New Publication: Development Studies in Australia

Topics Education
A new report from RDI Network offers recommendations for improving the pedagogy of development.

In 2017, the RDI Network commissioned a review of Development Studies courses in Australia – with a focus on postgraduate level degrees. The purpose of the review was to capture and document current literature in the field of Development Studies pedagogy, and to contribute to debate around the future direction of Development Studies education.

Last month, the Network published the review report Development Studies in Australia: Review and Recommendations, offering a series of practical recommendations related to the content, skills and competencies provided by courses, as well as the modes and methods of course delivery.

RDI Network looks forward to an ongoing dialogue with teachers, students and industry practitioners about the report’s findings and recommendations.

The report derived its recommendations through a mixed method approach, combining a review of the literature on Development Studies courses in Australia and overseas, insights from the 2017 Rethinking Development Symposium, and a survey of current and former students and lecturers of Development Studies in Australia.

A series of areas for further research and enquiry are also identified in the report.

Hosted by Murdoch University, the second annual Rethinking Development Symposium will take place in Perth from 22-24 June, and will be the key opportunity for advancing discussion of the report’s finding. All the details for this event can be found here.