Postmodernism

Question 1

How do postmodernists differ from modernists?

Answer 1

Modernists = One single, best way to develop education.
Postmodernists = Too much variety and pluralism in society for there to be one-size-fits-all.

Question 2

Usher, Bryant and Johnson (1997): How has adult education reflected this postmodern approach?

Answer 2

It is more responsive to diversity - shown through a range of courses and places to study (uni, open uni, adult colleges).

Question 3

What has the responsiveness of adult education meant?

Answer 3

Learners have been able to pick-and-mix to suit their lifestyles - education has become integrated w/ other aspects of life, thus it can have different meanings to different people.

Question 4

How does adult education, in summary, epitomise postmodern society?

Answer 4

• Blurred boundaries.
• Greater choice and variety.
• Rejects the imposition of a central plan onto the individual.

Question 5

How do Haralambos and Holborn (2013) criticise postmodernists?

Answer 5

They have exaggerated changes in education.

Realistically, there is greater centralisation, rather than choice (National Curriculum).

Question 6

How can one criticise this focus on adult education?

Answer 6

The budget has been cut (in Britain) so the diversity of things to do has declined.

Question 7

What do Haralambos and Holborn claim the postmodernists ignore?

Answer 7

They ignore how big business may shape education more than the needs and wishes of the individual.