Challenges and Responsibilities Facing Canadian Literacy Researchers Working in Global Communities

Authors

  • Marlene Asselin University of British Columbia
  • Ray Doiron University of Prince Edward Island
  • Jon Shapiro University of British Columbia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20360/G2T88Q

Keywords:

literacy, knowledge economy, developing countries, government agencies, research grants

Abstract

This article addresses issues facing Canadian literacy researchers who are working in global contexts and particularly the potential complications that arise when research conducted in developing countries is funded by sources such as international aid institutions, foreign governments, non-governmental organizations, and donor-based organizations. We focus especially on the issue of development of local research capacity and expansion of the knowledge economy. We first create a framework by describing the types of literacy projects funded by alternatives to the standard research grants of government agencies. We next review tensions that can arise between researchers and these types of funding organizations. We then turn to examples of current Canadian literacy research carried out in developing countries that provide guidance in designing, conducting, and publishing locally-empowering and globally-connected research.

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Published

2011-09-02

How to Cite

Asselin, M., Doiron, R., & Shapiro, J. (2011). Challenges and Responsibilities Facing Canadian Literacy Researchers Working in Global Communities. Language and Literacy, 13(2), 80–99. https://doi.org/10.20360/G2T88Q

Issue

Section

Articles