Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the central concept of ‘education’ and its aims, with special reference to aspects associated with it – the promotion of citizenship. It focuses on the concept of the teacher, with special attention to the changing usage of the term within an evolving social and managerial context. This surely is a case of ‘language idling’ – and points to the need ‘to bring back teaching’ as traditionally understood. Social and political language evolves, spilling over into the policy and practice, often without scrutiny or criticism. And there is the perennial issue of the common school in order to create a common culture.