Pedagogy and the University: Critical Theory and Practice Book

An intellectually lively book which outlines the main trends in university pedagogy within the context of academic practices (funding, curricululum development, audit, access etc.) and socio-economic developments. It also shows how to relate "macro" issues (e.g. globalisation) to "micro" issues (approaches to teaching). Identifies and challenges a dominant and international paradigm which sees education purely as a "technical rational" process designed to contribute to economic growth. Dr McLean argues that the process will not achieve its desired ends and ignores other, more emancipatory, values in education. She supports an "evidence-informed" and research-led approach to developing pedagogy but argues that these need to be understood more rigorously and need to include action research and a notion of reflective practice.