Critical analysis of a recent education policy
Suggested Format
• Introduction
• Description of the policy
What are the aims of the policy?
What area does the policy relate to?
Why the policy formulated? Historical background?
• Analysis of the policy, using insights from relevant theories and perspectives.
Is the policy fit for purpose?
What are the ideological underpinnings (if any) of the policy?
Are there any key issues?
Think about issues related to (these are just suggestions to set you thinking):
• access,
• SEN,
• social justice,
• differentiation,
• learner diversity (learning styles and multiple intelligences etc).
• How useful are the aims of the policy? What will be its impact?
• What theoretical perspective will you use to analyse and critique the policy?
• Who devised the policy?
• Can you identify the ideological basis of your chosen policy?
• Issues related to power?
• How does the policy reflect the interest of different groups within society?
• Who is included and who gets excluded?
• How does the policy correspond to the stratification within society?
What are the positives and negatives?
What are the theoretical underpinnings of the policy?
How will the policy impact the learners’ experience?
If it is a curriculum policy, think about the curricular framework, pedagogy, and assessment strategies.
• Conclusion
