Postmodernism and education

Summary

The presentation explores the dynamics between postmodernism and education, asserting that while the education system reflects certain postmodern characteristics—such as diversity and individual choice—it is fundamentally 'late modern.' The speaker argues that the system has adapted to postmodern society but remains structured around modernist principles, like standardized testing and a centralized curriculum. Informal education avenues, however, are seen as more postmodern, offering flexibility and personal exploration. Ultimately, the speaker concludes that while there are signs of postmodern influence, the UK education system primarily retains its modernist foundation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Postmodern society is characterized by diversity, consumerism, fragmentation, and individual choice, likened to a supermarket of options.
• 📚 A postmodern education system would reflect these societal traits, being more individualized, decentralized, and skeptical of grand narratives.
• 🛠️ The current UK education system is better described as 'late modern,' responding to postmodern changes without fully embracing postmodern characteristics.
• 🏫 Parents today have more choices in schools, but the growth of options like free schools often leads to a lack of true diversity.
• 🔍 Homeschooling represents a potentially postmodern form of education, allowing for diverse curriculums, but still comprises less than 1% of children.
• 📉 Despite schools having more autonomy, most funding is tied to salaries and safety standards, limiting true independence.
• 📖 The curriculum remains largely centralized, with a focus on core subjects, leading to a narrowing of educational content.
• 🖥️ The shift to online learning during the pandemic was largely reactive, with no significant long-term impact on the education system.
• 🌍 Schools are increasingly adopting a global outlook, addressing issues like climate change and online safety within their curricula.
• 🚀 Informal education through platforms like YouTube and online courses may exhibit more postmodern qualities, promoting choice and self-directed learning.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the presentation?

The presentation discusses postmodernism in education, exploring how educational systems respond to a postmodern society.

What are the key features of a postmodern society according to the speaker?

Key features include diversity, consumerism, fragmentation, media saturation, and increased individual choice.

How does the speaker differentiate between postmodern and late modern education?

The speaker suggests that education can respond to a postmodern society without being postmodern itself, categorizing the current education system as late modern.

What indicators suggest that the education system might be postmodern?

Indicators include greater school diversity, more parental choice, increased home education, and the use of online learning platforms.

Why does the speaker argue that homeschooling is a potential indicator of postmodern education?

Homeschooling allows for diverse curricular options and reflects a shift away from centralized educational control, representing a more individualized approach.

What evidence does the speaker provide to argue that the education system remains modernist?

The speaker cites the continued emphasis on standardized exams, the popularity of the national curriculum, and the oversight of Ofsted as evidence of modernist features.

How has the pandemic influenced online learning in schools?

During the pandemic, schools shifted to online learning, but the speaker notes that this was not a significant or sustained change, as schools returned to face-to-face teaching.

What role do apprenticeship programs play in the current education system?

Apprenticeship programs are seen as more vocational and aligned with modernist values, focusing on work training rather than embodying postmodern educational principles.

What informal education trends does the speaker mention as potentially postmodern?

The speaker mentions the growth of independent learning resources like YouTube educational content and digital learning platforms as aspects of informal education that may be more postmodern.

What conclusion does the speaker draw about the UK education system?

The speaker concludes that the UK education system is not truly postmodern but rather a late modern system that responds to postmodern societal changes.