Global Conversation – Toronto, Canada

Global Conversation events offer you the opportunity to hear from Exeter's world-leading researchers, our partners and experts in the field on topics of global importance, including Climate Change, Dementia to Literacy and Disadvantage.

In this Global Conversation “Addressing Literacy Disadvantage in Canada and the UK” hear from two internationally recognised social scientists, Professor Debra Myhill (University of Exeter) and Professor Shelley Stagg Peterson (University of Toronto) who contemplate why the efforts of governments to close the social gap in literacy attainment have been stubbornly resistant to change, even though illiteracy is increasingly rare in the West. Using the SSHRC funded case study of the ‘Northern Oral Language and Writing Through Play’ project conducted in northern Ontario Indigenous communities, this Global Conversation will consider what public policy actions have the greatest potential to address literacy gaps arising from social disadvantage.

Following the presentations, there will be an opportunity to ask your questions directly to a panel of experts, including Patsy Aldana Chair of the National Reading Campaign and Greg Farrell of the Ontario Ministry of Education, who will be discussing the topic in more depth during a Q&A session, and to network with other guests. There will be time to hear a University update from Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor Sir Steve Smith.

How to book

To register for this event please complete the online booking form. If you have any questions, please contact alumni@exeter.ac.uk.

Join the Global Conversation today by following @UoEGlobalConvo on Twitter. Follow news, events and connect with your alumni community by joining the Canada Alumni group on Facebook.