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Education research group collaborates with global think tank to empower next generation of learners
The new collaboration will see the university’s Story Makers Company join a major education project, ‘Futures of Education 2030’, run by the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development as a multi-stakeholder group.
Dr Lisa Stephenson, the founder and director of the Story Makers Group, will look at how curriculums can be better aligned with teaching methods and assessments which focus on wellbeing, communication, creative and critical thinking by joining the OECD’s academic working group.
This July, the two organisations will host the Story Makers Conference at Leeds Beckett University, a new international conference for teachers, researchers and policymakers.
The conference will provide new insights into teaching practices and policy perspectives and is the culmination of two research projects undertaken by the Story Makers Company and Dr Lisa Stephenson’s research on creative curriculum and dispositional learning.
It will also give education professionals the chance to have their say on the future of the sector in workshops that will be used to inform the OECD’s Future of Education and Skills 2030 project.
The Story Makers Company focuses on activating creative and democratic learning in education, researching with and alongside children through the use of drama processes and creative writing.
They have worked closely on research with Bowling Park Primary in Bradford and 6 other schools to bring the curriculum to life with an explicit focus on children’s oracy and communication skills.
Meanwhile, their ‘arted’ project has developed creative learning opportunities for young people across Europe through the development of free resources for Primary, Secondary School, Pre-Service teachers and parents.
Dr Lisa Stephenson, Senior Lecturer and Director of the Story Makers Group said: “We need to radically rethink our education system to equip young people to face the uncertainties of our world.
This includes placing much greater value on social and emotional learning, wellbeing, creative and critical thinking. We are delighted at this collaboration and the potential impact it will have on empowering learners and teachers.”
Book your place at the Story Makers International Conference at Leeds Beckett University on Saturday 15 July.