This book explores the development of practical wisdom, or phronesis, within the stories of four mature students studying for degrees in art and design. Through an analysis informed by the ideas of Basil Bernstein and Aristotle, the authors propose that phronesis - or the ability to deliberate well - should be an intrinsic part of a democratic education. As a number of vocational and academic disciplines require deliberation and the ability to draw on knowledge, character and experience, it is essential that no student feels their experience puts them at a disadvantage. The authors argue that democratic education should allow each participant to feel enhanced, included and able to participate in order to create a constructive and reciprocal dialogue. This work will be of value to students and scholars interested in democratic education, the experiences of non-traditional students, and the sociology of education.

This book explores the development of practical wisdom, or phronesis, within the stories of four mature students studying for degrees in art and design. Through an analysis informed by the ideas of Basil Bernstein and Aristotle, the authors propose that phronesis - or the ability to deliberate well - should be an intrinsic part of a democratic education. As a number of vocational and academic disciplines require deliberation and the ability to draw on knowledge, character and experience, it is essential that no student feels their experience puts them at a disadvantage. The authors argue that democratic education should allow each participant to feel enhanced, included and able to participate in order to create a constructive and reciprocal dialogue. This work will be of value to students and scholars interested in democratic education, the experiences of non-traditional students, and the sociology of education.

This book comprises the responses of a group of multi-disciplinary writers/ researchers/practitioners to the proposition that arts education in the twentyfirst century has become industrialised. Historical and contemporary examples of how arts education prepares students for working in industry are discussed to show how the expectations of educators, students and industry representatives do not always concur. The extent to which arts pedagogies have been informed by the agendas of the cultural industries as well as wider neoliberal ideologies are also considered. This leads to questions about the function and value of arts education. The debates expose tensions of producing students who are 'industryready' in an educational context that must, at the same time, consider other issues such as sustainability and widening participation. Writers, educators and researchers in vocational education, creative writing, jewellery design, animation, fashion branding and popular music investigate the complexities relating to this topic from their own diverse points of view.

This volume brings together a range of practitioners, managers, and researchers who work within the field of arts higher education to reflect on strategies to increase access and widening participation (WP). The issues presented in this book are situated within a wider global context where countries are seeking greater harmonisation of higher education as students and workers become more mobile, crossing international borders. The chapter authors address various issues within higher education institutions from a WP context, including areas such as creative writing, music, art and design. In exploring these issues the editor and her chapter authors seek to answer how those teaching in arts higher education can promote the value and quality of their work while ensuring fair access and wide participation for all.