Bridging the gap between academia and local communities: Towards effective partnerships in alternative types of learning

Abstract

This paper addresses the interaction between universities and local communities, as a powerful relationship and as a proposal for an alternative form of education and learning. While previous studies may have focused on the economic role - being discussed in Europe and worldwide – of the universities, referring to pressures on universities to undertake local economic development policies in addition to their teaching and research agenda, there has been insufficient attention to cultural and educational contributions to local communities. Drawing on some illustrations from a recent case study research, the present work makes an effort to highlight the educational (and cultural) role which a particular UK University undertakes in the local community. The reshaping of education and the creation of informal and / or non-formal learning relationships between universities and local communities reinvigorate both communities and universities. This in turn could open up new possibilities and propose an alternative concept of a progressive University.