- Table View
- List View
Understanding Dropouts: Statistics, Strategies, and High-Stakes Testing
by Committee on Educational Excellence Testing EquityA report on Statistics, Strategies, and High-Stakes Testing
Understanding Dyscalculia and Numeracy Difficulties: A Guide for Parents, Teachers and Other Professionals
by Patricia Babtie Jane EmersonDyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty that affects the acquisition of numerical skills. A far larger number of pupils, while not dyscalculic, fail to acquire the basic numerical skills required for everyday life. Whatever the cause of poor numeracy it is essential that these difficulties are identified and addressed. This book looks at how adults can help identify each child's specific areas of difficulty and describes a multi-sensory approach that can be adapted for the needs of each student to help them better understand numbers and apply that understanding to solve problems. It covers the origins of number sense and how the brain deals with numbers, assessment, planning intervention, what to teach and how to teach it, and how parents can help their children. This straightforward guide will be essential reading for any parent, teacher or education professional working with a child with dyscalculia or numeracy difficulties.
Understanding EAP Learners’ Beliefs about Language Learning from a Socio-cultural Perspective: A Longitudinal Study at an EMI Context in Mainland China
by Chili LiThis book focuses on the dynamic nature of EAP (English for academic purposes) learners’ beliefs about language learning in their shift from an EFL (English as a foreign language) environment to an EMI (English as the medium of instruction) setting in mainland China. It adopts a mixed method paradigm, whose quantitative part aims to capture the general dynamic feature of the selected student population, while its qualitative part attempts to unveil the process of change in beliefs about language learning among the sample. It is hypothesized that the change in their beliefs about language learning is the result of the interplay between the learners’ agency and the mediation of the contextual realities at the institutional and social levels.
Understanding Early Childhood Education and Care in Australia: Practices and perspectives
by Joanne AilwoodIn order to effectively practise as an early childhood educator it is essential to understand the theories, policies and pedagogy that shape the discipline. Understanding Early Childhood Education and Care in Australia provides core foundational knowledge that is critical for best practice.Part One looks at concepts of childhood and the development of mass education before examining influential theories including developmental psychology, sociology, feminisms and critical theory. Specific approaches are also analysed including Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Multiple Intelligences and HighScope. Part Two focuses on the guiding frameworks and policies in Australia and explores in depth issues affecting Indigenous children and provisions for recognising diversity and the practice of inclusion. The final section examines teaching and leadership and considers curriculum, pedagogy and assessment, building relationships between staff and families, the care of babies and infants, the environment in which early childhood education takes place and the responsibilities and professional development of teachers.This essential reference will ensure pre-service teachers develop a sophisticated understanding of how theory underpins effective practice in early childhood education.
Understanding Early Childhood Mental Health: A Practical Guide For Professionals
by Susan J. Summers Rachel Chazan-Cohen Hiram FitzgeraldAn easily accessible guidebook that presents effective strategies to integrate mental health services in early childhood programs and work in partnership with families to enhance young children's mental health.
Understanding Early Years Education across the UK: Comparing practice in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales
by Diane Boyd Nicky HirstThe four nations of the UK each have distinctive policy and curricula in relation to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). This new textbook offers a comprehensive look at early years education in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, bringing the curriculum frameworks for each country together in one place. Drawing on the cultural and practical pedagogy of each curriculum, this book aims to develop students’ understanding of the development, care, education, health, well-being and upbringing of young children across the UK in a social, pedagogical and policy context. Divided into two sections, the first examines each country’s learning and teaching requirements in detail within a policy context. The book then explores the similarities and differences between the curricula, focusing on key areas such as play, the indoor and outdoor learning environment, the family and assessment. Accessible and engaging, this book will help students to analyse and question practice both in their own country and across all four Home Nations. Features include: case studies to illustrate practice and a frequently asked questions section in each chapter to clarify key points and opportunities for reflection and debate. Including contributions from expert practitioners in each country, this text is essential reading for all students studying early childhood and will help them to understand the impact of policy on children and families across the UK.
Understanding Early Years Inequality: Policy, assessment and young children's identities
by Alice BradburyUnderstanding Early Years Inequality uses critical sociological perspectives to examine the impact of changing assessment policy on primary school classrooms, with a particular focus on issues of inequality. Drawing on accounts of life in early years classrooms, Alice Bradbury suggests that a specific model of the ‘good learner’ operates, and that this model works to exclude some groups of students from positions of educational success. Key themes examined throughout this book relate to: The relationship between assessment policy and children’s identities as learners; The complexity of classroom life; The power of assessment to shape definitions of ‘learning’ and ‘learners’; The impact of discourses of class, race, religion and the ‘inner city’ on how children are assessed, and how assumptions about inner city schools and low attainment can put pressure on teachers to assess children in particular ways. In this important text, the author argues that assessment policies can have a huge impact on classrooms and teachers, as well as having potentially damaging effects for young children, particularly those from minoritised and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The book explores in detail the complex interaction of education policies with discourses of attainment and expectation, and the resulting reproduction of patterns of inequality. Understanding Early Years Inequality will have an immediate impact on current debates about educational policy and practice in Early Years education, and will be of particular interest to academics and students in educational studies, sociology of education, and early childhood studies.
Understanding Early Years Policy
by Peter Baldock Damien Fitzgerald Janet Kay'This book is a gem! It sets out in a very straightforward and comprehensible way the vast framework of policy which shapes the nature of early years services in the UK today . This book should be on the reading list of all early years practitioners, multi-agency professionals and students as a timely reminder of the context in which they work' - Early Years Update 'This is a fabulous resource, with helpful and practical hints, tips and downloadable electronic resources . A truly invaluable resource for leaders and managers in any early years setting, or for those who are responsible for training members of the children's workforce' - Early Years Educator 'This is an excellent and accessible text which is useful to both practitioners and students. It clearly outlines developments in early years policy in recent years, placing it in its political and social context. The inclusion of policy developments in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales in this latest edition gives a new and broader perspective of policy in the United Kingdom than previously available in a single text. Students studying the topic at degree level will find the framework for analyzing the impact of policy particularly enlightening' - Sue O'Neill, Award Director FdA Management of Childcare Provision, Liverpool Hope University 'I predict that this book will quickly find a place on the book lists of colleges and universities around the country' - ESCalate 'This book is excellent. It is very easy to read and it starts with the basics, before allowing the reader to be more reflective' - Michelle Smith, BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies and Early Years PGCE Covering the latest developments in early years policy, this book explores the processes of how policy is made, implemented, analysed and developed over time. It provides a complete overview of early years policy and evaluates its impact on practice, and it facilitates discussion and critical thinking around policy issues and policy development with the inclusion throughout the book of case studies, points for reflection and activities. There is suggested further reading and a short summary at the end of each chapter, and useful websites are cited. This second edition of a respected book has been substantially revised to include: - a new chapter on policy across England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland - discussion of the new Early Years Foundation Stage - recent developments in Special Educational Needs - a revised and updated timeline of early years legislation - new case studies, covering the Birth to Eight age range - a revised and updated Glossary Suitable for all early years students at all levels, and early years practitioners at any stage of their career, this book is a must-have for navigating the minefield of early years legislation.
Understanding Early Years Policy
by Damien Fitzgerald Janet KayNow in its fourth edition, this bestselling textbook continues to provide fully updated coverage of all the latest developments in early years policy such as the revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), SEND Code of Practice 0-25 years and the Children and Families Act 2014. Exploring how policy is made, implemented, analysed and developed over time this book presents a complete overview of early years policy and an evaluation of its ongoing impact on practice. This Fourth Edition has been significantly updated to include: Full coverage of the 2010-2015 UK Coalition Government. A comprehensive timeline of Early Years policy Guidance on how to research policy for yourself More international case studies, now including the US and Scandinavia. New material on how to manage policy changes as a practitioner An expandedfocus of the devolved countries within the UK This text is an essential read for early years students at all levels, and early years practitioners.
Understanding Early Years Policy
by Damien Fitzgerald Janet KayPreviously known as Baldock: Understanding Early Years Policy is in its Fourth Edition. This best-selling textbook continues to provide fully updated coverage of all the latest developments in early years policy such as the revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), SEND Code of Practice 0-25 years and the Children and Families Act 2014. Exploring how policy is made, implemented, analysed and developed over time this book presents a complete overview of early years policy and an evaluation of its ongoing impact on practice. This Fourth Edition has been significantly updated to include: Full coverage of the 2010-2015 UK Coalition Government. A comprehensive timeline of Early Years policy Guidance on how to research policy for yourself More international case studies, now including the US and Scandinavia. New material on how to manage policy changes as a practitioner An expandedfocus of the devolved countries within the UK This text is an essential read for early years students at all levels, and early years practitioners.
Understanding Early Years Policy
by Janet Kay Peter Baldock Damien FitzgeraldFully updated to include all the latest developments in early years policy such as the revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), this book explores how policy is made, implemented, analysed and developed over time. There is a complete overview of early years policy, and an evaluation of its ongoing impact on practice. Case studies, points for reflection and activities encourage discussion and critical thinking. <P><P> This Third Edition has been significantly updated to include:<P> - a new chapter on international early years policy<P> - discussion of the impact of the recession and the Coalition Government's policies<P> - material on how ordinary practitioners can influence policy<P> - a revised timeline of early years legislation.<P> This text is an essential read for early years students at all levels, and early years practitioners.<P> Peter Baldock worked extensively in Early Years education and was chair of the executive committees of two children's chartities based in Sheffield.<P> Damien Fitzgerald and Janet Kay are both Principal Lecturers in Childhood Studies at Sheffield Hallam University.
Understanding Education and Economics: Key Debates and Critical Perspectives (The Routledge Education Studies Series)
by Bustillos Morales Jessie A. Abegglen SandraUnderstanding Education and Economics explores the multiple ways in which the field of education and schooling has become closely aligned with economic imperatives and interests, and the impact of this on learning and teaching. In particular, the increasing influence of economic arguments, economic ideologies and government involvement in education have made apparent that there is a need to reflect and talk about economic influences and trends in education. Drawing on the expertise of educationalists around the world, the book articulates key debates and theoretical perspectives which can give both students and staff across several courses within the study of education a framework for discussing and analysing how economics defines and shapes the nature and purposes of education. The chapters offer discussions and reflections on key issues, including: the historical developments that led to the creation of a formal education system in England and Wales; the ways in which neoliberalism underpins education, including the coercion of education to serve economic needs; the economics of the university as an institution. Addressing philosophical, sociological, historical, psychological and social issues in education and encouraging readers to pose questions about the nature of education, this book is a valuable resource for students and staff alike and will allow them to broaden perspectives on what education could be for, and what it should be for.
Understanding Education and Educational Research
by Paul Smeyers Richard SmithEducational research is widely believed to be essentially empirical, consisting mainly of collecting and analysing data, with randomised control trials as the 'gold standard'. This book argues that good educational research is often philosophical in nature. Offering a critical overview of the current state of educational research, the authors argue that there are two factors in particular that distort it. One is that throughout the world it is expected to serve the interests of the state in securing educational improvements, as measured by standardised examination results, and to demonstrate 'scientific' credentials sufficient to guarantee absence of ideological bias and carry conviction. The other is that learning to do educational research is generally seen as a matter of being trained in empirical 'research methods'. The authors demonstrate, by contrast, that good educational research needs the rigorous thinking characteristic of philosophy, and that philosophical treatments themselves sometimes constitute such research.
Understanding Education in the European Union: From Different Systems to an Ideal One (SpringerBriefs in Education)
by Nicola AcocellaThis book examines the importance of education in the European context, from knowledge acquisition to its instrumental nature. It provides a short history of education of schools around the world before delving into the comparisons of European education systems through exploration of their organization, teaching methods, attendance models and public versus private provision and costs. Additionally, it discusses the existence of NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) within these systems. Starting with addressing the six dimensions of the European Education Area devised by the Bologna Process, it concludes with identifying a need for a superior education model that accommodates different aspects of education which is not yet satisfactorily achieved by any existing systems, offering insight into an ideal education system. Inviting reflection on the role of education and its future, educators, educational administrators, and those interested in understanding and improving the functioning of schools find this book of great value.
Understanding Education Policy
by Tiffany JonesAnalysis of education policy often follows a particular orientation, such as conservative or neo-liberal. Yet, readers are often left to wonder the true meaning and conceptual framing behind these orientations. Without this knowledge, the policy analysis lacks true rigor, its value is diminished as the results may prove difficult to reproduce. Understanding Education Policy provides an overarching framework of four key orientations that lie beneath much policy analysis, yet are rarely used with accuracy: conservative, liberal, critical and post-modern. It details each orientation's application to policy making, implementation and overall impact. The book also argues the value of analysing a policy's orientation to improve the clarity of its analysis and allow broader trends across the education policy field to emerge. The book offers practical examples, key vocabulary and reflection activities which give equitable, yet critical consideration to all education orientations. This allows readers to see the benefits and disadvantages of each perspective and discover their own biases. This introduction to education policy analysis offers theoretically broad, highly practical coverage. It is adaptable to many kinds of policy analysis areas and will appeal to a wide range of readers with an interest in education policy, from students conducting specific research to policy makers looking for a deeper way to re-think their work.
Understanding Education Policy
by Chris RolphFrom academisation and free schools to workforce retention and curriculum change, education policy is a complicated, constantly evolving topic that sits at the heart of any academic study of education. This book offers a critical contextual analysis of education policy and the political ideas that drive policy. It maps a careful journey across the recent policy landscape in England looking at major areas of the education system such as: the curriculum, SEND, pedagogy and the school workforce. Analysis is informed by assessing the real-world impact and implications of government initiatives and by taking into account key contextual issues. Case studies from educational settings, supported by study questions to prompt your thinking, examine how key policy ideas operate in practice. This is the ideal overview of education policy for anyone studying Education Studies degrees at undergraduate level, trainee teachers seeking a deeper understanding of how policy affects the schools they will work in, and Master’s students wanting a clear primer on the subject. Chris Rolph is Director of the Nottingham Institute of Education, Nottingham Trent University.
Understanding Education Policy
by Chris RolphFrom academisation and free schools to workforce retention and curriculum change, education policy is a complicated, constantly evolving topic that sits at the heart of any academic study of education. This book offers a critical contextual analysis of education policy and the political ideas that drive policy. It maps a careful journey across the recent policy landscape in England looking at major areas of the education system such as: the curriculum, SEND, pedagogy and the school workforce. Analysis is informed by assessing the real-world impact and implications of government initiatives and by taking into account key contextual issues. Case studies from educational settings, supported by study questions to prompt your thinking, examine how key policy ideas operate in practice. This is the ideal overview of education policy for anyone studying Education Studies degrees at undergraduate level, trainee teachers seeking a deeper understanding of how policy affects the schools they will work in, and Master’s students wanting a clear primer on the subject. Chris Rolph is Director of the Nottingham Institute of Education, Nottingham Trent University.
Understanding Education Research: A Guide to Critical Reading
by Gary Shank Janice Pringle Launcelot BrownUnderstanding Education Research, 2nd Edition is designed to help students learn to read educational research articles carefully, systematically, and critically. Readers will learn how to categorize titles, decode abstracts, find research questions, characterize research arguments, break down methods and procedures, explore references, apply analysis strategies, and interpret findings. This textbook and quick reference guide allows students to easily develop the skills they need to become research literate and the 2nd edition has been updated throughout to offer simple guidelines for qualitative, quantitative, and statistical approaches and up-to-date information on complex and confusing methodologies.
Understanding Education Studies: Critical Issues and New Directions (The Routledge Education Studies Series)
by Mark PulsfordThis 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.
Understanding Educational Aims (Routledge Library Editions: Philosophy of Education #21)
by Colin WringeThis text, first published in 1988, examines the underlying rationale of educational aims as applied to individual pupils, social policies and supposedly intrinsic values. This book explores traditional educational aims such as developing the potential and autonomy of individuals or the promotion of rationality as well as more contemporary and often controversial ones. The author provides a clear and balanced justification of educational aims which teachers need in order to combat the rhetoric of changing fashion or the pressures of political and managerial opportunism. This book is essential reading both for students and teachers.
Understanding Educational Developers: Tales from the Center
by Leslie D. Cramblet Alvarez Christopher M. HakalaMuch has been written about centers for teaching and learning at the university level, but little about the professionals who work within them. This book gives educational developers the space to tell their stories and capture what it means to be in the profession.Through a blend of scholarship and personal narratives, this book asks and answers important questions about who educational developers are, how they transitioned to the work, what they do, and the skills and competencies they need to be successful. Readers will come away with an understanding of the nuances, challenges, and joys of working with both students and faculty to create outstanding learning environments.Understanding Educational Developers is a must-read for both new and experienced educational developers, as well as university administrators who are positioned to advocate for center staff.
Understanding Educational Psychology
by Wolff-Michael Roth Alfredo JornetThis book takes up the agenda of the late (but unknown) L. S. Vygotsky, who had turned to the philosopher Spinoza to develop a holistic approach to psychology, an approach that no longer dichotomized the body and mind, intellect and affect, or the individual and the social. In this approach, there is only one substance, which manifests itself in different ways in the thinking body, including as biology and culture. The manifestation as culture is premised on the existence of the social. In much of current educational psychology, there are unresolved contradictions that have their origin in the opposition between body and mind, individual and collective, and structure and process--including the different nature of intellect and affect or the difference between knowledge and its application. Many of the same contradictions are repeated in constructivist approaches, which do not overcome dichotomies but rather acerbate them by individualizing and intellectualizing our knowledgeable participation in recognizably exhibiting and producing the everyday cultural world. Interestingly enough, L. S. Vygotsky, who is often used as a referent for making arguments about inter- and intrasubjective "mental" "constructions," developed, towards the end of his life, a Spinozist approach according to which there is only one substance. This one substance manifests itself in two radically different ways: body (material, biology) and mind (society, culture). But there are not two substances that are combined into a unit; there is only one substance. Once such an approach is adopted, the classical question of cognitive scientists about how symbols are grounded in the world comes to be recognized as an artefact of the theory. Drawing on empirical materials from different learning settings--including parent-child, school, and workplace settings--this book explores the opportunities and implications that this non-dualist approach has for educational research and practice.
Understanding Educational Reform in Global Context: Economy, Ideology, and the State (Reference Books in International Education #22)
by Mark GinsburgFirst Published in 1991. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
Understanding Educational Research: Perspectives On Methodology And Practice (Social Research And Educational Studies #Vol. 16)
by David Scott Robin UsherThis book explores educational research in terms of the relationship between epistemology, methodology and practice. Divided into two sections, the first examines the frameworks which underpin the methods educational researchers use. The second looks at a broad spectrum of approaches, including feminist approaches, action research, ethnography and biographical research. The issues covered are central to all within the research community including students undertaking research degrees or research methodology courses.
Understanding Employer Engagement in Education: Theories and evidence
by Anthony Mann Julian Stanley Louise ArcherThis collection focuses on employer engagement in education, how it is delivered and the differentiated impact it has on young people in their progression through schooling and higher education into the labour market. The focus is not narrowly on vocational or technical education or work-related learning, but on how employer engagement (eg, work experience, internships, careers education, workplace visits, mentoring, enterprise education etc) influences the experiences and outcomes of the broad range of young people across mainstream academic learning programmes. The essays explore the different ways in which education can support or constrain social mobility and, in particular, how employer engagement in education can have significant impact upon social mobility – both positive and negative. Leading international contributors examine issues surrounding employer engagement and social mobility: conceptualisations of employer engagement; trends in social mobility; employer engagement and social class; access and management of work experience; social capital and aspiration; access to employment. The book makes employer engagement an innovative focus in relation to the well established fields of social mobility and school to work transition. By examining what difference employer engagement makes, the essays raise questions about conventional models and show how research drawing on different fields and disciplines can be brought together to provide a more coherent and convincing account. Building on new theorisations and combining existing and new data, the collection offers a systematic exploration of the influence of socio-economic status on school-to-work transitions, and addresses how educational policy can shape more efficient labour market outcomes. In doing so, it draws on, and speaks to, existing literature which has considered such questions from the perspectives of gender, ethnicity and social disadvantage.