An Introduction to the Study of Education

What is education? This core textbook will help students in pursuit of this question by providing a comprehensive, gentle and reflective introduction to the initial study of education. Updated in line with the latest policies, reforms and issues within education, this third edition includes:

• full exploration of the historical, sociological, philosophical and psychological roots of education
• a focus on all levels of education – pre-school, primary, secondary, post-16 and lifelong learning
• the latest controversies and debates within education
• new material on compulsory education, special educational needs and post-16 developments
• clear insights into the role and background of research within education.

What is education? This core textbook will help students in pursuit of this question by providing a comprehensive, gentle and reflective introduction to the initial study of education. Updated in line with the latest policies, reforms and issues within education, this third edition includes:

• full exploration of the historical, sociological, philosophical and psychological roots of education


• a focus on all levels of education – pre-school, primary, secondary, post-16 and lifelong learning


• the latest controversies and debates within education


• new material on compulsory education, special educational needs and post-16 developments


• clear insights into the role and background of research within education.

David Matheson lectures at the University of Nottingham. He has published widely across the field of education in areas such as teacher training, lifelong learning, comparative education and cultural identity in education.