Working with others to advance educational research in Manitoba
The Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba (U of M) is a significant contributor to the Manitoba Educational Research Network (MERN). MERN, an administrative body supported by Manitoba Education, has provided wonderful opportunities for researchers in education from the U of M, Université de Saint-Boniface, University of Winnipeg, Brandon University, Red River College, and the University College of the North to come together to share their work and encourage each other.
Dr. Zana Lutfiyya, Associate Dean (Graduate & Professional Programs, and Research) at the Faculty of Education (U of M) explained, “MERN is a fabulous coming together that helps us strengthen our connections to the field. It has been a way for us to establish common interests, which have provided us opportunities to be collaborative with other educators.”
Since MERN’s inception, the faculty members and students of the Faculty of Education (U of M) have actively participated in MERN and its dissemination of educational research by helping to facilitate the development of programs and by presenting at MERN forums. On June 14th, some of these faculty members and students were recognized for their relevant, practical and useful, and ongoing contributions to educational research in the province. In 2011-12, MERN awards were distributed to the following U of M faculty members Dr. Brian Lewthwaite (2011), Dr. Ralph Mason (2011), Dr. Gary Babiuk (2012), and Dr. Thomas Falkenberg (2012).
In addition, faculty members like Dr. Jon Young, have demonstrated outstanding leadership as the Senior Editor of the MERN Monograph since it began in 2008. Heather Hunter, MERN Director explains that, “Dr. Young’s gifted leadership and steadfast commitment has resulted, to date, in the publication of five issues of work that has been conducted by Manitoba researchers – timely, accessible, and relevant to a broad audience of Manitoba educators and their partners.”
The Faculty of Education has also contributed to the MERN consortium by way of regular submissions to MERN Journals and by hosting two MERN forums. In 2011-12 we hosted the Fall forum titled “Education Equity,” and the Spring forum “Education Leadership: Doing the Right Thing.” At these events and others, U of M faculty members and students were able to address the education community and make meaningful connections.
2011-12 Manitoba Education Research Network (MERN) Faculty of Education (U of M) event participation
Faculty of Education (U of M) faculty and students have made significant contributions to the MERN community through their presentations in 2011-12. These contributions are listed below. In addition, Faculty of Education Aboriginal scholars, Drs. Marlene Atleo and Frank Deer, participated in important round table and panel discussions at both MERN Forging Relations: Building on Treaties and Reconciliation events in March & May 2012.
Hechter, R., Murray, J., and Lewthwaite, B. (March 2012). Revising Teacher Candidates’ Views of Science and Self: Can Accounts from the History of Science Help? Session at the MERN Emergent Trends in Science and Mathematics Education Forum, Winnipeg, MB.
Hechter, R. (May 2012). STEPs Teacher Research Initiative. Session at the “Just: Teacher Forum, Winnipeg, MB.
Kolton, D. (November, 2011). Beyond the rhetoric of social justice: Transforming knowledge and practice through cooperative inquiry and reflective practice. Session at the MER Fall Forum, Winnipeg, MB.
Lewthwaite, B. (March 2012). Emergent Trends in Science and Mathematics Education. Keynote address at the MERN Emergent Trends in Science and Mathematics Education Forum, Winnipeg, MB.
Lewthwaite, B. (March 2012). Tensions in Implementing the New Manitoba Chemistry Curriculum: A teacher’s Experience in Responding to the Learning Preferences of His Students. Session at the MERN Emergent Trends in Science and Mathematics Education Forum, Winnipeg, MB.
Macmillan, R. (April 2012). Education Leadership: Doing the Right Thing. Keynote address at the MERN Spring Forum, Winnipeg, MB.
Mason, R. (January 2012). Citizenship mathematics: Connecting young adults to the children in their village. Session at the MERN Winter Forum, Winnipeg, MB.
McMillan, B. (March 2012). Learning Biology for Sociopolitical Action. Session at the MERN Emergent Trends in Science and Mathematics Education Forum, Winnipeg, MB.
Morin, F. & Falkenberg, T. (April 2012). Inquiry into an induction model for inner-city teachers and administrators. Session at the MERN Spring Forum, Winnipeg, MB.
Lewthwaite, B., McMIllan, B., & Renaud, R. (January 2012). Our stories about teaching and learning: A Yukon First Nation shares its stories to assist educators in becoming responsive to the learning styles and aspirations of their community. Session at the MERN Winter Forum, Winnipeg, MB.
Reichert, P. (January 2012). Community art studio: An arts-based exploration of the experience of Canadian education for immigrant families. Session at the MERN Winter Forum, Winnipeg, MB.
Smith, C. (May 2012). Developing teacher leaders for social justice: A doctoral research journey. Session at the “Just: Teacher Forum, Winnipeg, MB.
Ukasoanya, G. (April 2012). Tackling first things first: Using career development education to promote new Canadian student’s career adaptability and school engagement. Session at the MERN Spring Forum, Winnipeg, MB.
Wilson, J. (January 2012). The TRCM Research Strategy. Session at the MERN Winter Forum, Winnipeg, MB.
Yamniuk, S. (April 2012). Where is equity found in the relationship between education and poverty? Session at the MERN Spring Forum, Winnipeg, MB.
Yamniuk, S. (November 2011). Where is equity found in the relationship between education and poverty? Session at the MERN Fall Forum, Winnipeg, MB.
Yamniuk, S. (April 2012). Resilience theory as a way of empowering newcomer students and schools. Session at the MERN Spring Forum, Winnipeg, MB.
Yamniuk, S. (November 2011). Resilience theory as a way of empowering newcomer students and schools. Session at the MERN Fall Forum, Winnipeg, MB.
Young, J. & El Nagar, A. (November 2011). Equity without participation is not equity: The changing role of school boards. Session at the MERN Fall Forum, Winnipeg, MB.