ABSTRACT
Reflecting on the meaning and purpose of an education at the mercy of political changes and innovation, this book considers the social, historical, religious and cultural contexts that define education systems. With a particular focus on how historical contexts shape the nature of education and its relevance to wider society, it explores the history of education in relation to social reform, economic relevance and raising standards.
The first part of the book describes the developing system of education within England and Wales from the 19th century, with reference to the growing consciousness of the need for ‘education for all’. The second part identifies key philosophical influences on the evolving understandings of education, and thereby of the developing policies and arrangements made in the light of those understandings which they generated. Finally, the third part of the book revisits the ‘aims of education’ in the light of the historical development and the philosophical critiques.
This book will be of great interest to academics, researchers, postgraduate students and policy makers interested in the history of education and the moments that have defined it.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|95 pages
Historical evolution of education – its meaning and provision
part II|50 pages
Prelude: philosophical assumptions and critical questions
part III|15 pages
Conclusion