Perspective on Recurring Controversies In Education

In trying to get bearing on many of the discussions that arise when thinking about education, I took to the books. 1993 Ruth Jonathan was Head of the Department of Education at the University of Edinburgh and was Chairman of the Philosophy of Education Society of Great Britain. In her work she examines the complex notion of education. This blog entry revoices and examines some of the thinkers and issues highlighted in her contribution to the Handbook of Educational Ideas and Practices. Read more…

Educational History: Al Ghazzali 1058 to 1111 CE

The Islamic ideology provided the world with a powerful source of inspiration and intellect. The rich contributions which Islam has made in the various branches of science served as the bases for the development of modern science.

Educational History: Montesquieu and Relativism 1689 to 1755

Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brede et de Montesquieu was one of the early relativistic thinkers of the 18th century. He greatly contributed to the notion of a science of human society and helped develop a cultural consciousness which was aware of otherness. Although not commonly associated with education his work greatly influenced sociological views of how society is organised and interpreted.

During his lifetime the private school he established had enrolled 3000 students. It is generally agreed among historians that Confucius' philosophical and education ideas are recorded in the 'Four Books' The Analects of Confucius (Lunyu), the Book of Mencius (Mengzi), the Great Learning (Daxue), and the Doctrine of the Mean (Zhongyong); amongst othersIn Chinese society, prior to the twentieth century, these four classics were among the textbooks for those who planned to take the imperial examination which selected officials for the imperial government.

Educational History: Confucius aka K’ung-fu-tzu 551 to 479 BCE

Confucius, or K’ung-fu-tzu, married at the age of 19, got employed as a storekeeper and later as a superintendent of parks and herds. He established a private school when he was about 30 years old (522 BCE) and gained a reputation for his expertise in ‘rituals’.

Educational History: Mary Wollstonecraft 1759 to 1797

Mary Wollstonecraftleft home after receiving a haphazard education in a miserable and unloving family situation. She spent the next nine years in some of the few occupations open to unmarried women at that time. First she was a companion to a widow in Bath. Next, with the help of a sister and close friend, she established and ran a school for girls; then when that venture had to close, she became a governess. Read more…

Educational History: Thomas Henry Huxley 1825 to 1895

Thomas Henry Huxley’s research was so impressive that in 1851 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society; this however brought him no income. After a considerable career in the Navy as a voyaging surgeon, he left it to carry on his career in science.

Inclusive Education and the Dialogue of Learning

I have been thinking about the nature of education and how necessary inclusive education is to a healthy society. Education involves a social behaviour which is built significantly from the dialogue of learning. Francis Bacon is often attributed with having said ‘Knowledge is Power’. Regardless of who first said this, what is obvious is that it has become common currency as a phrase.

The Ways in Which We Do Things…

I was recently made aware of the most amazing practical demonstration of what motivation involves. Whilst reading through Andy Cranwell’s website, it struck me as interesting the way he approaches team building. He makes reference to The Fun Theory through, amongst other things, the piano stairs. This video is an impressive example of how the perception of the task defines the response to it. This rings true to me on a number of levels…
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Where to Begin The Ragged University Story

I have been thinking about what to make the first entry of my Ragged University Blog. Since the start of this project I have enjoyed the fact that it compels me to find out about all the people in the world who have been great teachers, learners and thinkers. Learning about learning if you like. But what an infinite task. Do I take the great famous names still studied today for their contributions? Do I look to marvelously motivated people who invented or innovated ? Read more…