HMNS Seminar : Outsourced: The hidden privatisation of teaching and learning in primary schools

Event Details

Date:

Thursday, 26 November 2015

Time:

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Room:

127

UQ Location:

Human Performance Laboratories (St Lucia)

Event category(s):

Full Description:: The strategy to increase private sector control and decision-making power over management, teaching and curriculum in schools has led to an array of neoliberal ‘GERM’ reforms across the globe. In this seminar, Dr Darren Powell discuss a particular type of GERM ‘invading’ schools all over New Zealand: outsourcing.
Dr Powell points to the ways in which teachers and principals are encouraged to choose from an ever-increasing range of curricula and programmes provided by corporations (e.g. McDonald’s) and industry groups (e.g. United Fresh), as well as charities and other ‘not-for-profit’ organisations (such as 5+ A Day). Dr Powell critically reflects on the ways in which the outsourcing of teaching and curriculum is a form of ‘hidden privatisation’ that carries with it a number of ‘hidden’ dangers for not only teaching and learning, but teachers and their students.

Presenter : Dr Darren Powell is a lecturer in the Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Auckland.