Describe and critically analyse the ways in which globalization and/or social change shapes educational policy and practice in different national contexts. 

Globalization, Social Justice and Social Change in Education

You need to critically analyse a specific educational issue in a specific global context, so you need to think about a specific topic that you can read around.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and engage critically with theories which contribute to an understanding of conceptions of globalization, social justice and social change.
2. Describe and critically analyse the ways in which globalization and/or social change shapes educational policy and practice in different national contexts.
3. Draw on a range of relevant research to demonstrate an understanding of educational inequalities in different national contexts.

This assignment requires you to provide a critical analysis of the impact of globalization and social change on a specific education policy or practice in a specific global context, and the consequences for social justice.

Where appropriate students may also consider how social change could work towards more equitable practice. Where relevant you may need to consider how your own positionality (beliefs, values, role) shapes your understanding of social justice issues. You should review relevant literature, evidence, and or other sources as appropriate to deepen your own understanding of the area you are investigating and to critically reflect on your own practice, values and beliefs. Your writing should consider alternative approaches, interpretations and explanations where appropriate. Your writing may need to also include a critical evaluation of the challenges for or gaps in practice and/or policy. You must use subheadings to structure your essay.

In essence, this assignment requires you to provide a critical analysis of:

1) the impact of globalization / social change on…

2) an education policy or practice in…

3) a specific region or global locale and…

4) the consequences for learner equity.

 

Example topics & their structures:

Example 1: “Ethnicity and Attainment Gaps: does a lack of cultural understanding and a prejudiced notion of the ‘ideal learner’ perpetuate educational under-achievement for ethnic minority pupils?”

• Introduction
• Ethnicity and Attainment Gaps; The Global Picture
• Black Achievement Gaps: The American Picture
• Conclusion: Counter Politics and Social Justice from Below

Example 2: “The Impact of Globalization on the Education of the Socio-Economically Disadvantaged within the UK”

• Introduction
• Impact of Globalization on Government Policy and the Socio-Economically Disadvantaged
• What can we learn from other countries?
• Can Social Justice Be Achieved?
• Conclusions

Useful articles and books to use as reference

• Sensory, O. & DiAngelo, R. (2017) Is everyone really equal?: An introductions to key concepts in social justice education. New York: Teachers College Press
• Globalization and Education: Introduction in Current Sociology = Article

by Stephen J. Ball; Anthony Gary Dworkin; Marios Vryonides

• Understanding Education for Social Justice = Article by Kathy Hytten; Silvia Bettez
• Lauder, H., Brown, P., Dillabough, J. & Halsey, A. (2006) Education, Globalization, and Social Change Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Smith, E. (2012) Key Issues in Education and Social Justice. Los Angeles, London, New Delhi: Sage Publications.
• Apple, M. (2012) Education and Power. New York, London: Routledge.
• Apple (2013) Can Education Change Society. New York: Routledge.
• Avis, J. (2007) Education, policy and social justice: learning and skills. London: Continuum.
• Axford, B.(2013) Theories of Globalization Cambridge: Polity Press.
• Ball, S., Goodson, I. & Maguire, M. (2007) Education, Globalization, and new times Abingdon: Routledge.
• Ayers, W., Quinn, T. & Stovall, D. (2009) Handbook of Social Justice in Education. Abingdon, New York: Routledge. Part 7 – Chapters 34-38
• Lauder, H., Brown, P., Dillabough, J. & Halsey, A. (2006) Education, Globalization, and Social Change Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Olssen, M. Codd, J. & O’Neill, A. (2004) Education Policy: Globalization, Citizenship and Democracy. London: Sage Publications.
• Tabb, W. (2001)The amoral elephant: Globalization and the struggle for social justice in the twenty-first century. New York: Monthly Review Press.
• Walby, S. (2009) Globalization and Inequalities: Complexity and Contested Modernities. Sage Publications
• Apple, M. (2014) Official Knowledge: Democratic Education in a Conservative Age. New York: Routledge.
• Arshad, R. Wrigley, T. & Pratt, L. (2012) Social Justice Re-examined: dilemmas and solutions for the classroom teacher. Stoke-on-Trent: Trentham Books Ltd.
• Ayers, W., Quinn, T. & Stovall, D. (2009) Handbook of Social Justice in Education. Abingdon, New York: Routledge
• Burbules, N.& Torres, C.A. (2000) Globalization and Education: Critical Perspectives. New York: Routledge.
• Giroux, H (2005) Border Crossings: Cultural Workers and the Politics of Education. New York, London: Routledge.
• Stearns, P. N. (2009) Educating global citizens in colleges and universities: Challenges and opportunities. New York: Routledge.
• Zajda, J. (ed) (2010) Globalization, Education and Social Justice. Dordecht, Heidelberg, London, New York: Springer