Educational Theory - Postmodernism

Question 1

Usher and Edwards

Answer 1

postmodernism denies there is any best curriculum that schools should follow.
argue that schools should teach different things and should accept different truths

Question 2

Pick and Mix society

Answer 2

believe that modern society has become consumer-oriented and is characterised by greater individualism.

Question 3

Fragmentation of society

Answer 3

this is reflected in the increasing providers of education - this is because there has been an increase in homeschooling, apprenticeships and lifelong learning.

Question 4

rise of the digital age

Answer 4

there has been more of an emergence in the use of tech ie whiteboards and iPads in classrooms. as well as online courses.

Question 5

increase in diversity

Answer 5

the emergence of diverse school types ie faith schools and forest schools show that there is a wider choice in education types.

Question 6

Wragg

Answer 6

makes criticisms of the contemporary. education system.

millions of kids are alienated by the system as it stifles creativity due to standardised testing
the system is outdated as it was created following the industrial revolution.
the system make people believe they aren’t smart as it favours certain subjects over others.
medicates lots of children as hyperactivity disorders are seen as an inconvenience. the schools need to complete standardised tests which require prolonged attention - which means medicating kids with things like ADHD

Question 7

Evaluation - supporting

Answer 7

there has been a 65% increase in homeschooling in the last 6 years.
the use of more diverse schools shows that education now fits the postmodernists view
many agree with the postmodernist view that education needs to be more diverse and creative

Question 8

Evaluate - criticising

Answer 8

formal education/qualifications are seen as useful as they are generally required for high paying jobs.
clear correlation between economic growth and improved education as a more skilled workforce can access higher payed jobs.
students who go through normal education are more likely to be competitive in a global labour market
allowing more schools to teach more freely would mean some kids gets left behind
home schooling is only an option for the already educated wealthy