FEATURED AUTHOR
Derek Bland
Derek is a senior lecturer at Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. He taught visual art before becoming a coordinator of a school improvement program in a large rural region of Victoria. He joined QUT in 1991 to establish a special entry and student support initiative to assist people from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. His research focuses on inclusive education and ways in which imagination can engage reluctant learners with formal education.
Biography
Derek is a senior lecturer at Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. Following a varied career that included driving instruction and unsuccessfully attempting to sell things, he qualified as a graphic designer and then gained a teaching qualification. He taught visual art before becoming a coordinator of a school improvement program in a large rural region of Victoria. He joined QUT in 1991 to establish a special entry and student support initiative to assist people from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.Education
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PhD
M Ed (Research)
Grad Dip Ed
Dip Art
Areas of Research / Professional Expertise
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Derek's research has focused on inclusive education, specifically relating to students from low socio-economic backgrounds, and student voice. More recently he has investigated ways in which imagination can engage reluctant learners with formal education. In following this path, Derek has discovered the value of visual research methods when working with young people.
Personal Interests
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Derek and his wife, Linda, live in Brisbane. When away from QUT, he is an artist and writer.