Institute of Development Studies

Learning for Social Change

Our work on how knowledge learning and capacity contributes to social change explores:

• how we can better bridge the gap between theory and practice
• key questions and evidence from action-research and case studies
• individual and wider institutional and social change
• processes of power, knowledge and complexity in learning and capacity
• approaches to curriculum and learning for change agents

Related Projects

• Capacity Collective - Exploring and addressing the challenges facing capacity development to bring about change in a purposeful way (2008 - 2011)
• Facilitating Learning and Action for Social Change - Initiative to facilitate effective learning for social change through a better understanding of theory, experience and practice of reflection and learning (Ongoing)
• Learning and Teaching for Transformation - Enhancing the capacity of higher learning institutions to deliver effective education programmes that contribute to the wider transformation of individuals, institutions and society. (Ongoing)
• The Capacity to Have an Effect: An Efficacy Study of the Caribbean Child Support Initiative - This study focussed on the Caribbean Child Suppor Initiative's programme concept and the perspectives of stakeholders to identify the dynamics and influences on the programme's operations and analyse the processes by which it is able to make a difference. (2009 - 2009)

Related Publications

• Kar, K. and Milward, K. (2011) 'Digging in, Spreading out and Growing up: Introducing CLTS in Africa', IDS Practice Paper 8, Brighton: IDS
• Kahane, D. and von Lieres, B. (2011) 'Teaching and Learning Democracy: Collaborative Development of Courses on Citizenship', IDS Practice Paper 7, Brighton: IDS
• Oswald, K. and Moriarty, K. (2010) 'Transforming Children's Lives Through Innovation in Quality Education: Implications for Policy and Practice', IDS Research Summary of IDS Practice Paper 4, Brighton: IDS
• Gaventa, J. and Mayo, M. (2008) 'Linking the Local and the Global Through Citizen-based Advocacy? The Case of the Global Campaign for Education' Wp2008-12, IDS
• Oswald, K. and Moriarty, K. (2010) 'Transforming Children's Lives Through Innovation in Quality Education: Implications for Policy and Practice', IDS Practice Paper 4, Brighton: IDS
• Eyben, R. (2010) 'Hiding relations. The irony of 'effective aid'', European Journal of Development Research 22.3:382-397
• Mwasaru, M., (2007) 'Assessing Social Change Through Participatory Action Research: The Case of Kasighau Small-Scale Miners' , Kenya: Coast Rights Forum
• Patel, S., (2007) Reflections on Innovation, Assessment and Social Change Processes: A SPARC Case Study, India: SPARC
• Bivens, F., Moriarty, K. and Taylor, P. (2009) 'Transformational Education and its Potential for Changing the Lives of Children in Disempowering Contexts', IDS Bulletin 40.1, Brighton: IDS
• Guijt, I. (2008) 'Critical Readings on Assessing and Learning for Social Change: A Review', IDS Development Bibliography 21, Brighton: IDS