Professor Chris Atkin

Fellow of The Royal Society for the encouragement of the Arts, Manufacturing and Commerce (FRSA)

Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute (FRAI)

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

His recent research has concentrated on the role of education in supporting the development of civil society (India and England) and rural communities (China and England). In parallel with these international comparative studies he has been working with a range of practitioners to support a series of first time researchers as part of a community engagement strategy.

Professor Atkin has supervised to successful completion a number of doctoral students (PhD and EdD). Areas of supervision expertise include:

• Policy and practice in post-school education and training
• Rural education systems and structures
• Adult literacy and numeracy
• Comparative education
• Sociology and education
• Community Engagement

Year 2019

• (EdD) Mary-Louise Maynes: Truth, fact and feeling: an investigation into children’s responses to poetic nonfiction picture books. [University of Leicester]
• (EdD) Sara Evan-Bolger: To what extent can lived experiences and perceptions of drama be modified, positively or negatively, through in-service style CPD training using drama games as a mechanism? [University of Leicester]

Year 2018

• (EdD) Karen Dainty: Empathy and sympathy in applied theatre: a qualitative study [University of Leicester]

Year 2016

• (PhD) Sacha Mason: The transition of foundation degree students into the academy: their development as academic writers

Year 2013

• (PhD) John Patterson: Service learning and values-based curricula: a qualitative voice-led inquiry
• (PhD) Joe Gazdula: Volunteering, citizenship and enterprise education

Year 2011

• (EdD) Sally Melling: Transition: an exploration of student nurse experience in their first practice placement

Year 2010

• (EdD) Yau Tai Tung: Harnessing cognitive ability of children through the cultural meaning of architectural artefacts

Year 2009

• (EdD) Beverly Morris: Mentor training in the Voluntary and Community Sector
• (PhD) Chau Diem Lam: Academic staff development in private higher education institutions in Vietnam
• (EdD) Kwok Ka Yin: Information and guidance for adults returning to higher education in Hong Kong: a case study
• (PhD) Victoria Crane: The experiences of 14-16 year olds in England on the Increased Flexibility Programme: an ethnographic case study

Year 2008

• (EdD) Joseph Ayodele: Exploring the theory-practice gap: how adequately does the current training received by learning disability nurses prepare them for their role in the community. A qualitative case study.
• (PhD) Anne O’Grady: Choosing to Learn or Chosen to Learn: A qualitative case study of Skills for Life Learners
• (EdD) Cherri Ho: Intergenerational Learning in Hong Kong: a narrative inquiry

Year 2007

• (PhD) Anthea Rose: How can we characterise family literacy programmes in England, Ireland and Malta: a comparative case study
• (PhD) Maureen Coady: Enabling volunteer capacity in community health planning: A rural Canadian case study
• (PhD) Suaad Alshebou: A comparative study of University Continuing Education policy and practice. Case studies from Kuwait and England

If you are considering doctoral study at Bishop Grosseteste University please discuss your ideas with:

Dr Caroline Horton (PhD Programme Leader) caroline.horton@bishopg.ac.uk

Or

Dr Emma Pearson (EdD Programme Leader) emma.pearson@bishopg.ac.uk

Sharp, J., Hemmings, B., Kay, R. and Atkin, C. (2017) ‘Academic boredom, approaches to learning and the final-year degree outcomes of undergraduate students.’ Journal of Further and Higher Education

Gazdula, J. and Atkin, C. (2017) ‘Enterprise Learning: Analysing Critical Learning from Enterprise Placements’ Research in Post-Compulsory Education Vol. 22 No. 1 pp. 128-143

Atkin, C., Pearson, E., Thompson, S. and Sharp, J. (2016) The future of Thailand’s Rajabhat based Initial Teacher Training: Report on Fieldwork. British Embassy Thailand, fco: Bangkok, Thailand; and Bishop Grosseteste University: Lincoln. pp. 12

and

Atkin, C., Pearson, E., Thompson, S. and Sharp, J. (2018) Thailand Rajabhat Initial Teacher Education project. The British Embassy, Bangkok: Department for International Trade

Atkin, C., Rose, A., Sharp, J., Hill, Y., Adams, K. and Sayers, R. (2015) Internationalising the curriculum: a developmental resource for initiating transformational change. York: The Higher Education Academy (HEA).

Atkin, C., Rose, A., Cheffins, N. and Clarke, M (2015) Public understanding of, and attitudes to, local hybrid energy systems. Lincoln: Bishop Grossesteste University, pp 89 ISBN 9, 781871, 346206

Thushari, W. and Atkin, C. (2014) Student co-inquirers: the challenges and benefits of inclusive research, International Journal of Research & Method in Education, Vol. 37, No. 4, pp. 390-406, DOI: 10.1080/1743727X.2014.9094

Atkin, C. (2013) ‘Changes to the provision of adult literacy and numeracy courses in England: Functional Skills’, Weiterbildung4/2013 pp. 14-17.

Sjögersten, S., Atkin, C., Clarke, M., Mooney, S., Wu, B. and West, H. (2013) ‘Responses to climate change and farming policies by rural communities in northern China: A report on field observation and farmers’ perception in dryland north Shaanxi and Ningzia’. Land Use Policy. Vol. 32, Pp. 125-133.

Atkin, C. (Editor) (2012) Education and Minorities. London: Continuum Press pp. 200

Chung, J., Atkin, C. and Moore, J. (2012) ‘The rise and fall of the MTL: an example of European policy borrowing’. European Journal of Teacher Education. Vol. 35 No. 3 pp.259-274

Rose, A. and Atkin, C. (2011) ‘Family literacy programmes: a comparative study of gender roles in England, Ireland and Malta’. Journal of Early Child Development and Care. Vol. 181 No. 6 pp. 775-790

Atkin, C. (2010) ‘A Decade of Rural Research: what have we learnt about adult language, literacy and numeracy?’ International Education Studies. Vol. 3 No. 4 pp. 2 – 14

Atkin, C. (2009) ‘Literacies of power: A renaissance for adult education in an evolving world’. Indian Journal of Adult Education. Vol. 70 No. 1, pp. 3 – 14.

Cooker, L., Pemberton, R. and Atkin, C. (2009) Engaging migrant communities through Museums: Development and evaluation of ESOL learning materials at The Collection, Lincoln

Atkin, C. and Morgan, J. (2009) Continuing Education in England: Policy, Provision and Trends. Weiterbildung: Zeitschrift fur Grundlagen, Praxis and Trends, 4, pp. 10-12.

O’Grady, A. and Atkin, C. (2009) ‘Skills for Life and Issues of Choice: A Study of Rural England’. RaPAL Journal: Research and Practice in Adult Literacy, 68-69 (Summer 2009), pp. 40-48

Morgan, W. J. and Atkin, C. (2008) ‘Overcoming Social Exclusion’. Modern University Education, 2, pp. 58-63.

Atkin, C. (2008) Directions from School: Trajectories from School in Rural Lincolnshire. Saarbrücken, Germany: VDM Verlag pp. 217

Atkin, C. and O’Grady, A. (2008) ‘Skills for Life: has the need to support social cohesion been displaced by the drive for economic success?’ In: SHAH, S. Y. (Ed) International Perspectives on Adult and Lifelong Education. New Delhi: International Institute of Adult and Lifelong Education, pp. 57-74

Atkin, C and Convery, A. (Eds) (2008) Adult learning in Lincolnshire and Rutland: voices from practice: Practitioner-led research projects. Vol. 2. Nottingham: UNESCO Centre for Comparative Education Research, University of Nottingham

Rose, A. and Atkin, C. (2007) ‘Strengthening home-school links through family literacy programmes: a comparative European case study’. International Journal about Parents in Education, 1, pp. 340 – 349

Atkin, C., Rose, A. and O’Grady, A. (2007) Evaluation of DfES materials for embedded learning. London: NRDC

Rose, A. and Atkin, C. (2007) ‘Family literacy in Europe: separate agendas?’ Compare: a journal of comparative education, Vol. 37 No. 5, pp. 601-615

Atkin, C., O’Grady, A. (Eds) (2007) Adult Learning in Lincolnshire and Rutland: voices from practice. UNESCO Centre for Comparative Education Research, School of Education, The University of Nottingham

Rose, A. and Atkin, C. (2007) ‘Strengthening home-school links through family literacy programmes: a European caste study’. In: Phtiaka, H. and Symeonidou, S. (Eds). Schools and families in partnership: looking into the future. Cyprus: University of Cyprus Press, pp. 340-350

Rose, A. and Atkin, C. (2007) ‘Family Literacy Programmes in Europe: Do the children need to be there?’ RaPAL Research and Practice in Adult Literacy, 63, pp. 28 – 34

2016 – Atkin, C., Pearson, E. and Sharp, J. Twenty day consultancy funded by the UK Government to support the British Embassy Thailand and the Thai Ministry of Education (MOE) to review Thailand’s initial teacher training programmes in the Rajabhat universities (ITT). Ukti and fco (£18,920.54)

2011 – Atkin, C., Almond, N., Mazuro, C. and Rao, N. ‘The effect of small school closure in rural Wales.’ Funded by Hyrwyddo Ysgolion Back (hyb) Promoting Small Schools (£3,000)

2008/09 – Atkin, C. and Pemberton, R. ‘ESOL learners and cultural heritage: the role of museums in language pedagogy’ Lincolnshire County Council (£14,000)

2016/19 Clarke, M. (Principal Investigator), Atkin, C., et al. (Co-investigator) EPSRC-CONFAP Novel strategies for the recovery of deforested and degraded landscapes in the Amazon region: sustainable solutions for energy-food-water services; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Newton Fund Brazil EP/M029212/1

2015/18 Atkin, C. (co-principal investigator with SoundLINCS) Creative arts policy (making music) for Children in Challenging Circumstance (CCC) groups in five distinct sectors: looked after children, youth justice services, pediatric services, early years (working with young parents) and special educational needs and disability. (£776, 659 funded by Youth Music Fund stream C).

2014/17 – Atkin, C. (Co-investigator) Inspire R-4: Strategic Partnership Award Application International Strategic Partnerships in Research and Education ‘Renewable energy from animal wastes: benefits for agriculture and society’ with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Bangladesh. Funded by the British Council (£40,000)

2014/17 – Atkin, C. (Co-investigator) Inspire R-4: Strategic Partnership Award Application International Strategic Partnerships in Research and Education [Dr Helen West, Principle Investigator, University of Nottingham] ‘Renewable energy from animal wastes: benefits for agriculture and society’ with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Bangladesh. Funded by the British Council (£40,000)

2011/16 – Professor C. Atkin, Principal Investigator, Work Package 2: Community Engagement (Professor Michele Clarke. Project Principal Investigator, The University of Nottingham) ‘Rural Hybrid Energy Enterprise Systems’ Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Funded under the Bridging Urban Rural Divide call with the Indian Department of Science and Technology (DST) (£3,217,331)

2015 – Professor C. Atkin, Dr Anthea Rose and Professor John Sharp. An internationalisation of the curriculum assessment tool. Funded by the Higher Education Academy (£8, 400)

2011 – Professor C. Atkin, Dr N. Almond, Dr J. Moore, Dr C. Mazuro and Dr N. Rao. ‘The effect of small school closure in rural Wales.’ Funded by Hyrwyddo Ysgolion Bach (hyb) Promoting Small Schools (£3,000)

2010/11 – Professor C. Atkin, Co-researcher (Dr Brian Read, Principal Investigator) ‘Ecosystem services for poverty alleviation under multiple stresses in mountainous western China’ Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), and, The Department for International Development (£50,000)

2009/10 – Professor W. J. Morgan and Dr C. Atkin: ‘How do Chinese civil society organizations contribute to community reconstruction and government innovation in disaster areas hit by the 12 May 2008 earthquake? A self-evaluation of Chinese CSO practitioners and Chinese and European Social scientists.’ British Academy (£60,260)

2008/09 – Dr C. Atkin, Co-researcher (Dr Bin Wu, Principal Investigator) ‘Farmer Innovation Systems (FIS) in the loess plateau of China: an international research and training network’ Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), The Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), and, The Department for International Development (DfID) under the Ecosystem Services and Poverty Alleviation (ESPA) programme (£120,000)

2008/09 – Dr’s C. Atkin and R. Pemberton, Principal Investigators, ‘ESOL learners and cultural heritage: the role of museums in language pedagogy’ Lincolnshire County Council (£14,000)

2008/09 – Dr C. Atkin, Principal Investigator, ‘Adult education and the development of civil society in Britain and India’ British Academy/Association of Commonwealth Universities (£5,000) [In partnership with Prof Shah from the Department of Adult Education, Jawaharlal Nehru University.]

2007/08 – Dr C. Atkin, Principal Investigator, ‘The adult learning offer’ Practitioners research grant scheme.’ Lincolnshire and Rutland Learning and Skills Council (£10,000)

2006/07 – Dr C. Atkin, Principal Investigator, ‘The adult learning offer’ Practitioners research grant scheme.’ Lincolnshire and Rutland Learning and Skills Council (£14,000)

2006/07 – Dr C. Atkin, Principal Investigator, ‘Evaluation of the phase two materials for embedded learning’. National Research and Development Centre for Adult Literacy and Numeracy (£32,000)

2018, Atkin, C. ‘A review of initial teacher training in Thailand (2016/17)’ Teachers’ Professional Development: Competency Framework Conference, The British Ambassador’s Residence, British Embassy Bangkok 2017, Atkin, C. ‘Community Engagement with Urban Observatories’ UK-India Joint Network on Sustainable Cities and Urbanisation in India. Kolkata 2016, Atkin, C. ‘Using Data for Citizen Engagement’ UK-India Joint Network on Sustainable Cities and Urbanisation in India. New Delhi 2016 Atkin, C. and Thomson, C. ‘Internationalising Higher Education’. Higher Education Academy; 2014-15 cohort dissemination event 2015, Clarke, M., Atkin, C. and West H. Issues and prospects of nutrient recovery from bioenergy systems for rual community. UKIREI Workshop, Tezpur University 2012 Welikala, T. and Atkin, C. ‘Student experience across context:a post-culture condition’ Society for Research into Higher Education Annual Conference. 2012 Moore, J. and Atkin, C. ‘An application (app) for Learning – the Student Interface with Tablet Technology in Graduate Studies’ International Conference on e-Learning Chinese University of Hong Kong 2011 Atkin, C. and Moore, J. ‘Learning to live with each other: literacy and adult education’ International Cooperation and Networking in Literacy and Adult Education. Duisburg-Essen University 2009 Clarke, M., West, H., Atkin, C., Mooney, S. and Sjogersten, S. ‘Environmental policy and water resource sustainability in the dry lands of North China’ at the conference of the International Forum for Contemporary Chinese Studies 2009 Atkin, C. and Wheeldon, J. ‘Schooling alone: the role of school and community in primary education’ International Primary School Conference Institute of Education, Hong Kong 2009 Atkin, C. ‘Putting the micro back into the macro: the role of local in rural policy’ UNESCO Research Seminar (Paris) Education and Food Security 2008 Atkin, C. The Professor James Draper Memorial Lecture ‘Literacies of power: A renaissance for adult education in an evolving world’ International Institute of Adult and Lifelong Education, Indian International Centre, New Delhi 2008 Atkin, C. ‘Lifelong Education – Challenges and Opportunities: A renaissance for adult education’ Paper presented to an invited audience in Kerala, India 2008 Atkin, C and Convery, A. ‘Big problems, local solutions: the role of practitioner research’ The Social Capital Foundation, Annual Conference, Malta 2007 Atkin, C., O’Grady, A. and Rose, A. ‘Do you think they’ll notice? An evaluation of the materials for embedded learning’ PASCAL International Conference: Lifelong Learning in the City – Region, University of Pécs, Hungary. 2007 Rose, A and Atkin, C. ‘Strengthening home-school links through family literacy programmes: a European caste study. Schools and families in partnership: looking into the future. Nicosia, Cyprus: University of Cyprus/Cyprus Association of Inclusive Education.