Routledge The Right to Learn: Alternatives for a Learning Society

The concept of the 'learning society' brings to mind access to education for all and a culture of lifelong learning. But government interventions in education such as the National Curriculum and standardized tests have only served to consolidate the connection between learning and schooling. Schools, furthermore, now have to juggle an increasingly diverse and incompatible range of tasks, providing equal opportunities while catering for individual needs and hitting academic attainment targets while preparing pupils for life in the global workplace. In this climate, what is the future for a democratic system of education? This important book aims to encourage debate about alternative ways of providing education, and discusses how these are being practiced now in Britain, Europe and the USA. Taking the issue of human rights and access as a central theme, the author examines the current state of education provision and the possibilities for its future. This book will be of interest to specialists in education, politics and philosophy, and also to those seeking alternative ways of educating their children. Review 'There is no doubt about the importance of the book [it] provides a striking response to current ill-focused dissatisfaction with existing arrangements for schooling.'-John Darling, University of Aberdeen 'The subject matter of this book is particularly important in Britain at present, in view of the crucial debates about educational reform and its role in social change.'-Eric Matthews, University of Aberdeen 'I am very impressed with the breadth (and depth) of this proposal I would buy it.'-Professor John MacBeath, University of Cambridge About the Author Ken Brown is an Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre for Educational Research, University of Aberdeen