Keynote Speakers
Bal Chandra Luitel is a Professor in the Department of STEAM Education at Kathmandu University, School of Education. Currently, he serves as the Dean of School of Education. Educated in Nepal and Australia and having worked in Nepal, Australia, and Portugal, he completed PhD from the Science and Mathematics Education Centre (currently STEM Education Research Group), Curtin University, with Chancellor’s Commendation.
Prof. Luitel’s research primarily aims to address the protracted problem of culturally decontextualized mathematics, science, and technology education faced by Nepali students. Unsurprisingly, Prof Luitel draws from the Eastern and Western philosophical and wisdom traditions to crystallize possibilities in his research program. Professor Luitel also coordinates a transformative education project called Rupantaran that aims at engaging Masters and Doctoral students to bring forth narratives unfolded during their immersion in a school transformation process via transformative (decolonial, anticolonial, and postcolonial) epistemologies armed with new analytics arising from dialectical, metaphorical, poetic, and narrative for conceiving, expressing, and implementing visions of holistic (place-based, inclusive and life-affirming education) in Nepal. Prof Luitel is a member of a transformative education research consortium (International Transformative Educational Research Network-ITERN ) comprising scholars from Asia, Africa, Europe, and America.
Dr. Jack Whitehead is an influential figure in the field of education, particularly known for his work on action research. His contributions have significantly impacted how educators approach professional development, reflection, and improvement in their practice. Dr. Whitehead has developed and advocated for the use of Living Theory, a form of action research where individuals inquire into their own practice and produce accounts of their educational influences in their own learning, the learning of others, and the learning of social formations. His work emphasizes the importance of asking, researching, and evidencing the question, “How do I improve what I am doing?” in educational settings.
He has been affiliated with several academic institutions throughout his career, most notably the University of Bath in the UK, where he has worked as a lecturer and researcher in education. His publications, presentations, and workshops have focused on the empowerment of educators and students through reflective practice and the generation of living theories that contribute to educational knowledge and improved practices.
Dr. Whitehead’s ideas on action research and living theory have not only influenced educators and scholars in the field of education but have also found resonance in other disciplines where the improvement of practice and the contribution to knowledge are valued. His work encourages individuals to reflect critically on their actions and to document the process and outcomes of their inquiries in ways that can be shared and scrutinized by others, thereby contributing to a broader understanding and improvement of professional practices and educational processes.
Dr. Peter C. Taylor is a professor associated with Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia. He is well-known for his contributions to science education, particularly in the context of sustainability education, transformative learning, and action research. His work often focuses on innovative teaching methods, environmental education, and the development of critical consciousness among learners and educators alike. Dr. Taylor has been involved in various research projects and educational initiatives aimed at improving science education and promoting sustainability through critical and reflective practices.
His contributions to the field include scholarly articles, book chapters, and participation in educational conferences where he has shared his insights on pedagogy, curriculum development, and the role of education in addressing global challenges. Dr. Taylor’s approach to education emphasizes the importance of engaging students in meaningful learning experiences that encourage them to think critically about their role in the world and to take action on issues related to sustainability and social justice.
Given the dynamic nature of academic careers, it’s advisable to consult Murdoch University’s official website or professional directories for the most current information regarding Dr. Taylor’s position, research interests, and contributions to the field.
Prof. Dra. Pratiwi Retnaningdyah, M.Hum., M.A., Ph.D.
Pratiwi Retnaningdyah is a Professor in Literary and Cultural Studies at the English Literature Study Program, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Surabaya. Her research interests are gender in literature and postcolonial studies. She has been actively engaged in a number of community development projects to raise awareness of the interconnection of literacy, gender, diversity, inclusivity, and environment.