The 2019 Provost’s Global Forum, “Why School? International Perspectives on Education and Social Transformation” (April 11-13), will examine education in a global context, both as a reflection of social norms and as a powerful force for change. We kick off the symposium on April 11 with WorldCanvass, when host Joan Kjaer and an expert panel discuss the societal roles played by educational institutions here and abroad. WorldCanvass is a free, public event at MERGE, 136 South Dubuque Street. The program begins at 5:30 p.m., with a pre-show reception from 5-5:30 p.m.

The Provost’s Global Forum, sponsored by International Programs with major funding from the Stanley-UI Foundation Support Organization, is the premier annual event on campus focused on international and global issues. Additional support for this year’s forum is provided by the UI College of Education, and the UI Public Policy Center. For more information and a schedule of events, visit: https://international.uiowa.edu/why-school-international-perspectives-education-and-social-transformation

By studying schools and educational systems, we can get a rich and telling view of the core concepts that affect society, because those very schools are both products of society and a process for effecting changes in society. Our expert panel will focus on critical and timely questions, such as: What is the purpose of schooling in society? And what are the relationships between educational reform, globalization, and social change?

WorldCanvass: Why School?  Education and Social Transformation

Part 1—5:30-6 p.m.
How do schools represent and enact social/cultural philosophies and assumptions?
Amanda Thein—associate dean and professor, UI College of Education
David Bills—professor, UI College of Education

Part 2—6-6:30 p.m.
Education and social transformation in the U.S.
Sarah Bruch—assistant professor, UI Department of Sociology
David C. Johnson—associate professor, UI College of Education
Jemimah Young—assistant professor, UI College of Education

Part 3—6:30-7 p.m.
Education and social transformation, cross-cultural comparisons
Angela James—senior lecturer, School of Education, University of Kwazulu-Natal
Gregory Hamot—professor, UI College of Education
EunJung Kim—graduate student, UI College of Education

WorldCanvass programs are recorded as audio podcasts and are available on iTunes, the Public Radio Exchange (PRX), and the WorldCanvass website. University of Iowa International Programs produces the series in partnership with MERGE, 136 South Dubuque Street. Audio production is provided by Kyle Marxen.   

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Amy Green in advance at amy-green-1@uiowa.edu or 319-335-1433.