Critical Theory and Classroom Talk

by Robert Young

Overview

The theory of critique, or 'critical theory', as developed by Habermas and applied to education by Young, is far from being merely negative. It is quite explicitly an optimistic educational theory, in which the hope for rational progress, peace, global understanding and ecological sanity, is celebrated. Now that dogmatic Marxism has been swept into the rubbish bin of history, it may be possible to engage in a less paranoid appraisal of the claims of critical theory — the most revisionist legacy of Marxism. A close look shows it to be eminently practical, democratically-minded and responsible. In this book, Young summarises critical learning theory, shows its relationship to educational research, particularly research on classroom communication, and demonstrates its value for classroom teachers in a variety of 'real-life' classrooms. Far from being a utopian approach, it comes to grips with the everyday problems of teachers in real, imperfect, underfunded schools. Motivation, interest, getting through the work, achieving real understanding and teacher-planner relationships are fully discussed, using classroom transcripts.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781853591259
Publisher:	Multilingual Matters Ltd.
Publication date:	11/15/1991
Series:	The Language and Education Library , #2
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	152
Product dimensions:	5.84(w) x 8.18(h) x 0.34(d)

Table of Contents

Glossary
1. World-Education Future
2. Context and Method
3. Ontology and Action
4. Discourse and Development
5. Towards a Critical Linguistics
6. Situations and Critique
7. Genre and Classroom Type
8. Critical Discourse in Classrooms
9. The Context of the Practical
Notes

Editorial Reviews

Containing applications of Young's (U. of Sydney, Australia) Habermasian critical theory of education, deals mainly with classroom communication problems of teachers in schools. One particular focus is on the question/answer cycle and its educational role. A special feature of this work is its extensive use of classroom transcripts in the analysis. Paper edition (125-4), $19. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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