Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the wide range of practical tasks which constitute a large part of the text. Some of these tasks require readers to reflect upon and analyse their precon-ceptions about teaching; others suggest ways of planning work for their pupils and trying it out; and some require them to analyse and evaluate textbooks and worksheets. The book also focuses on some trends in the administrative and political control of education as an opportunity for raising permanent issues about the responsibilities of schools, the rights of parents and community, and the powers of administrators. It is probably true that more study of the curriculum goes on in courses labelled 'primary education' or 'the teaching of geography' or 'remedial and special education' than in courses explicitly concerned with the theory and practice of the curriculum.