Introductory description

This module explores the nature of policy, with particular reference to education policy. Students will investigate how policy is developed in a political and global context, and discern links between national and world events which may influence policy choices. To achieve this, some sessions will focus on the education system of particular countries. This module will consider different policy analysis models and techniques and apply these to real world examples.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The Interaction of Politics and Policy; The Global Education Policy Landscape; Policy analysis techniques in detail with a focus on education policy; Education Policy drivers; The German Education System and Policies; The Chinese Education System and Policies; The UK Education System and Policies.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Appreciate the historical context of education policy and practice.
• Develop and communicate an understanding of policy analysis techniques in relation to real world policies.
• Develop an understanding of and explain the cultural and social issues affecting both the present and historical educational landscape.
• Appraise the position of education within the global political and economic landscape.
• Develop a critical insight into the implications of education policy decisions on pedagogical practice.

Indicative reading list

Abbott, I, Rathbone, M, Whitehead, P. (2013) Education Policy. London: Sage.
Ball, S. J. (2008) The Education Debate: Policy and Practice in the 21st Century. The Policy Press
Chitty, C. (2014) Education Policy in Britain. Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke
Edwards, B., Okitsu, T., Da Costa, R., Kitamura, Y. (2017) Organizational Legitimacy in the Global Education Policy Field: Learning from UNESCO and the Global Monitoring Report. Comparative Education Review, vol. 62, no. 1.
Hayhoe, R. (2019) Contemporary Chinese Education. Routledge
Niemann, D. Martens,K. Teltemann, J. (2017) PISA and its consequences: Shaping education policies through international comparisons. European Journal of Education. Wiley-Blackwell.
Rolph, C. (2023) Understanding Education Policy, Sage
Smith, E. (2012) Key Issues in Education and Social Justice. London: SAGE
Tomlinson, S. (2005) Education in a Post-Welfare Society, Second Edition. Maidenhead: Open University Press
Ward, S. & Eden, C. (2009) Key Issues in Education and Policy. London SAGE
Whitty, G. (2002) Making Sense of Education Policy. Paul Chapman Publishing, London

International

The module will consider educational policy case studies of different national contexts.

Subject specific skills

Demonstrate a critical understanding of:

• the underlying values, theories and concepts relevant to education
• the diversity of learners and the complexities of the education process
• the complexity of the interaction between learning and local and global contexts, and the extent to which - participants (including learners and teachers) can influence the learning process
• the societal and organisational structures and purposes of educational systems, and the possible implications for learners and the learning process
• critiques of theory, practice and research in the area of education.

Transferable skills

Active listening; Analysis and decision making; Communication skills; Confidence; Coordinating with others; Creativity; Critical thinking; Emotional intelligence; Initiative and also follow instructions; Intellectual ability; International cultural awareness; Interpersonal and communication; Judgement and decision making; Management of learning; Managing others/People Management; Motivation, tenacity, commitment; Negotiation; Personal development skills; Planning and organisational skills; Reasoning; Self-management/resilience; Team working