Next Practice and Innovation Conference 2009

The aim of the conference was to revisit the fundamental values of the college sector through the positive contributions that colleges make to two key aspects: community development and economic growth. We will also share the wealth of next practice and innovation from across the sector in our workshop and roundtable sessions.

View the video of the Scotland's Colleges Next Practice and Innovation Conference 2009.

The morning featured two interactive sessions. The first used case studies and first-hand testimony to exemplify the contribution that colleges make to their local communities. The second highlighted the contributions that colleges in Scotland and abroad make to the global economy.

The afternoon featured workshops and roundtable sessions where college people and others share examples of their next practice and innovation.

Keynote Speaker

The day ended with our Inspirational Speaker - Dr. Sanford C. "Sandy" Shugart, president of Valencia Community College, Florida, one of the USA's largest and most celebrated two-year colleges.

On Serving the New Student

Much has been written on "new" students reflecting recent thinking on generational differences, millenials, effects of technology on a digital generation, and so on. But there is a view that the current generation of college students differs from previous generations in more fundamental and important ways. This is the first generation of truly "post-modern" people to enter our colleges, that is the first generation who have lived their entire lives steeped in post-modern mass culture. This difference affects the way they view the world, truth, evidence, meaning, relationships, and institutions in ways that are immensely important to the missions of our colleges. Using poetry, music, and stories, Dr. Sandy Shugart will explore what it means to be "post-modern" in this sense and what challenges and gifts this generation of students brings to our work.

Scotland's Colleges Annual Awards 2009 will follow the Next Practice and Innovation Conference.

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding the conference and awards, please contact:

Lynnemarie Tigg
Tel: 01786 892011
Email Lynnemarie Tigg.

Scotland's Colleges Next Practice and Innovation Conference 2009 sponsored by:

Scotland's Colleges Next Practice and Innovation Conference 2009 Programme sponsored by:

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Joanne Buchan, Marketing Officer- Communications on 01786 892012 or email Joanne.