What is Education Studies?

As previously mentioned, Education Studies is the academic study of education and while the exact content will differ from institution to institution, certain elements will remain core to the degree programmes. Education is not an uncontested environment and as you progress through this volume you will encounter a range of perspectives. One thing that you will immediately notice is that education is not limited to what takes place in schools, or indeed other formal institutions such as universities and colleges. The role of politics in education is of crucial understanding, as is the family background of an individual. The responsibility we put on education and the approaches we bring to it are all of importance.

Finally, the ways in which we internalize information and how we learn as adults and children remain of crucial importance. Each of these issues is found within this volume and will no doubt form an integral part of your studies. It is further worth noting two issues: first, education is in a constant state of flux, it is essential to keep abreast of the changing nature of the subject, the impact of new policies, changing economic needs and the political pressure those responsible for the discipline find themselves under.

All these issues mean that education will change rapidly and an awareness of both these changes and their implications is crucial to our understanding of the topic. Second, as each of us has been through at least one level of the education system, the implications of the debates you will find throughout this volume will not be completely new to you. What will differ, however, is your awareness of the issues as you reflect not only upon your personal experiences but combine that with the deeper understanding you gain through your studying and your readings.

What is Education Studies?

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), in their benchmark statement, describe Education Studies thus: education studies is concerned with understanding how people develop and learn throughout their lives, and the nature of knowledge and critical engagement with ways of knowing and understanding. It offers an intellectually rigorous analysis of educational processes, systems and approaches, and their cultural, societal, political, historical and economic contexts. Many courses include the study of broader perspectives such as international education, economic relationships, the effects of globalisation and the role of education in human rights and ecological issues. They all include a critique of current policies and practice and challenge assumptions.

It is worth noting a number of issues in the above statement. First, Education Studies is not just about school but concerns itself with education in all its formats, both informal and formal aspects of the discipline. Second, that any current system of education reflects wider issues within society, both nationally and increasingly globally. The changing nature of the economy, issues within society, such as obesity and anti-social behaviour, and the lack of political engagement all influence the nature of education, particularly within the school environment. Third, that Education Studies is about critique and developing a deeper understanding of the issues; this critique is crucial as education is an issue that impacts upon us all, either directly or in terms of societies development.