Derek Morrison

Citation

Thesis Title
Exploring New Zealand's Rural Education Activities Programmes (REAPs): Social Capital in a Lifelong Learning and Community Development Context

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Mr Morrison investigated how New Zealand''sRural Education Activities Programmes (REAPs) operate as community organisations to provide responsive learning and development opportunities across early childhood, schools, and adult education sectors. He undertook his research in order to explore the extent to which REAPs demonstrate a social capital approach in their work. This manifested in four key elements of social capital relevant to REAP activity: networks, trust, social norms, and brokerage. Lived experiences from REAP leaders and learners illustrated how REAPs make use of wide and varied network membership to build trust, bring groups together around shared goals, and impact on learner behaviours and confidence. His research reinforced the lifelong learning and community development mandate of these organisations, and highlighted the potential for innovation and the impact of Government funding policies.

Supervisors
Professor John O'Neill
Dr Linda Leach