Understanding Education Studies: Critical Issues and New Directions

This book explores undergraduate education programmes in a new way. Written by those at the forefront of teaching and learning, it encourages students to delve beneath the surface of their degree subject and reveals important insights about the how, why and where next for education studies.

With contributions from course leaders, tutors, current students and recent graduates, this book offers insights from nearly 60 authors based in 20 different institutions from five different countries. The chapters offer opportunities for readers to consider their own learning experiences in a wider context, enhance their understanding of the degree course and actively shape the education studies community of the future.

Each chapter is written in an accessible way, with ‘questions to consider’ throughout and ‘recommended readings’ at the end to advance readers’ thinking and reflections. Chapters cover topics such as:

• Education Studies’ development as a degree subject
• Its evolving identity, values and purposes
• Teaching and assessment approaches in undergraduate education programmes
• How the subject develops students’ professional aptitudes and transferable skills
• Possibilities for advancing inclusion, equity and justice in education at degree level

These ‘behind the scenes’ factors are brought to the fore through case studies and examples of how lecturers and students make sense of their teaching and learning. With its unique approach to examining these issues, this book is essential for students of Education Studies at undergraduate level while also being relevant for staff and postgraduate students in education.

Mark Pulsford is an Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Education Studies at the University of Warwick.

Rebecca Morris is an Associate Professor in the Department of Education Studies at the University of Warwick.

Ross Purves is an Associate Professor of Music Education at the Institute of Education, University College London’s Faculty of Education and Society.