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Educational Research: Why 'What Works' Doesn't Work

Paul Smeyers editor Marc Depaepe editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

Published:10th Nov '06

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Educational Research: Why 'What Works' Doesn't Work cover

In this book distinguished philosophers and historians of education from six countries focus on the problematical nature of the search for ‘what works’ in educational contexts, in practice as well as in theory. Beginning with specific problems, they move on to more general and theoretical considerations, seeking to go beyond simplistic notions of cause and effect and the rhetoric of performativity that currently grips educational thinking.

"Freedom of inquiry in educational research can no longer be taken for granted. Narrow definitions of what constitutes ‘scientific’ research, funding criteria that enforce particular research methods, and policy decision processes that ignore any research that is not narrowly utilitarian, create a context in many countries that discourages scholarship of a more speculative, exploratory, or critical sort.
This book brings together an exceptional combination of international and cross-disciplinary scholars who bring the perspectives of history and philosophy of science to ask, ‘How did we arrive at this place? and ‘Where is educational research heading? The book illuminates the anti-intellectual consequences of a ‘what works’ mentality in education, and shows that the ostensibly ‘scientific’ revolution in educational research in fact reflects an ahistorical and conceptually muddled understanding of what actually constitutes ‘science.’ This book could not be more timely and important."
Nicholas C. Burbules, Grayce Wicall Gauthier Professor, University of Illinois

"With research increasingly tied to State policies with the instrumental purpose of guiding school reforms, the volume provides an important historical and philosophical questioning of the possibilities, limitations and challenges of education research. Internationally leading scholars engage in a significant conversation that is sophisticated and nuanced for understanding contemporary debates." Thomas S. Popkewitz, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA

ISBN: 9781402053078

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 1030g

196 pages

2006 ed.