postmodern view on education

Question 1

postmodern view on education

Answer 1

A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to education is outdated – no ONE type of school or learning can meet the diverse needs and identities of individuals today. Value consensus/universalistic standards are irrelevant as are structural conflicts between large social groups. Education needs to be customised and flexible – tailored to meet the needs of individual learners and the consumer/identity interests of parents

Question 2

ushers study on education and postmodern challenge

five characteristics of education in postmodren society

Answer 2

Usher identifies five characteristics of education in postmodern society:

Diverse and customised to individual learners’ needs

Controlled by local communities

Flexible e.g. distance learning via internet

Lifelong – individuals constantly update their skills in response to changing needs of economy

Learner is active and learns through own experience

Question 3

Thompson study called social pluralism and postmodernity

Answer 3

Schools in postmodern society can break free from the “oppressive uniformity” of the old, centralised ‘one-size-fits-all’ mass education system, where all schools were expected to be the same. Instead, schools become “customised” to meet the differing needs of diverse communities – for example, the growth of ‘faith schools’ for different religious groups and the growing demand for specialist schools in technology, languages, performing arts and so on.

Question 4

kelly, education responding to global demands

Answer 4

The British economy operates within a global market, so skilled and qualified workers are needed to compete with foreign businesses

Education Policy in the last 30 years has become increasingly a reflection of global demands

Changes within the education system are often justified through the UK position in international league tables.

Question 5

ball, globalisation

Answer 5

Universities are becoming increasingly global – encouraging students from all over the world and setting up overseas branches

Ball is critical of the expanded marketisation of universities

Question 6

holborn, globalisation

Answer 6

Argues globalisation has a positive effect on education as it becomes more multicultural, in curriculum and in promoting understanding and tolerance of other cultures

Question 7

features of a postmodern society

Answer 7

Choice, diversity, risk and uncertainty