Situating the cases of England and Australia within broader global policy trends, this book critically analyses what has gone wrong with education policy. Drawing on wide-ranging research, the authors issue a fundamental challenge to current policy orthodoxies, and identify policy alternatives to make education both better and fairer.
Focusing on long-term case studies from four primary schools, the book explores the gap between conventional literacy practices and those that more effectively foster young people's learning. It offers an in-depth analysis of the intricate schooling environments and the underlying policy frameworks that influence them, aiming to shed light on how educational approaches can be improved for better literacy outcomes.
A Conversation with the Research of John Smyth
The book delves into the intersection of research and politics, highlighting how Smyth challenges ineffective theories by introducing more democratic alternatives. Through a vigorous examination of the lives he studies, he underscores the inherent political nature of research, advocating for a more inclusive approach to knowledge creation.