Changing academic practices: Evolving roles in the third space

Focus: The concept of a third space, situated between or alongside academic and professional roles in higher education, has been explored by researchers since the early 2000s. This presentation analyses the current state of scholarly inquiry published during the past two decades. Background/context: Whitchurch (2008) adapted the concept of third space to the field of higher education where it has proven useful as a lens through which to view the evolving nature of work and roles in universities. The continuing disruptions in higher education worldwide highlight the importance of the third space and the need for further exploration. Description: A scoping review of research about third space work and third space workers in the higher education literature from 2000 to 2022 was conducted. Method: More than 2570 articles retrieved from nine scholarly databases. The title, abstract, and keywords of the articles were screened against the defined inclusion criteria resulting in 43 papers for analysis. Data was extracted to summarise the literature, including method, participant characteristics, theoretical framing, implications, and recommendations for future research. Evidence: Collectively the articles revealed that the third space in higher education remains an emerging and rich area of study which is yet to influence policy and practice at institutional or national levels. Thus, the third space presents fertile ground for more analytical and empirical investigations that may transform the nature of higher education work. Contribution: This scoping review represents an essential first step to developing a more systematic and nuanced research agenda allowing the third space to contribute to higher education goals and priorities. Engagement: By taking stock of what is known about the third space, we will invite the audience to engage in reflective questions about how third space work and third space workers in their institution can enable and empower innovation in higher education. References: Croucher, G. (2023). Three decades of change in Australia’s university workforce. Melbourne Centre for the Study of Higher Education, The University of Melbourne. https://doi.org/10.26188/23995704 Department of Education. (2023). Australian Universities Accord Interim Report. https://www.education.gov.au/australian-universities-accord/resources/accord-interim-report Norton, A. (2023). Mapping Australian higher education 2023. ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods. https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/research/publications/mapping-australian-higher-education-2023 Whitchurch, C. (2008). Shifting identities and blurring boundaries: The emergence of Third Space professionals in UK higher education. Higher Education Quarterly, 62, 377-396. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2273.2008.00387.x