About CRECA
The Centre for Research in Education in Asia (CREA) is a recently-established research centre at the University of Bath. The centre is developing an interdisciplinary global network of researchers who explore education and education-related fields in Asia.
Asia (specifically South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan) are growing in influence globally in terms of politics and economy and their educational systems are seeing a parallel exponential expansion. As Asia invest massively in their educational systems (both higher education and schools) and develop their global reach and soft power through education, the UK and Europe face increasing challenges with insufficient funding for public education and growing inequalities. Asia also face social and cultural challenges which have an impact on education, including equality of access to urban elite education for rural populations and other social issues in education.
The development of education in Asia offers both opportunities and challenges for ‘the West,’ and educational research which explores the implications and potential outcomes of Asian developments in education is becoming increasingly significant.
Aims of the Centre
Our main aim is to develop nuanced perspectives on education in Asia in a collaborative interdisciplinary manner. We also actively explore the UK and Europe’s potential role and relationships with educational developments in the Asian region. These offer both opportunities and challenges for ‘the West,’ and educational research which explores the implications and potential outcomes of Asian developments in education is becoming increasingly significant.
Mission Statement
Our centre and its research partners in Asia aim to collaboratively develop educational knowledges and practices. CREA will meet this ambition through a strong social justice orientation to educational challenges. We focus specifically on the following thematic research areas:
- Educational Policy
- Educational (in)Equality
- Educational Leadership, Management and Governance
- Development and Sustainability
- Environmental education
- Language Education
Strategies
The centre’s mission is realised through its mutually beneficial partnerships and networks which promote knowledge exchange and construction.
Our strategies include:
- creating research and practice networks
- developing funded research projects
- generating high-quality, impactful research output -organising conferences
- hosting visiting scholars and research students
- establishing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for educational practitioners and researchers
- encouraging and supporting postgraduate students to develop projects that contribute to the Centre’s mission
- supporting career development through our networks and activities