Educationalists must do better

Education academics must demonstrate their practical relevance if they wish to save their discipline, argues John Furlong, Professor of Educational Studies in the Department of Education.

In an article published in the Times Higher Education on 2nd May, John Furlong puts into historical context the crucial role of the university in the study of education.  He also draws attention to the current insecurities about this role, particularly in England, where it is today being undermined by the policies of the Coalition government. Drawing on arguments developed more fully in his recently published book (‘Education – an anatomy of the discipline’ Routledge) John puts a strong case for academics within Departments of Education to ‘stand up and be counted’ in the current debates on the future contribution of universities to teacher education. If they are to survive, those leading the field also need to take research much more seriously than they often do and develop more collaborative partnerships with a wide range of different stakeholders.

Educationalists must do better
Times Higher Education, 2 May 2013

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Evidence and insight be damned
John Gill
Times Higher Education, 2 May 2013