Improving Education

Joanna Swann is a Popperian philosopher of learning and method, known internationally for her innovative theoretical and practical explorations of the implications of evolutionary epistemology for teaching and education research. Formerly a Principal Lecturer at the University of Brighton, UK, she is now a freelance author. John Pratt is Emeritus Professor of the Centre for Institutional Studies at the University of East London, UK, and Visiting Professor at the University of Brighton, UK.

"This collection is to be commended for its genuine attempt to link epistemological questions to the quality of education research. It provides an accessible account of the ideas of an important philosopher who has been relatively neglected by educational theorists. It is likely to be of interest to researchers and policy-makers, as well as to philosophers of education."--International Journal of Educational Development

• Part 1 Principles: realism, empiricism, pursuit of truth; postmodern attacks of rationalization; Popper's theory of research; making better plans; critical realism. Part 2 Practice: applications of principles; using critical realism in policy; improving lecturers assessment in H.E.; logic of learning in primary schools; practitioners in adult education; research and policy development; Popperians approach to enquiry.