Critical Perspectives on Education

This book introduces and examines different aspects of education. Each chapter offers critical perspectives by presenting alternative and competing views, and raising thought-provoking questions on the selected key aspect of education.Topics include the foundations of education, concepts in education such as learning, teaching and curriculum, and current issues, trends and challenges in education. This book hopes to serve as a catalyst for reflection and discussion among trainee teachers, teachers, school leaders, academics and policymakers in local and international settings Target Audience- Department: Education Level: In-service education professionals, pre-service educators, academics Text Type: Main Text Salient Features- The 10 chapters are clearly divided into three sections to explore the various aspects of education. - The first section explores the historical, philosophical and sociological foundations of education. - The second section discusses the concepts of learning, teaching, curriculum and assessment/ - The third section discusses some current issues, trends and challenges in education such as educational inequality and educational reforms. Each chapter offers critical perspectives by presenting alternative and competing views, and raising thought-provoking questions on the topic. A useful table summarizing the key educational policy initiatives and trends in Singapore from 1956 to 2006 is provided in the appendix. An effective guide to understanding the history and evolution of education in a Singaporean context, with a positive reflection for the formulation of education in the years to come. Table of Contents- Preface Acknowledgements PART I FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION 1 Historical Foundations of Education Benjamin Wong 2 Philosophical Perspectives on Education Charlene Tan 3 Thinking Sociologically about Education Trivina Kang PART II CONCEPTS IN EDUCATION 4 Learning Hairon Salleh 5 Teaching Jude Chua Soo Meng 6 Curriculum Charlene Tan 7 Assessment Kelvin Tan PART III ISSUES, TRENDS AND CHALLENGES IN EDUCATION 8 Educational Developments and Reforms in Singapore Charlene Tan 9 Issues of Educational Inequality: Social Class, Ethnicity and Gender Trivina Kang 10 Educational Human Rights Policies in Singapore: Post-September 11 and Globalisation Jude Chua Soo Meng Appendix Key Educational Policy Initiatives and Trends in Singapore 1956-2006 Complied by Jason Tan