Education in Spite of Policy: Selected Works of Robin Alexander

Robin Alexander's book "Education in Spite of Policy" explores the challenges of implementing education policies and offers insights into effective teaching practices. It examines system-level reform, the development of the National Curriculum, the importance of classroom talk, and global education initiatives. The book is valuable for teachers, students, school leaders, and researchers who value the conversation between policy, evidence, and practice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Education is a complex and multifaceted field that requires a comprehensive and well-defined policy framework to function effectively. However, the journey towards implementing policies is often fraught with challenges, particularly when ideology takes precedence over empirical evidence or when ministers attempt to micromanage the educational process. When the media joins the fray, the situation becomes even more volatile and explosive.

In his extensive experience as a teacher, researcher, government adviser, campaigner, and international consultant, Robin Alexander has delved into these complex processes extensively. Drawing from over 600 published sources, Alexander offers a wealth of insights and illustrations that are invaluable to educators across the globe.

This selection, which includes some previously unpublished material, provides a glimpse into various cases and issues that are of utmost importance to teachers. Part 1 delves into system-level reform, revisiting the Cambridge Primary Review, an evidence-rich enquiry into the condition and future of primary education in England. The review challenged the UK governments policies on curriculum, testing, standards, and more, and it shed light on the reform narratives and strategies employed by successive governments.

Part 2 explores the development of Englands current National Curriculum, highlighting its narrow vision and questionable use of evidence. It proposes a more generous aims-driven alternative that aims to provide students with a comprehensive and high-quality curriculum in all its aspects. This section also examines the expertise and leadership required to implement such a curriculum effectively.

Part 3 takes a closer look at the heart of effective pedagogy: securing the place of well-founded classroom talk in education. This mission is often frustrated by political intervention, which undermines the importance of dialogue and critical thinking in the learning process. The centerpiece of this section is dialogic teaching, a proven tool for advancing students speaking, thinking, learning, and arguing. It is an essential response to the corrosion of democracy and the nihilism of 'post-truth'.

Part 4 takes a global perspective, investigating governments' flirtations with the PISA-driven agenda. The focus is on the need for education systems to prioritize student-centered learning, rather than solely focusing on standardized testing and academic achievement.

In conclusion, education policy is a critical component of a successful educational system. However, the path to implementation is often complex and challenging. By drawing on Robin Alexander's extensive experience and expertise, educators can gain valuable insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of policy implementation and promote student-centered learning.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138049864