Description
Book SynopsisEducational Trends Exposed explains and critically reviews eighteen of the most prevalent trends sweeping schools, colleges and universities over the last decade and beyond. Amid the buzz from news outlets, websites and social media peddling this works' approaches and quick fix' solutions, this book provides educators with a practical tool to help answer important questions such as: what does this trend actually involve? Is it worth the investment of time and resources? Does it work what does research say? Do the claimed benefits to students outweigh any downsides?
In this timely book, David Armstrong and Gill Armstrong cast a critical, expert eye over these trends, referencing the latest research and offering a framework for considering educational trends, empowering readers as informed critical consumers. They argue that trends disclose deeper truths about the state and direction of contemporary public education in Australia, England and the US and prov
Trade Review
"In a complex world beset with seemingly intractable problems and a hunger for quick fixes it is unsurprising that antidotes that are long on promise and short on substance are common; they come and go in quick succession. This is certainly true for education. In Educational Trends Exposed: How to be a Critical Consumer, David Armstrong encourages us to develop a critical scepticism to resist educational 'snake-oil'. In a highly competitive environment where education jurisdictions and schools compete against each other for superior standing on league tables, education provides fertile fields for the emergence and attraction of trends. This book offers a methodology for evaluating the veracity of the conceptualisation and the claims of educational trends. I would recommend David Armstrong's text to teacher educators, teachers, education leaders and administrators with instruction that they learn to use "critical trend analysis" reflexively."
Roger Slee, Diamond Professor of Disability and Inclusion, School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Educational Trends and the Jupiter Metaphor. 1. Performance enhancing trends: Brain Gym® Direct Instruction and synthetic phonics. 2. Technical trends: Positive Behaviour Interventions and Supports, Neuromyths and Response to Intervention. 3. The crumbling orthodoxy: Behaviour Management and Teacher Quality. 4. Cures, therapy and hope: Growth Mindset, Mindfulness, School-based Mental Health and Inclusion. 5. Trends of the near future: Evidence Based Practice, HITS and Neurodiversity. Summary. Conclusion: Moving Beyond Trends. Final Recommendations. Glossary. References
