“Engaging the Imagination in teaching and learning”

The Imaginative Education Research Group (IERG), of the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University is pleased to announce our 3rd International Conference on Imagination and Education. The conference will be held from Wednesday, July 13th through Saturday, July 16th, 2005 at the Coast Plaza Hotel at Stanley Park, in Vancouver, Canada. This event will continue the dialogue that began with our first two conferences that brought over 600 people together from more than 15 different countries. Previous keynote speakers included Dr. Elliot Eisner and Dr. Nel Noddings.

Our keynote speaker this year will be Max Wyman, author of, "The Defiant Imagination".

To continue on the path of exploring imagination and education, the conference committee invites proposals related to the conference theme of engaging the imagination in teaching and learning from researchers and practitioners in all areas of education. In addition to several related sub-themes, this year we are also inviting proposals for a Special Interest Group (SIG) which will encompass any work that draws on, has been based on, is related to, and/or critiques or analyses the work of the Imaginative Education Research Group or of Kieran Egan.

The deadline for proposal submissions has been extended to February 21st, 2005. To submit a proposal and for complete information on all aspects of this year's conference, please go to: http://www3.educ.sfu.ca/conferences/ierg2005/submit.php . You may also wish to visit our IERG website at http://www.ierg.net for information about the IERG, its members, publications and activities. To learn about the last two conferences, please go to: http://www.ierg.net/conferences/

We would be pleased if you would join us at this wonderful celebration of imagination, education, teacher-practitioners, and the awesome city of Vancouver, BC, Canada.

The Imaginative Education Research Group

Specifics:

Theme A: Imaginative Curriculum Design Across the Disciplines
Theme B: Imagination in Educational Philosophy and Research
Theme C: Imagination and the Arts
Theme D: Imagination, Language and Literacy Learning
Theme E: Imagination and Science Education
Theme F: Imagination and Critical Thinking in Education
Theme G: Imagination, Technology and Media Studies
Theme H:  Special Interest Group

The IERG was founded by Kieran Egan and has been working to expand the convergence of theory and practice in the realm of education to increase the use of imagination in teaching and learning. With that in mind, this year, in response to requests, we have added a Special Interest Group which will encompass any work that draws on, has been based on, is related to, and/or critiques or analyses the work of the Imaginative Education Research Group or of Kieran Egan.

Proposals will be accepted for the following formats:

Paper (30 min) :

A session involving a speaker presentation followed by questions and answers.

Workshop (60 min) :

A session involving audience participation.

Panel Discussion (30 min) :

Three presenters will be organized into a Panel based on theme. Presenters will discuss their work for 15-20 minutes followed by a 5-10 min discussion. Panels will have a chair. Presenters may self-organize a panel discussion and are asked to inform the conference coordinator in advance of programming.

Roundtable (20 min)

Each 20-minute roundtable will focus on an issue that is linked to the conference themes and that is of interest or concern to all. Three roundtables occur simultaneously thus this format is not conducive to the use of AV equipment.

Virtual Presentation

A paper submitted by someone who would like to participate but cannot present in person.  Virtual submissions may be submitted prior to February 21, 2005. The Last day for Virtual Registrants to submit paper for Online Conference Availability is July 1, 2005.

Chairing

All presenters will be asked if they are willing to chair a session(s). This is not compulsory but definitely adds to the collegial atmosphere.

Language of Delivery - English

AV equipment & Materials

Overhead Projectors will be supplied by IERG. If a presenter would like other A/V equipment they are advised to contact the Conference Coordinator as soon as Acceptance is received so as to reserve the equipment and arrange for payment. Presenters may also bring their own equipment if they wish. Presenters are expected to duplicate any handouts at their own expense.

Deadlines

• Please submit a 250 words (max) proposal no later than 21 February 2005.
• Blind Reviews by the Conference Committee will occur during the month of February 2005
• Acceptance will be sent by 14 March, 2005
• Accepted Virtual Papers should be submitted prior to 1 July 2005 so as to be available during the conference.
• The final deadline for submitting for publication in the proceedings is 31 August 2005.
  Please note: dates may be subject to change.

Registration

All presenters can enjoy the Early Bird Registration of $350. They are encouraged to register early to facilitate our planning of the conference program. Presenters who have not registered or made arrangements with the Conference Coordinator by May 31st, 2005 will be removed from the program.

Special Notes for Presenters

1.Currently there are no subsidies or funding grants available from the IERG.

2.Presenters are expected to:

• Cover their own expenses to attend the conference
• Pay the conference registration fee
• Make their own childcare arrangements.

3.See Information for Presenters

4. See FAQ

How to Submit

This conference, which uses Open Conference Systems developed by the Public Knowledge Project, enables participants to submit abstracts online at: http://www3.educ.sfu.ca/conferences/ierg2005/submit.php