There may be a link between the systems movement and the women's movement. The systems approach allows an observer to identify important relationships and behavior within a system. This approach recognizes that observers of a system will be taking differing and subjective views of the system, depending on their own perspectives. Among the various…

Highlights theories and concepts concerning gender and gender relations in modern society, applying some of these perspectives to outdoor education and adventure recreation. Argues that the more recent interactionist theories and cultural studies offer less deterministic and more insightful approaches to exploring people's outdoor and adventure…

Reflection has long been an aspiration in education, from Aristotles Nicamachean Ethics, through Bacons (1605) Advancement of Learning and later articulated by John Dewey. Schon's reflective practitioner underpins the ethos in the professional training of teachers in the UK. This paper reviews approaches to reflection in learning and argues that…

The latent power of social work's position at the centre of welfare services and as a coordinator and definer of social realities can be argued to have led social work to become "the assessment profession". Building upon a critique of the key distinction between "description and prescription", we argue that the…

This article explores the strengths and weaknesses of Lave and Wenger's concept of "legitimate peripheral participation" as a means of understanding workplace learning. It draws on recent ESRC-funded research by the authors in contemporary workplace settings in the UK (manufacturing industry and secondary schools) to establish the extent…

This paper draws upon a range of ideas and concepts developed by the British sociologist Basil Bernstein to examine recent challenges and changes encountered by members of professional occupations, including those who teach and research in higher education. The paper discusses and seeks to develop Bernstein's analysis of how particular…

It is now recognised that inclusive schools must recognise and respond to the needs of learners regardless of any difficulties they may have. Similarly, the South African Constitution (1996) requires education to be "transformed and democratised in accordance with the values of human dignity, equity, human rights and freedom, non-racism and…

The aim of the paper is to examine current and evolving supply side transition policy initiatives in the light of (a) particular demand side needs of urban young people classified as those most disadvantaged and potentially marginalized; and (b) the emerging realities of accessing and operating within particular examples of high value-added…

Examines the experiences of vocational teachers in postsecondary education, highlighting commonalities among teachers in the United Kingdom and New Zealand; discussing the process by which they move from one occupational context to another, develop new identities as teachers, and become full members of the new professional group; and examining…

Claims fundamental educational reforms of the past 10 years in the United Kingdom lack a strong sense of rationale. Discusses seven areas where a clear, broad vision of the purpose of education can serve as a guide in taking education policy and practice forward. (NH)

Argues that policy-oriented educational research produced a new kind of knowledge: third order knowledge. Defines third-order knowledge as knowledge of and for experts whose purpose is the legislation and regulation of everyday lives. Proposes that expert knowledge motivates a critical analysis contextualized in a historical study of…

Describes the use of a drama conducted within an educational setting to help students better understand the complexities of identity formation and prepare them to live in a multiracial society. The drama's effectiveness in fostering an understanding of cultural identities is assessed in light of changing social theories that question multicultural…

Educational buildings and grounds can provide a supportive and stimulating environment for the learning process as well as contribute to greater community needs. These issues were addressed at an international conference entitled "Making Space: Architecture and Design for Young Children". Described here are the importance of outdoor…

Criticizes the consensus that lifelong learning, on its own, has the power to solve a wide range of educational, social, and political ills. Presents alternative visions of lifelong learning and stresses the relevance to policy of viewing lifelong learning as social control. Reflects on possible ways forward. Includes references. (CMK)

This article considers the question of the authorship of digital texts and their use by learners and teachers in higher education. It draws on the work of Foucault, in particular how his concept of the "author function" is applied by Poster to the authorships of the digital age. From this theoretical basis, the article goes on to…