Education: A Very Short Introduction: (Very Short Introductions)

From the schools of ancient times to the present day, Gary Thomas explores how and why education has evolved has it has. Examining education worldwide, he explains the way schools work, noting how curricula are remarkably consistent around the world. Delving into some of the big questions, Thomas explores the history of education in this Very Short Introduction. Considering various styles such as progressive versus formal, he also explores the ideas of some of the big theorists, including Piaget and Vygotsky. Looking at different forms of education and styles of teaching, he considers the ways in which education is being improved by matching styles of learning to teaching, and ensuring that schools are more inclusive and meaningful for a broader range of students. He finishes by considering the ways in which education may develop over the coming century. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Table of Contents:
Preface 1: Beginnings 2: Oil and water: the formal and the progressive 3: The traditions unfold: ideas into practice 4: Big ideas from the 20th century 5: Analysts and theorists: what did they ever do for us? 6: The curriculum 7: School's out! References Further reading

About the Author :
Gary Thomas has spent his career working in education, first as a primary school teacher, then as an educational psychologist, then as an academic in five universities. He is currently a professor in education at the University of Birmingham.

Review :
Few educational books are page-turners, but Gary Thomas had written one here. There should be a copy in every staff-room and all young teachers should keep a copy beside their bed. In easy-going prose peppered with illustrations, examples and anecdotes, Education: a very short introduction provides readers with a basic overview of philosophy, history, theory, scientific research and contemporary policy in field of education in the United States and the UK, from Plato to No Child Left Behind. The book manages to cover all the bases, including every major thinker, researcher, and policy that youd want, without devolving into encyclopedic minutia. Highly recommended. It's a real gem of a book that pulls ideas together, that challenges and inspires - and that makes you laugh. Highly recommended. ...an elegant and engaging work. Gary Thomas has sketched key issues with admirable economy and insight.