By Dr Adam Cooke, Lecturer in Language Education School of Education, University of Birmingham The idea that languages may be struggling as a curriculum area is hardly new. The legendary Eric Hawkins first discussed a crisis in language learning way back in 1976. The issues so prevalent then: limited take up during the later secondary … Continue reading “How can we tackle the decline of modern languages?”
Tag: education
Is the new teacher retention plan feasible?
By Frances Child and Dr Anita Soni School of Education, University of Birmingham From offering cash incentives to a cut down on paperwork, recent plans by the Department of Education, led by Education Secretary Damian Hinds, have set out to tackle the apparent teacher retention crisis in the UK. This serious attempt to address the teacher … Continue reading “Is the new teacher retention plan feasible?”
Happiness is in a good book
By Rachael Hunter, Research Fellow at the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues The child, through emulation, can develop the love of reading that the adult possesses. On the other hand, the child can enhance the adult’s virtues of open mindedness, optimism and courage, which come from a life less tainted by experience. The mental health … Continue reading “Happiness is in a good book”
School progress measures are a missed opportunity for a fairer and more informative approach
By Tom Perry, Teaching Fellow, University of Birmingham, MA School Improvement and Educational Leadership Research Manager, Centre for the Use of Research and Evidence in Education (CUREE) The Progress 8 measures of school performance compare pupils’ GCSE results across 8 subjects to those of other pupils with the same primary school SATs results. There are many reasons … Continue reading “School progress measures are a missed opportunity for a fairer and more informative approach”
The persistence of white privilege in higher education: isn’t it time for radical change?
By Kalwant Bhopal, Professor of Education and Social Justice Centre for Research in Race and Education, University of Birmingham Yesterday it was reported in The Guardian that Oxford University has yet again failed to address issues of diversity and inclusion in terms of its student intake. The Guardian reports that one in four Oxford colleges … Continue reading “The persistence of white privilege in higher education: isn’t it time for radical change?”
Star Wars Day: Virtues in a Galaxy, far far away…
By Jason Metcalfe, Research Associate Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham Star Wars resonated with a worldwide audience, and there is no doubt this was due to the array of moral and spiritual elements present throughout the films. For those out of the loop, May 4th is Star Wars Day, selected as … Continue reading “Star Wars Day: Virtues in a Galaxy, far far away…”
How Europe can hear the voices of young Syrian refugees
By Michelle Pace, Professor in the Department of Social Sciences and Business, Roskilde University, and Honorary Professor at the University of Birmingham In the last two years, European governments have increasingly emphasised the importance of new arrivals learning the local language and embracing values. In Denmark, where I am now an economic migrant, there has … Continue reading “How Europe can hear the voices of young Syrian refugees”
Happiness: What Does this Mean in Education?
By Paul Watts, Research Fellow Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtue, University of Birmingham Much attention has been given to the concept of happiness, both in the UK and internationally, with Theresa May appointing a minister to tackle loneliness, the launch of the 2018 World Happiness Report, and the work of the Ministry of State … Continue reading “Happiness: What Does this Mean in Education?”
Morality: what it is and how to teach it
By Michael Hand, Professor of Philosophy and Education School of Education, University of Birmingham Schools in England are legally required to promote the moral development of pupils. But what exactly does this involve? Most people agree that morality is important and needs to be taught, but when it comes to saying what it is and … Continue reading “Morality: what it is and how to teach it”
Why transforming autism education matters
By Dr Karen Guldberg, Reader in Autism Studies Department of Disability, Inclusion and Special Needs, University of Birmingham Once upon a time, ‘Rainman’ was one of the few portrayals of an autistic person in the media. This has changed from ‘The A word’ to “The Bridge’, from ‘The Good Doctor’ to ‘The Autistic Gardener,’ there … Continue reading “Why transforming autism education matters”