Key Questions in Education: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives

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The media is full of reference to failing schools, troublesome pupils, underperforming boys, disappearing childhood and a teaching profession in crisis as more and more teachers contemplate abandoning their careers. Key Questions in Education looks at the current and historical debates of each of these issues, examining how a multitude of stakeholders have viewed, and still view, childhood and schooling. In highlighting how these same or similar issues have persistently been debated throughout time, John T. Smith shows something of their complexity and the need to break apart these key enduring questions in education. Each chapter covers a key question such as: How far should the state interfere in education Should schools feed their pupils and Why do children misbehave Analysing each key question, chapters discuss how such issues were viewed or defined in the past, what solutions and outcomes were envisaged and compare and contrast how this relates to where we are now. Clear links are made throughout between historical sources and current ideology, policy, practice and research. In opening up these debates through case studies and vignettes, students are encouraged to reflect on how these contentious issues might be resolved and how this affects them as future educators.

Reviews

Key Questions in Education is an essential read for anyone interested in education ... I found this book incredibly informative and thought provoking, as a teacher, senior lecturer of childhood, and someone who is deeply interested in education. I strongly recommend it. * Journal of Education for Teaching *
[This book] provides a sound background to some key educational issues from a wider perspective ... It explores the debate around the status of teaching as a profession and would be of value to those engaged in further education. * SEN Magazine *
This book has the rare merit of addressing a wide range of key questions which get to the heart of perennial disagreements over the nature and purpose of education, whilst at the same time making the answers accessible to a wide audience. Each chapter shows how the question asked is rooted in changing social and political understandings which the author sets out in detail. In so doing, the book reflects deep historical scholarship, yet a clear understanding of contemporary issues. * Richard Pring, Emeritus Professor, Department of Education, University of Oxford, UK *

Author Bio

John T. Smith was formerly Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Hull, UK. He has taught on Secondary and Primary PGCE courses as well as undergraduate and Masters Education courses for over twenty years.