ID: 2191
Presenting Author: Ataus Samad
Session: 664 - IAIA academia section: IA teaching and research in the age of misinformation and disinformation
Status: pending
This study explored the current scope of IA education offered through
undergraduate and graduate programs at Canadian universities and the linkages between
IA teaching and IA research.
This research sought to explore the current scope of IA education offered through
undergraduate and graduate programs at Canadian universities and the linkages between
IA teaching and IA research. A qualitative research approach using semi-structured
interviews was followed to investigate these topics with 25 IA instructors at 20 universities
across 9 Canadian provinces. Teaching methods were found to include a mix of lectures,
seminars, guest lectures, field trips, student presentations, practicums, case studies,
workshops, role playing, and mock panels. Common course topics included IA history, law,
process steps, and the review of IA guidance documents, with the occasional opportunity
to get practical experience. Data show that IA courses also cover a varying mix of focus
topics such as public participation, social impacts, RIA, SIA, HIA, cumulative effects,
cultural impacts, sustainability assessment, and Indigenous-led assessment. IA
researchers pointed out that their research informs their teaching and vice versa, but many
that were teaching IA did not have active research programs. Instructors are bringing IA
practitioners, other researchers, and community members into the classroom. Instructors
note that the number of IA courses should grow, but that the course offerings and approach
have not been changed much in the recent past. Results also reveal gaps among IA
teaching and IA research, and among IA teaching and IA practice.
Ataus Samad is a Master of Natural Resources Management student at the University of Manitoba and previously earned a Master in Business
Administration - Public Systems at the University of Calcutta.