“Qualitative Research for Caribbean Development” is the theme of the first Qualitative Inquiry Conference being hosted by the School of Education, UWI, Mona on October 29-31, 2009. The Conference officially opens with an Opening Ceremony on Friday, October 30, 2009 at 9 am at the Mona Visitor’s Lodge and Conference Centre where Professor Gloria Ladson-Billings, University of Madison will deliver the keynote address. Over the two day Conference other featured addresses will be delivered by Professor Frances Stage, New York City University and from UWI, Mona, Professor Aggrey Brown and Professor Barry Chevannes.

The Conference is designed provide a forum for researchers engaged in qualitative research to explore a diverse range of topics that explore an in depth understanding of human behavior and better determine the rationale of human behaviour. It will also enable the sharing of relevant research that is applicable to contemporary issues and bring to the fore research findings that will inform policies and practices.  The Conference features a pre-conference session on October 29, 2009 at 1 pm at the Multifunctional Room, Main Library, UWI, Mona. This session will address Creole and Critical Inquiry: Qualitative vs Quantitative Research Methods.

There will also be presentations on a range of topics including: media portrayal, self image, performance in education, and employment relations, violence in schools. The Conference closes with a series of workshops on Critical Ethnography, Data Analysis of Qualitative Research, Mixed Methods and Autoethnography.

Registration fee for the conference is US $100 for two days, students with ID US $55. The daily rate is    US $55. Interested persons may telephone 927-0221. For more information visit the website at http://ocs.mona.uwi.edu/ocs/index.php/qic/qic.