Sociological perspectives on Education- Postmodernism

Question 1

What is postmodernism in eduaction?

Answer 1

-Diversity
-Progressive
-Modern

Question 2

What is the postmodern view on education?

Answer 2

-Education has become more individualised, diverse teachers and teaching types
-Education is more hyperreal- ICT, online resources
-Education is more diverse- school types, increase in specialist schools, faith schools
-Education should equip people to compete in the postmodern world i.e., the global workforce.
-Education is increasingly fragmented, not one set path in education, there are many opportunities and choices along the way which means that all students no not have the same experience.

Question 3

What five characteristics in education did Usher identify?

Answer 3

Diverse and customized to individual learners’ needs

Controlled by local communities

Flexible – e.g. distance learning via the internet

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

Learner is active and learns through their own experience

Question 4

What did Thompson ay about social pluralism and postmodernity?

Answer 4

Schools in postmodern society can break free from the old ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Instead, schools can become customized to meet the differing needs of diverse communities. E.g. growth of faith schools

Question 5

What did Kelly say 2009?

Answer 5

Education responds to global demands. Education 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 6

What did Ball say in 2012?

Answer 6

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 7

What did Holborn say in 2016?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

What changed to the Education system would postmodernists support?

Answer 8

-Individualised education, home school or faith school
-Fragmentation of education, adult education, prison education
-Increased funding around students as English as a second language (AO2- 1 in 6 primary students are EAL)
-School facilities, prayer rooms, food, uniform
-Exchange trips

Question 9

What did Moore and Hickox 1994 say?

Answer 9

Impossible to provide a curriculum that suits everyone because of social changes in society