Knowledge “transfer” as sociocultural and sociomaterial practice: Immigrants expanding engineering practices in Canada
Dr. Hongxia Shan
Associate Professor
UBC Department of Educational Studies
[ Abstract ]
Research on migration and knowledge transfer predominantly focuses on expatriate and return migrants, who are acclaimed for transferring knowledge from the west to the rest of the world. Not only does the literature reinforce the west as the epistemic centre, but it conjures a realist image of knowledge as a thing. To interrupt these images, this talk examines immigrant engineers’ experiences “transferring” knowledge in Canada. Theoretically, it posits that knowledge transfer is an effect of immigrants’ enrolment in sociocultural and sociomaterial practices within professions. Empirically, it shows three ways in which immigrants contribute to expanding work practices, i.e., “assembling” knowledge, mobilizing the capacity of learning to learn, and negotiating being and presence. The process of transfer, it highlights, is often enabled through access to epistemic and boundary objects, reception of peer professionals, and the rise of niche needs. The talk draws on a life history style study of immigrants’ experiences.
A light lunch will be available to all attendees starting at 11:45.
Please RSVP below by January 10.
