The Centre for Research in Lifelong Learning (CRLL) has great pleasure in inviting you to attend the 1^st in a series of International Symposium on Lifelong Learning ‘Learning through experience: developing international and regional research agendas for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)’.  It will take place from Thursday 23^rd June, 1pm to Friday 24^th June 2011, 2pm in Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland UK.

The event will provide a focus for RPL researchers, practitioner and policy-makers interested in the theme of informal and flexible learning.  The challenges of developing research relevant to both regional and international contexts and concerns will be addressed, with particular reference to the fields of RPL. This event will be organised in collaboration with the Prior Learning International Research Centre (PLIRC), Open Learning Division at Thomson Rivers University Canada and will host the launch of the first PLIRC publication Researching the Recognition of Prior Learning - eds Harris, Breier and Wihak, NIACE 2011 (forthcoming) with a drinks reception sponsored by National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE).

A keynote presentation by Dr Judy Harris, PLIRC will set the scene for discussions of an international research agenda for RPL.  These discussions will be informed by the presentation of papers by members of the international RPL community which will address key research issues, outcomes and questions from the perspective of different countries.  Group discussions will provide opportunities for delegates to engage directly in debate and questions that will help shape symposium outcomes and the emerging research agendas. A final summing up by Professor Tara Fenwick, ProPEL, School of Education, University of Stirling, acting as ‘Symposium Respondent’ will conclude the event. 

Please find attached further information outlining the programme, keynote abstract, parallel paper presentations and how to book your place.  Please note that the registration fee to attend this event is £150 with the option attend the book launch, drinks reception and conference dinner for an additional £30.

We have a number of postgraduate student scholarships, sponsored by the Scottish Government, available towards the cost of attending this event.   Scholarships are open to full-time postgraduate student and are awarded on the basis of merit through a process of application to the event organisers.  Scholarships will cover attendance at the event and a contribution to travel and accommodation costs.  Interested applicants are invited to submit an email that includes:

• a short statement of his or her interest in the area of Recognition of Prior Learning and future career or academic intentions
• a summary statement of the research project being undertaken
• a current CV as an attachment
• a short letter of recommendation by a member of academic staff familiar with the student and the work

All applications should be sent to the Centre for Research in Lifelong Learning.  The closing date for applications is Friday 22^nd April 2011.

The Centre for Research in Lifelong Learning (CRLL) is a joint initiative between Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of Stirling.   This event is the first in a series of International Symposium organised by the Centre on global themes of lifelong learning. The aim of the series is to provide the Lifelong Learning community with opportunities to:

• Network and hear from leading international experts across a range of lifelong learning issues
• Shape the development of new and existing fields of knowledge, methods and practices
• Engage in knowledge exchange through seminars, workshops and other forms of interactions