Module 4: Special Topics
Goal: This module is intended to give you an understanding for social and cultural issues that impact education in England.
Tasks:
1) Read at least 3 articles from the collection listed below. These articles are found in this module under these instructions
Alexander, R. (2001). Culture and Pedagogy: International Comparisons in Primary Education. Oxford: Blackwell Publications. (Read - Chapter 6 Primary education in England).
Crowther, D., Dyson, A., Millward, A. (2001). Supporting pupils with special educational needs: Issues and dilemmas for special needs coordinators in English primary schools. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 16(2), pp. 85-97.
Farrell, M. (1999). Key Issues for Primary Schools: Key issues in primary school curriculum and classroom practice. London: Routledge. (Read - selected chapters).
Fordham, I. (2004). Out-of-school-hours learning in the United Kingdom. In G. Noam (Ed.), After-School Worlds; Creating a New Social Space for Development and Learning. San Francisco: Jossey Bass, pp. 43-74.
Lankshear, D. (2002). Church of England schools. In L. Gearon, (Ed.), Education in the United Kingdom: Structures and Organization. London: David Fulton Publishers, pp. 123-134
Lubeck, S. (2001). Early childhood education and care in England. Phi Delta Kappan, 83(3), pp.216-226.
Nunn, J. (2002). Secondary schools and sixth forms. In L. Gearon, (Ed.), Education in the United Kingdom: Structures and Organization. London: David Fulton Publishers, pp. 82-95.
Verma, G., & Darby, D. (2002). Immigrant policies and the education of immigrants in Britain. In P. Pitkanen, D. Kalekin-Fishman, & G. Verma, (Eds.), Education and Immigration: Settlement Policies and Current Challenges. London: Routledge Farmer, pp. 11-47.
Wood. E. (2004). A new paradigm war? The impact of national curriculum policies on early childhood teachers thinking and classroom practice. Teaching and Teacher Education, 20, pp. 361-374.
2) Write the SEA 4 assignment. Email to the instructor.
3) Post a general reflection to the NING. Remember to reply to at least two classmates. Here are some prompts to help you reflect. If you have other burning points you wish you discuss, please feel free to discuss those.