This article explores some of the hidden background behind the highly praised school results in South Korea. An ethnographic case study is used to cast light on how schooling is actually experienced by South Korean students. Two main results are reported from these data. First, evidence is presented of damaging "cultural elements" such…

The study investigated experiences of dropouts in schools in rural secondary schools in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Ten learners who previously dropped out of school described their experiences in school subsequent to re-enrolling. The implications of these experiences for educational leadership were explored. Using a qualitative approach,…

This paper arises from an evaluation of the study support programme developed in a midlands city in the UK, in the context of the national extended schools initiative. It offers a framework based on activity theory to explain how and why "out-of-lesson-time learning" is felt by many students to impact positively on their self-esteem and…

Provides a methodological critique of articles in this special issue and identifies problematic aspects of the application of research to practice. (SK)