Information technology is here to stay. Its impact has already been far-reaching: in business, in communications, and in leisure activities it has been responsible for replacing human action by that of machines. As such it raised questions about freedom and the meaning of work and human activity which could no longer be ignored by those working in education. The educational response to information technology must ensure that human activities are enhanced rather than enslaved by computers. Originally published in 1988 Breaking into the Curriculum provides one such response. A range of curricular structures and teacher roles are examined for their potential for preserving freedom in a future that was already being formed and informed by electronic systems. Drawing on case studies of pupils and teachers from throughout their school career, the authors of this collection sought to provoke discussion on the true ends of education and the kinds of strategies that would best realise those ends. Information technology, it is argued, is already shaping our thinking concerning the schooling of children. As such it can either create an electronically-controlled environment, or it can provide the stimulus for imaginative, playful, and creative thought and the development of 'intelligence' in its broadest sense. The choice is ours: the authors of this collection seek to inform that choice. Today it can be read in its historical context.

The violent imagination begins in experiences of violation against the self and grows through the stories, myths, folktales and anecdotes of everyday life. Originally published in 1986, John Schostak discusses the educational, social and moral implications of the violent imagination in connection with theories of violence, childrearing practices, and schooling as a childrearing institution. He also looks at the relation between sexism, racism, drugs and the emergence of a vandalised sense of self. The book explores the complex ways in which images of violence pervade society, inform action and provide interpretations of events. Schools, the author argues, contribute towards the development of a violent imagination which guides judgements and actions. The child's images and experiences of violation may involve physical assault or psychological forms of assault. Some of these experiences of violation and violence are considered normal, even moral ('spare the rod and spoil the child'); others are considered abnormal, criminal, pathological - although the abstract logical form of each may be equivalent. Nevertheless, all such images contribute towards the development of a sense of violation, and children are schooled to accept normal forms and reject abnormal forms.

First published in 1984, this book focuses upon pupil perspectives of schooling from first school to school leaver, taking their thoughts and feelings as accurate assessments of their experience. The study presents what was at the time new thinking and research findings on a wide range of important topics to provide an insight in

First published in 1984, this book focuses upon pupil perspectives of schooling from first school to school leaver, taking their thoughts and feelings as accurate assessments of their experience. The study presents what was at the time new thinking and research findings on a wide range of important topics to provide an insight in