Social Purpose And Schooling

First Published in 1998. This is Volume XXIV of twenty-eight in the Sociology of Education series. This book seeks to provide an introduction and guide to social psychology of education, looking at schools as a social space. Written in 1959 it is addressed primarily to teachers and student-teachers, taking in moral and social aspects of personality and not seeing schools as being for just academic instruction.

Critically analyzes claims made about alternative arrangements for education, in the light of the major, popularly understood social and political agendas, and of the much less understood and articulated assumptions and issues that underlie those agendas. Paper edition (unseen) $21. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

First published in 1991, this work critically analyses the competing claims about alternative arrangements for schooling. It does so in light of major popularly understood agendas for social and political purpose, and of the troubled and much less clearly understood assumptions and issues behind them. The book examines closely four generic types of arrangements for schooling in light of a comprehensive framework for understanding the publicness or privateness of schools, and the relationships between social and educational purpose. The book poses key questions about the meaning and purpose of schooling in the rapidly evolving social, demographic and technological realities of the time. It also probes fundamental assumptions, values and beliefs behind educational and public policy-making. In doing so, it offers a way to make sense of unorthodox arrangements for the provision and funding of schools.

This book, first published in 1959, was written to primarily address teachers and students of education, as well as those with a general interest in the changing practices of schools. Under the terms of the 1944 Education Act, which charged Local Authorities with contributing towards the ‘spiritual, moral, mental, and physical development of the community’. The author examines these ideas whilst examining the state of education in the United Kingdom after the 1944 Education Act.

'Cinderella' is the dominant metaphor used to describe further education, but the book challenges this deficit metaphor and replaces it with another of the Brothers Grimm's tales, the 'Twelve Dancing Princesses'. The twelve princesses escape from the room they are locked in to dance all through each night. As a metaphor for teaching in FE, this tale suggests the possibility of subversion, of autonomy in teaching and learning, and a collective rather than individualist notion of professionalism, even within repressive contexts. Twelve chapters from twelve experienced practitioners suggest professional development that will culminate in a collective, celebratory alternative. They explore the professional aspirations and commitment to social justice of prospective teacher education students in spite of the current ideological context of FE. They argue for inspiration from critical pedagogy so FE can maintain transformative professional space. They explore the impact of technology on learning, and the physical spaces in which teaching and learning are situated. They challenge the prevailing managerialist use of lesson observation and the resistance and collusion of FE managers. And they propose a notion of professionalism that focuses on educational values rather than market forces. This engaging, accessible and thought-provoking book is essential reading for teacher training courses, postgraduate students, sector researchers, and members of professional bodies and trade unions. If the sector is to be Grimm, asserts this inspirational collection, it should be so on our own terms: powerful, democratic and professional.

Listen to the podcast! Is the university contributing to our global crises or does it offer stories of hope? Much recent debate about higher education has focussed upon rankings, quality, financing and student mobility. The COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, the calls for decolonisation, the persistence of gender violence, the rise of authoritarian nationalism, and the challenge of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals have taken on new urgency and given rise to larger questions about the social relevance of higher education. In this new era of uncertainty, and perhaps opportunity, higher education institutions can play a vital role in a great transition or civilisational shift to a newly imagined world. Socially Responsible Higher Education: International Perspectives on Knowledge Democracy shares the experiences of a broadly representative and globally dispersed set of writers on higher education and social responsibility, broadening perspectives on the democratisation of knowledge. The editors have deliberately sought examples and viewpoints from parts of the world that are seldom heard in the international literature. Importantly, they have intentionally chosen to achieve a gender and diversity balance among the contributors. The stories in this book call us to take back the right to imagine, and ‘reclaim’ the public purposes of higher education.

This book is by, for, and about teachers. It is a showcase for the innovative practices that teachers have found most effective in teaching social responsibility. The authors offer a rare discussion of actual classroom practices and the insights teachers have had in experimenting with new ways to help students develop conflict resolution skills and social responsibility.

In a changing world, what is the social purpose of higher education? Combining a critique of contemporary universities, a manifesto for the future and a provocation to stimulate change, The New Power University examines how higher education can flourish in the 21st century. Using the framing of ‘new power’, Jonathan Grant illustrates how a different purpose for universities is necessary, through the application of a new set of values that puts social responsibility at the core of the academic mission, allowing the university to become an advocate of the policy and political issues that matter to its communities. The New Power University offers both a warning against the complacency of old power and a voice for many who see the opportunity and necessity for radical change in higher education. ‘Jonathan Grant examines the trends and urges the shedding of old shibboleths in order to embrace a new future. Insightful and engaging, this book will spur and shape the urgent debates learning communities need to have and resolve to avoid being left behind.’ Julia Gillard, Former Australian Prime Minister and Minister for Education; Chair-elect of the Wellcome Trust ‘A must-read for anyone interested in the transformative power of higher education.’ Ed Byrne, Former President King’s College London; co-author of The University Challenge ‘The New Power University is essential material for anyone wondering what universities are for and how they can help provide the answers to the most pressing challenges of our times.’ Jo Johnson, Chairman of Tes Global; former UK Minister for Universities, Science and Innovation