoke of her great pride for the work that OISE scholars do both at home and abroad: “The breath and rigour of research, knowledge creation and scholarship at OISE knows no comparison anywhere else in the world. This is a place where we can ask the questions that aren’t or can’t be asked everywhere. This is a place where we discuss and entertain the ideas and concepts that aren’t being discussed elsewhere.” She congratulated the research community for continuing to “change the way the world thinks and goes about education.”
An interactive multimedia lounge featured faculty, students, staff, alumni, and friends sharing ideas about teaching, learning and research through videos clips and in print. Among those featured were eight distinguished faculty members who explore the possibilities for global leadership and societal impact in key areas of education research: George J. Sefa Dei, Diane Farmer, Patricia Ganea, Shahrzad Mojab, Jim Ryan, Stephanie Springgay, Shelley Stagg Peterson, and Suzanne L. Stewart.
Suzanne L. Stewart, the special advisor to the Dean on Aboriginal Education, also led the roundtable discussion of issues and research in Aboriginal Education together with OISE's Council of Aboriginal Scholars; including Professor Jean-Paul Restoule, and doctoral students Teresa Beaulieu and Brenda Wastasecoot, and OISE's Indigenous Education Network and members of local indigenous communities. Each presentation highlighted cultural and contextual methodologies for education research in Aboriginal communities. Presenters emphasized the personal connections, journeys of growth and collaborative approaches to research, noting the importance of including history and cultural contexts into any inquiry. The event began and concluded with traditional greetings, including smudging.
The event was organized by the office of the Associate Dean, Research: Normand Labrie and the Associate Dean, Innovations & Opportunities, Ruth Childs.
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