Educated Society & Geographical History

There are a number of answers one might give to the question of what is an ‘educated society’. One answer is particularly insightful:

A state of affairs where, “Education is desired by society because there is a general belief that an educated citizen will contribute more to society, rather than one who is uneducated (i.e. less productive).”

And were the desire and belief is actualised as continual learning among the members of the society.

Commonly within any society, there are sites where learning occurs, what we recognise as educational institutions — schools, universities, and places of adult & community education. Examining the local geography in Queensland we can identify clusters of such sites and from such patterns over time, we can recognise the evolution of an educated society. Therefore, we will have the groundwork for explanations on the strengths and weaknesses in Queensland being an educated society.

As a trained social geographer, a higher education researcher, and professional historian, Dr Buch has a set of unique abilities. Working from 1997 to 2008 as a policy researcher and speechwriter in the offices of four Vice-Chancellors at Griffith University and the University of Melbourne, and as a periodical secondary high school teacher, Dr Buch knows about educational institutions and their sense of place more than most.

Among his well-regarded publications in this area are:

Book Review Essay on Pauline Curby, Independent Minds: A History of St George Girls High School, New South Publishing, Sydney, 2016. Circa: The Journal of Professional Historians. Issue Six, 2018.

No Regrets in the Evening of Life:  Access, Equity and Exclusivity at Junction Park State School in the Early Twentieth Century.  History of Education Review. Volume 45, No. 1, June 2016.