Educational Standards: 102 (Proceedings of the British Academy) - Softcover

Goldstein, Harvey; Heath, Anthony

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0197262147 ISBN 13: 9780197262146

Publisher: British Academy, 2000

Synopsis

Educational standards have figured prominently in recent debates on educational policy across the world. This is the first time such a distinguished group of scholars have come together in the UK to discuss the different perspectives on this issue. The notion of standards is agreed to be defined within there social and historical contexts, making an accepted definition of acceptable standards a difficult, if not impossible task.

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Review

There is much material here for those interested in the role of teacher professionalism in the determination of educational standards ... a short book which offers many interesting and worthwhile insights ... a worthwhile contribution to an important policy debate. (Social Policy)

Synopsis

Educational standards have figured prominently in recent debates over educational policy all over the world. This is the first time that such a distinguished collection of scholars have come together in the UK to discuss different perspectives on this issue. Two abiding themes emerge from these contributions to the debate. The first is that the very notion of a 'standard' has to be viewed in its historical and social context. Different countries have widely varying views of what constitutes a 'standard' and how necessary such a concept is for the adequate functioning of their educational systems. And, secondly, it is difficult, if not impossible, to arrive at an 'objective' definition of educational standards. Policies based upon comparisons of examinations, tests, or other devices should therefore be seen for what they really are human judgements which, however conscientiously pursued, are ultimately subjective and influenced by culture, personality, and general perceptions of the external world.

Edition details

• Publisher: British Academy
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0197262147
• ISBN 13: 9780197262146
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 158