Michael Young speaking to the Standing Committee for the Education and Training of Teachers (SCETT) in 2014
This profile from The Guardian is a useful introduction to the intellectual life of English sociologist of education Michael F.D. Young.
It was written by Peter Wilby and was published some years ago, but it discusses issues that are very much current today.
Right now the United Kingdom is preparing itself for the General Election.
Whatever teachers and educators do in this election, they must ensure that fundamental educational issues, such as the future of knowledge and the school curriculum, are addressed and addressed seriously. Educational theory, such as that developed by Young, helps us to bring analytical depth to our discussions.
Replying to question put by Wilby in the article Young argues that:
“We shouldn’t be differentiating the curriculum saying some kids do this, some that. All children are born with a desire for knowledge. Teachers should think about how they can enhance that desire. We need a focus on how to organise school knowledge at different stages. Otherwise, the Gove reforms stand no chance.”
Teachers, educators and the public more broadly of course need to debate what has happened since.
You can read the full Guardian profile here.
If you are interesting in thinking through the question of knowledge and curriculum more fully you might begin with Michael Young’s Bringing Knowledge Back In: From Social Constructivism to Social Realism in the Sociology of Education (2007). You can purchase this here.
You could also engage with a collection of academic essays on Young’s work entitled Sociology, Curriculum Studies and Professional Knowledge: New Perspectives on the Work of Michael Young (edited by David Guile et al, 2017). You can order a copy here.