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Three issues feature as the central themes throughout this book: the nature of social science in general; the nature of educational enquiry in particular; and the links between the language and concepts of research, on the one hand, and those of practice and policy on the other. In analyzing and interrelating these themes, Richard Pring shows their relationship to such central philosophical concepts as meaning, truth, and objectivity. This lucid and ambitious study will be seen as a classic of educational literature. Reviews of the first edition include: "A stimulating and readable book...Pring gives a succinct account of the different philosophical positions and makes a balanced evaluation ...
Is there life after death for secondary education? This book focuses upon the quality of learning. ‘Reform’, so called, too often begins with qualifications, examinations, institutional provision, paths of progression. All those are very important, but their value lies in the support they give to learners and their learning in its different forms. One needs to start with the aims of education and then with what it means to learn (practically, theoretically, morally) and with the very many different needs of the learners. That is what this book aims to do. In so doing, it will be both philosophical in analysis and empirical in example. So much is happening ‘from down below’ that goes ...
Reflecting on the meaning and purpose of an education at the mercy of political changes and innovation, this book considers the social, historical, religious and cultural contexts that define education systems. With a particular focus on how historical contexts shape the nature of education and its relevance to wider society, it explores the history of education in relation to social reform, economic relevance and raising standards. The first part of the book describes the developing system of education within England and Wales from the 19th century, with reference to the growing consciousness of the need for 'education for all'. The second part identifies key philosophical influences on the evolving understandings of education, and thereby of the developing policies and arrangements made in the light of those understandings which they generated. Finally, the third part of the book revisits the 'aims of education' in the light of the historical development and the philosophical critiques. This book will be of great interest to academics, researchers, postgraduate students and policy makers interested in the history of education and the moments that have defined it.
Examines the ideals which lay behind the development of comprehensive schools. Written by 14 British educationalists, this text considers the evidence and suggests how further progress might be made within the moral framework of secondary education for all, irrespective of background or ability. The text includes an afterword by the Rt Hon John Prescott, MP, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.
This volume contains a selection of lectures given by Professor Richard Pring to students at Oxford on a course for research training in education, and covers philosophy of mind, epistomology, ethics, and philosophy of science as they relate to education.
Highlighting key writings from Professor Richard Pring's international career in education, the texts in this book provide a historical perspective in relation to current debates about philosophy of education in the UK and internationally, drawing attention to issues of current concern.
In the World Library of Educationalists series, international experts themselves compile career-long collections of what they judge to be their finest pieces – extracts from books, key articles, salient research findings, major theoretical and practical contributions – so the world can read them in a single manageable volume. Readers will be able to follow the themes and strands and see how their work contributes to the development of the field. Thinking Philosophically about Education highlights several key writings from Richard Pring’s international career in education, providing a historical perspective in relation to current debates about philosophy of education in the UK and inter...
An investigation into how schools can influence the developing values of young people is given in this book. The authors first look, from the perspective of educationalists and policy makers, at values within contemporary education; in particular, moral, spiritual, democratic and environmental values together with arts and health education. Secondly, they focus on the values of pupils and schools, examining school aims and mission statements, the formal curriculum, school ethos and assessment of children's development.; Insights are provided with guidance on how values may be most effectively incorporated into the activities of the schools. This book is intended to be of use as a practical and informative guide to all those involved in primary and secondary education and those interested in values education generally.
The issue of methodology is a fundamental concern for all who engage in educational research. Presenting a series of methodological dialogues between eminent education researchers including Michael Apple, Gert Biesta, Penny Enslin, John Hattie, Nel Noddings, Michael Peters, Richard Pring and Paul Smeyers, this book explores the ways in which they have chosen and developed research methods to style their investigations and frame their arguments. These dialogues address the specialized and technical aspects of conducting educational research, conceptualize the relationship between methodology and theory, and provide in-depth discussion of concerns including falsifiability, openness, interpretation and researcher judgement. Foregrounding the researchers’ first-hand experience and knowledge, this book will provide future and current researchers with a deeper comprehension of the place of theory in education research. An illuminating resource for undergraduate and postgraduate researchers alike, Theory and Philosophy in Education Research confronts the intricate complexities of conducting education research in a highly engaging and accessible way.