Exploring Education Studies is a rich and multi-layered investigation of the world of education. Although aimed at Education Studies courses, the book’s thematic approach also makes it an excellent general introduction to education. Building around four central themes – psychology, sociology, current policy and global education – the authors’ lively discussions capture the essence of this diverse subject area.
This book was written to help people understand and transform education and professional practice. It presents and extends the theory of practice architectures, and offers a contemporary account of what practices are composed of and how practices shape and are shaped by the arrangements with which they are enmeshed in sites of practice. Through its empirically-based case chapters, the book demonstrates how the theory of practice architectures can be used as a theoretical, analytical, and transformational resource to generate insights that have important implications for practice, theory, policy, and research in education and professional practice. These insights relate to how practices are shaped by arrangements (and other practices) present in specific sites of practice, including early childhood education settings, schools, adult education, and workplaces. They also relate to how practices create distinctive intersubjective spaces, so that people encounter one another in particular ways (a) in particular semantic spaces, (b) that are realised in particular locations and durations in physical space-time, and (c) in particular social spaces. By applying such insights, readers can work towards changing practices by transforming the practice architectures that make them possible.
This book explores the resurgence of interest in phenomenology as aphilosophy and research movement among scholars in education, thehumanities and social sciences. Brings together a series of essays by an international team ofphilosophers and educationalists Juxtaposes diverse approaches to phenomenological inquiry andaddresses questions of significance for education today Demonstrates why phenomenology is a contemporary movement thatis both dynamic and varied Highlights ways in which phenomenology can inform a broad rangeof aspects of educational theorising and practice, includinglearning through the body, writing online, being an authenticteacher, ambiguities in becoming professionals, and schooltransition
An Introduction to Education Studies presents a concise overview for students who are new to this area of academic study. Part 1 introduces the reader to the main themes they will encounter in their study of education such as the sociology of education, the philosophy of education, comparative education, and ethics for educators. Part 2 explores the contexts within which education takes place in order to stimulate further thinking about education in action. Issues such as disaffection, pupil voice and breaking barriers to learning are introduced to give the reader a feel for such issues and how they might approach them. Through discussions of relevant literature and research, and the use of case studies and exploratory activities, students are encouraged to actively engage with their learning about theories and disciplines within the study of education and the contexts in which learners live and work. Each chapter is written in an accessible style and provides the reader with start points for further study. This book serves as a true course companion to meet the needs of students and lecturers working on Education Studies programmes. Prospective teachers may also find the book of interest as the subject matter is discussed in terms of theory and practical applications in a range of educational contexts.
Shakespeare is revered as the greatest writer in the English language, yet education reform in the English-speaking world is informed primarily by the ‘market order’, rather than the kind of humanism we might associate with Shakespeare. By considering Shakespeare’s dramatisation of the principles that inform neoliberalism, this book makes an important contribution to the debate on the moral failure of the market mechanism in schools and higher education systems that have adopted neoliberal policy. The utility of Shakespeare’s plays as a means to explore our present socio-economic system has long been acknowledged. As a Renaissance playwright located at the junction between feudalism and capitalism, Shakespeare was uniquely positioned to reflect upon the nascent market order. As a result, this book utilises six of his plays to assess the impact of neoliberalism on education. Drawing from examples of education policy from the UK and North America, it demonstrates that the alleged innovation of the market order is premised upon ideas that are rejected by Shakespeare, and it advocates Shakespeare’s humanism as a corrective to the failings of neoliberal education policy. Using Shakespeare's Plays to Explore Education Policy Today will be of key interest to researchers, academics and students in the fields of education policy and politics, educational reform, social and economic theory, English literature and Shakespeare.
While the provision in Children’s and Young People’s Services endures much change and turbulence, the calling for well qualified and critically reflective practitioners remains ever present. This innovative and accessible core textbook explores the key themes, ideas, concepts and topics that are central to practitioners working across the 0-19 sector. It aims to help students develop the professional knowledge, practical skills and core values they need to work effectively with children and young people. Clearly divided into four sections; the practitioner, the learner, the workplace and the community, the book covers a broad range of issues including: The different roles and responsibilities of the workforce Multi-agency working and its challenges Working with parents, carers and the community Supporting children with additional needs and meeting the needs of gifted learners Work-based reflective practice Language learning and communication At each stage the book facilitates opportunities for personal and professional reflection, discussion, debate and action through case studies, activities, reflective tasks, areas for further consideration, and annotated further readings. The text also features a glossary of terms and links to practice standards. The book is supported by a free companion website featuring instructor resources such as assignable case studies, reflective tasks and activities, tables and figures from the book available to download, and sample chapters from the book; and student resources including helpful links to further information, links to relevant video material, and an interactive flashcard glossary. Empowering the Children’s and Young People’s Workforce seeks to empower the reader by supporting their initial and continuing professional development, enabling them to positively influence provision for children and young people. It is essential reading for anyone studying or working in this sector.
The book introduces students to the exciting content of Education Studies by offering discussion of a wide range alternative visions of education.With a distintinctive international and global focus, this is an essential resource for all students of Education Studies.
Education has become dominated by testing, standards, interventions, strategies and political policy. Yet while elements such as these are important, Exploring Education and Childhood contends it is childhood - including its sociology and psychology - that is the vital holistic context for teaching and learning. Written by a team of specialists who bring both experience of classroom teaching, teacher training, and of rigorous research and scholarship, each chapter examines a topic that is of vital importance to teaching and the work of teachers. The book explores examples of educational practice that illuminate contemporary problems and future possibilities for education; develops educational theory to better understand practice and policy; and critically evaluates education policy in the international context. With an emphasis on reflection and deep thinking - something that all the best teachers are able to do - key issues in the book include: the voice of the child metacognitive strategies agency, pedagogy and curriculum performativity, standards, and school readiness educational settings and new technology teacher expertise and agency diversity and child agency families, society and school choice. Illustrated with powerful examples of practice, together with key questions for reflection and further reading, Exploring Education and Childhood challenges education professionals, policy makers, and all peple with an interest in education to envision a new future. It will be essential reading for all student teachers and teachers, and is particular appropriate for Masters-level research, professional studies, Education Studies.
This new text for education undergraduates covers a broad range of themes from across the education sector and focuses on some key contemporary issues. The text includes links to both up-to-date research and more seminal, often cited research and theories.
There is a growing demand for educational professionals to develop a more critical understanding of the key and emerging debates in education so that they can better meet the challenges and demands placed upon them. Exploring Education at Postgraduate Level represents a range of perspectives from educational experts to academic researchers, and highlights the key issues surrounding contemporary education. Organised into three parts and drawing on key issues in education theory, policy and practice, the book considers areas such as SEN, evaluating learning, ESOL and gender. Featuring reflective questions, case studies and summaries of core ideas, the chapters include: Troublesome learning journey; Applying educational thinkers to contemporary educational practice; Values production through social and emotional learning; Policy research: In defence ad hocery?; We are all critically reflective now: The politics of critical reflection in higher education and in the work place; Developing critical thought about SEN; The refuge of relativism. Aimed at supporting students on Masters-level courses, this acessible but critically provocative text is an essential resource for those wishing to develop a more critical understanding of the role, purpose and function of educational systems and practices.
The Routledge Education Studies Textbook is an academically wide-ranging and appropriately challenging resource for students beyond the introductory stages of a degree programme in Education Studies. Written in a clear and engaging style, the chapters are divided into three sections that examine fundamental ideas and issues, explore educational contexts, and offer study and research guidance respectively. To support the development of critical thinking, debates between contributors are interspersed within sections and address the following questions: Do private schools legitimise privilege? Should the liberal state support religious schooling? Are developments in post-14 education reducing the divide between the academic and the vocational? Do schools contribute to social and community cohesion? Do traditional and progressive teaching methods exist or are there only effective and ineffective methods? Educational Research: a foundation for teacher professionalism? Each chapter opens with an overview of the rationale behind it and closes with a summary of the main points. At the end of every chapter key questions are posed, encouraging the student to critically reflect on the content, and suggestions for further reading are made. The Routledge Education Studies Textbook is essential reading for students of Education Studies, especially during second and third years of the undergraduate degree. It will be of interest to trainee teachers, including those working towards M Level. A companion volume, The Routledge Education Studies Reader by the same editors, contains key classic and contemporary academic articles and has been designed to be used alongside this Textbook.