Good Education in an Age of Measurement ─ Ethics, Politics, Democracy

Biesta (education, U. of Stirling, UK) considers what constitutes good education, with a focus on its purpose, ends, and values rather than its efficiency or effectiveness of processes, and how the question of good education can be addressed more precisely. He first addresses the rising culture of measurement in educational policy around the world, problems with the focus on learning, and the domains of education that are important: qualification, socialization, and subjectification. He then moves to discussion of movements of education that displace the question of purpose, especially turning education into an evidence-based profession and accountability; how good education relates to democracy; and why education in democratic societies should not be thought of entirely in terms of socialization. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)