Iqbal, Jafar
PhD Candidate, Adult Learning and Education, UBC | Public Scholar | Sessional Lecturer, EDST
Thomas Hood’s poem“Song of the Shirt” (1843) echoed the cries of a garment worker trapped in the dehumanization of labor and despair. Nearly two centuries later, those echoes resound in Bangladesh’s garment industry, where 4.1 million workers—mostly women—endure similar conditions. My research listens to these resonances and asks: how might education, emerging from workers’ collective praxis, become a path toward understanding oppression and reclaiming agency for change?
Before joining UBC, I studied sociology at the University of Dhaka and adult education at Penn State University. Over the past decade, I have worked in research, policy, and advocacy with international organizations, including the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the State University of New York. As a sessional lecturer at EDST and a UBC Public Scholar, I am committed to fostering dialogical pedagogy—where learning becomes a collective act of transformation.
Supervisor: Jude Walker
Public Scholar’s Profile: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/campus-community/meet-our-students/iqbal-jafar
EDST Holiday Mingle 2025
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
12:00 – 3:00pm
GSS Loft, top floor of AMS Student Nest
Please register by Wednesday December 3
Congratulations to Erin Egeland who successfully defended her EdD Dissertation
Please join us in congratulating Erin Egeland who successfully defended her EdD Dissertation on October 10th of 2025.
Title: Same Deck of Cards, Different Shuffle: Conceptualizing Financial Literacy in the British Columbia K-12 Curriculum, 1988-2018.
This study examines the British Columbia K-12 education policies and their curricular instruments that emerged from two provincial K-12 education reform initiatives between 1988 and 2018. The purpose of the study was to determine how the British Columbia Ministry of Education conceptualized financial literacy in the K-12 curricula across this thirty-year time span.
Abstract:
Conceptualizations of financial literacy are ubiquitous and have received considerable attention in the literature (Arthur, 2012a; Bay et al., 2014; Pinto & Coulson, 2011) and mainstream media (Hughes, 2025; Steffenhagen, 2011). Attempts to define these concepts reveal the absence of one singular moment or event with the universal authority to validate one as be(com)ing financially literate. Establishing meaning(s) about financial literacy is contextual yet they are often falsely presented as value neutral. As a parent and chartered professional accountant teaching in higher education, I was curious to know how the British Columbia Ministry of Education conceptualized financial literacy in its K-12 education policies during two education reform initiatives spanning 1988 to 2018.
Using Carol Bacchi’s (2016) ‘What’s the Problem Represented to Be?’ methodology opened space(s) to critically analyze how the British Columbia Ministry of Education constituted the financial literacy problem within its education policy discourses and curriculum as a policy instrument. Interrogating the Ministerial interpretations and/or representations within the policy texts employed to frame the financial literacy problem facilitated the unravelling of assumptions that undergirded this problem definition and its proposed solutions.
This study found that the conceptualization of financial literacy intersected within three curricular learning areas, namely, applied skills, career and personal planning, and mathematics where courses containing financial literacy were compulsory for graduation and prioritized by way of a royal proclamation affirming its significant importance in K-12 education. Influenced by the OECD sponsored Program for International Student Assessment, students’ performance in financial literacy was measured to identify remedial approaches that addressed the perceived deficit thinking assumptions that students lacked financial (cap)abilities, qualities, and/or skills.
Recurring notions of financial literacy centred on homogeneous, skills-based, and standardized applications that brought into question the social-cultural silences embedded in the curriculum. Without consideration of the multidimensional constructs of financial literacy, ones shaped by an individual’s ideological background/s, identity/ies, and belief/s, the curriculum diminishes the pluralistic voices of young learners. Gaining a deeper understanding of the varying
conceptualizations of financial literacy and how they may conflict and/or contradict with those in the curriculum, brings forth opportunities to enrich student learning about financial literacy.
Examining Committee:
Dr. Penney Clark, Professor, Curriculum and Pedagogy, University of British Columbia Co-supervisor
Dr. Gerald Fallon, Associate Professor, Educational Studies, University of British Columbia Co-supervisor
Dr. Jillianne Code, Associate Professor, Curriculum and Pedagogy, University of British Columbia Supervisory Committee Member
Dr. Kerry Renwick, Professor, Curriculum and Pedagogy, University of British Columbia Supervisory Committee Member
Dr. Maureen Kendrick, Professor, Language and Literacy Education, University of British Columbia University Examiner
Dr. Johnna Montgomerie, Professor, Curriculum and Pedagogy, University of British Columbia University Examiner
Dr. Gail Henderson, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Queen’s University External Examiner
EDST GAA July 2025 Newsletter
July is upon us; here are some of the goings-on around campus (and off-campus too) in the next month:
In this newsletter you will find information regarding:
- 2025 EDST Summer Social BBQ
- Writing Sessions 2025
- Annual progress reports
- Workshops
- Job Postings
- Congratulations
2025 EDST Summer Social BBQ!
The Department of Educational Studies and EDST Graduate Academic Assistants warmly invite our students, staff, faculty, and your families/communities to the 2025 EDST Summer Social BBQ! Please join us for a complimentary BBQ with halal and vegan options, a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and games!
Date: Thursday, July 10
Time: 6:00-9:00 PM
Location: Stanley Park Second Beach Picnic Shelter (Ceperley Park)
Please click to RSVP by July 05 at 5:00 PM.
Any questions? Email edst.gaa@ubc.ca
Writing Sessions 2025
Join the online writing sessions to improve your productivity in a regular and collaborative environment. Details can be found here.
Annual progress reports
- Annual Progress Report for EDUC Aboriginal 4-Year PhD Scholarship were due by May 31. Form available via indigenous.education@ubc.ca
- Progress reports for all multi-year fellowship holders were due on June 1. Active multi-year fellowship holders must submit annual progress reports to ensure the continuous disbursement of the fellowship. https://www.grad.ubc.ca/forms/annual-progress-report-fellowship-holders
Deadlines for active fellowship holders to submit progress reports are based on fellowship start dates:
- June 1 for awards started in September
- November 15 for awards started in January
- March 15 for awards started in May
- MA and PhD students without multi-year fellowships need to submit an annual progress report to the department by June 30.
- EdD students must submit an annual progress report to the department by Aug. 15.
Workshops
UBC Library
The UBC Library offers a range of useful workshops on a range of topics. Here are some of the ones coming up this month that we think might be useful:
- Data Bites – Choosing File Formats for Research Data
- CGRS D: Crafting a Compelling Research Story
- Introduction to R and RStudio (beginner)
- Using Zotero for Citation Management
- Using Mendeley for Citation Management
You can also find a full list of the upcoming workshops from the Library here.
UBC Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology
Teaching with GenAI: A Practical Introduction for Educators
Are you interested in the role of Generative AI in higher education? This online session is designed for faculty and staff who are new to this area. We will introduce large language models such as ChatGPT and explore their implications for teaching, learning, and curriculum design.
Date: 31 July
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Venue: Online/Virtual Event
Organiser: CTLT
For more information and registration, click here.
Graduate Pathways to Success
Preparing Excellent Fellowship Applications
Writing grant applications is an important part of research and of your development as researchers. The first opportunity to put together something like a grant application for many graduate students is to apply for fellowships. But, why do these fellowships even exist? How do they relate to my time at UBC and my career? How are recipients for fellowships selected? The facilitator will provide perspective on the review process from the perspective of the committees that select fellowship recipients.
Date: Thursday, 17 July
Time: 1:00pm to 2:30 am
Location: Online
For more information and registration, click here.
Developing and Sustaining your Academic Writing Practice
From graduate students, postdoctoral fellows to senior faculty members, the writing process remains one of the most challenging elements of academic life. Yet it is our writing that is published, disseminated and eventually cited. We are asked to produce text in a systematic way, frequently juggling other responsibilities and strugling to carve enough time to write. Developing and sustaining a writing practice requires a set of systematic strategies that can carry us through in the process of completing articles, book manuscripts, book chapters and conference papers.
Date: Wednesday, 23 July
Time: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Location: Online
For more information and registration, click here.
Job Postings and Grants
CMHA BC Scholarship and Bursary Program
Canadian Mental Health Association
Since 1982, CMHA BC has been helping people with mental illness further their pursuit of post-secondary education through our scholarship and bursary programs. They are committed to lowering access barriers and would like to ensure that these scholarships and bursaries are available to anyone in British Columbia with lived experience who is pursuing higher education.
For more information, click here.
Participatory Action Research Grants
The Vancouver Foundation
Participatory Action Research (PAR) grants fund health-related research projects that investigate and understand the root causes of pressing health issues affecting our communities in BC. By focusing on the social determinants of health, such as education, employment, and healthcare— these grants play a critical role in generating knowledge and informing policy that invests in community health.
For more information, click here.
Marta Danylewycz Memorial Fund – Doctoral Research Grant
The Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women (CRIAW-ICREF) is accepting applications for the 2025 Marta Danylewycz Memorial Fund grant. This fund supports doctoral-level historical research in women’s and gender history from a feminist perspective.
Award amount: $2,000 (one grant available)
Application deadline: July 21, 2025 (by midnight)
Eligibility: Doctoral students in the later stages of their thesis or dissertation
For more details, please see the attached application form.
How to apply:
Submit the completed application form and all supporting documents to info@criaw-icref.ca by midnight on July 21, 2025. Please use the subject line: “Marta D. application”.
Congratulations!
The GAA Team would like to add our voice to congratulate the following EDST students on their achievements:
EDST GAA June 2025 Newsletter
The year is nearly halfway gone already! Time is flying by.
In this newsletter you will find information regarding:
- Mindfulness with Mahfida – DIY Bookmark Making Workshop
- Writing Sessions 2025
- An Evening in Support of CampOUT!
- 2025 EDST Summer Social BBQ
- Annual progress reports
- Workshops
- Job Postings
Mindfulness with Mahfida – DIY Bookmark Making Workshop
To live a happy, healthy, and successful life, it is important to de-stress everyday anxiety and focus on mental well-being. The EDST community can now participate in different mindfulness activities (arts & crafts, mindful eating, meditation, breathing exercises, gratitude journal, etc.) and learn through fun, how to take better care of the academic and professional journey. With a different theme every month, these mindfulness sessions can calm your mind from daily stress, allowing you to focus better on your work while embracing the brighter aspects of life.
Everyone is welcome, and we hope the staff and the faculty members will also join!
June Event: DIY Bookmark Making Workshop (make your own bookmark and take home with you!)
Date: 25 June (Wednesday), 12 pm – 1 pm
Location: PCN 2012, 6445 University Blvd
*Snacks and drinks will be provided for the participants
Please RSVP to reserve your spot now!
Writing Sessions 2025
Join the online writing sessions to improve your productivity in a regular and collaborative environment. Details can be found here.
An Evening in Support of CampOUT!
Hosted by UBC Faculty of Education’s Dean, Dr. Jan Hare, please join for An Evening in Support of CampOUT! presented by Vancity. On June 18th, enjoy an intimate evening of fine food and wine, and great company, while supporting and learning more about this exceptional youth leadership program that is making a positive impact in the lives of BC’s queer and trans youth.
Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm PDT
Location: Christie and David Garofalo’s beautiful West Vancouver home.
Dress Code: Fabulous
2025 EDST Summer Social BBQ!
The Department of Educational Studies and EDST Graduate Academic Assistants warmly invite our students, staff, faculty, and your families/communities to the 2025 EDST Summer Social BBQ! Please join us for a complimentary BBQ with halal and vegan options, a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and games!
Date: Thursday, July 10
Time: 6:00-9:00 PM
Location: Stanley Park Second Beach Picnic Shelter (Ceperley Park)
Please click to RSVP by July 02 at 5:00 PM.
Any questions? Email edst.gaa@ubc.ca
Annual progress reports
- Annual Progress Report for EDUC Aboriginal 4-Year PhD Scholarship were due by May 31. Form available via indigenous.education@ubc.ca
- Progress reports for all multi-year fellowship holders were due on June 1. Active multi-year fellowship holders must submit annual progress reports to ensure the continuous disbursement of the fellowship. https://www.grad.ubc.ca/forms/annual-progress-report-fellowship-holders
Deadlines for active fellowship holders to submit progress reports are based on fellowship start dates:
- June 1 for awards started in September
- November 15 for awards started in January
- March 15 for awards started in May
- MA and PhD students without multi-year fellowships need to submit an annual progress report to the department by June 30.
- EdD students must submit an annual progress report to the department by Aug. 15.
Workshops
UBC Library
The UBC Library offers a range of useful workshops on a range of topics. Here are some of the ones coming up this month that we think might be useful:
- Writing a Literature Review: Mapping the Scholarly Conversation
- Introduction to NVivo for qualitative data analysis
- Writing a Statement of Intent or Purpose: Crafting Your Scholarly Identity
- Intro to Data Visualization with Tableau
- Write to Flourish, Write with Flourish: An On-Campus Writing Retreat
You can also find a full list of the upcoming workshops from the Library here.
UBC Career Centre
Job Search Strategies
Learn the best ways to look for work online and in-person, and decide which strategies will help you to access the hidden job market.
Date: 5 June
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Venue: Online/Virtual Event
Organiser: UBC Career Centre
For more information and registration, click here.
Graduate Pathways to Success
Doctoral Defence: Doctoral Examination and Defence Procedures
The Doctoral Defence information session walks students through the doctoral examination process and explains the different defence modes – in-person, virtual, and hybrid.
Date: Thursday, 12 June
Time: 2:00pm to 3:15 am
Location: Online
For more information and registration, click here.
Job Postings and Grants
Anti-Racism Community Task Force Project Manager
The Peretz Centre in Vancouver is recruiting an Anti-Racism Community Task Force Project Manager for a new Task Force for Social Change in the Jewish Community, who will facilitate the development of strategic, intersectional, and thoughtful policy recommendations targeted towards systemic issues of justice.
Location: Hybrid
Dates: 1 July 2025 to 30 April 2026
Employment type: Contractor position
Hours of work: Flexible (approximately 30 hours per month, or 300 hours total)
Compensation: $50 per hour (approximately $16,000)
Application Deadline: June 8, 2025
For more details, click here.
Marta Danylewycz Memorial Fund – Doctoral Research Grant
The Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women (CRIAW-ICREF) is accepting applications for the 2025 Marta Danylewycz Memorial Fund grant. This fund supports doctoral-level historical research in women’s and gender history from a feminist perspective.
Award amount: $2,000 (one grant available)
Application deadline: July 21, 2025 (by midnight)
Eligibility: Doctoral students in the later stages of their thesis or dissertation
For more details, please see the attached application form.
How to apply:
Submit the completed application form and all supporting documents to info@criaw-icref.ca by midnight on July 21, 2025. Please use the subject line: “Marta D. application”.
