Co-production and Participatory Research in Education and University Student Life

Here, at the University of Sheffield we have a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to all things participatory and co-produced research and education. Research spaces include projects and networks centred around Co-production futures and the Participatory Research Network (PRN) and Learning and Teaching Spaces include programmes of engaged learning, student voice programmes and students as partners co-producing educational agendas, materials and outcomes. However, these spaces of knowledge and groups of expertise are often not in conversation with each other, despite embodying similar practices, ethos and ethical orientations. Student voice and staff-student partnership in education is essential to the future of education.

This workshop seeks to address this gap within the university, bringing together researchers, practitioners and students engaged in participatory and co-produced projects to share knowledge, experience and aspirations for the future of research-led education at the University of Sheffield. In this workshop, we will have an open mic/creative session with a general theme around 'What is co-production and participatory research in education and university life?'. Workshop participants are invited to contribute with short lightning talks about their staff-student partnership work (teaching and/or research) or provide creative or written reflections and contributions within the session. Student illustrators and graphic illustrations will capture the workshop contributions, leading to a graphic, accessible resource that responds to the question, ‘‘What is co-produced and participatory research in Education and University Life? A student’s perspective’

Anyone who is interested in participatory and/or co-produced practice in both research and teaching spaces are welcome to attend.