Education Studies: the issues explored

The rest of this volume seeks to reflect the nature of the discussion within this chapter. While it is not exhaustive, it will provide the reader with a detailed introduction to the issues they will encounter as they progress with their studies. Part 1, ‘Theoretical Perspectives’, demonstrates that education is not absolute. That is our current system is neither natural nor unchangeable; indeed, it is only relatively recently that education for all in the UK has been available. The part also demonstrates that the current system is ideologically based and that various alternative approaches and philosophies could be considered.

Education Studies: the issues explored

Part 2, ‘Policy’, shows us that political intervention in education shapes the experiences of learners. We can examine issues of international approaches and also the impact that international competition has upon the British system. In this part, alternative educational provision is considered, which helps us examine our current system in relation to alternatives. Part 3, ‘Society and the Individual’, demonstrates that the education that individuals experience is as much to do with their demographics as it is to do with their inherent ability. It also provides us with an understanding of the way in which individuals encounter and internalize information. The final part, ‘Inside the School’, examines not only what occurs within the classroom but furthermore the implications of the practice and the ideological and political processes that influence them. The way in which the curriculum has developed and the political and ideological issues that this involves are also explored.