A Concise Guide to Education Studies

This book explores key contemporary issues in education, featuring the latest theoretical perspectives and policies, aimed at supporting the professional development and understanding of those working or intending to work in the education sector. Both school- and college-based education have faced rapid change over the last few years. A strong research base around the impact of these changes is emerging, enabling a critically informed debate on policy and practice developments. The book provides an up to date evidence-based overview of key changes, their underlying rationale and an examination of alternative viewpoints. The content is concise and focused while still developing readers’ critical thinking skills through tasks embedded within each chapter as well as a distinct section on critical reflective thinking. Other key topics include inclusion, leadership, community education, comparative education, research and education futures.

Duncan Hindmarch is Award Leader for Lifelong Learning Teacher Training and the Foundation Degree in Education at Staffordshire University. He has over 15 years' teaching experience, having worked overseas and in the UK. With a background in Teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages, he has been involved in developing and delivering ESOL and Initial Teacher Training programmes since 2005.

Fiona Hall is an award leader for the BA in Education within the School of Education at Staffordshire University. She has more than 20 years’ experience of working within primary, further and higher education. She has also been involved in teacher training in further education, undertaking teacher observations. Her current research interests are situated in the exploration of teaching assistant practice in schools. Fiona has co-authored Supporting Primary Teaching and Learning.

Lynn Machin is Award Leader and Senior Lecturer within the School of Education at Staffordshire University. She has over 20 years’ experience of teaching in post-14 education. Lynn has had a variety of roles within initial teacher education (ITE) including developing and writing the modules that make up the suite of qualifications within ITE in the FE and Skills Sector.

Sandra Murray is a lecturer within the School of Education at Staffordshire University. Sandra, having taught for many years in a further education college, has a wide range of experience supporting and teaching teachers in the further education sector and has been teaching on Initial Teacher Education programmes since 2006. Her particular research interest is inspirational and outstanding teaching. She has written and co-authored several books for teachers within further education, including A Complete Guide to the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training and A Complete Guide to the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training.