Back to the future: implications of the neopositivist research agenda for adult basic education

Belzer, A. and St Clair, R. (2005) Back to the future: implications of the neopositivist research agenda for adult basic education. Teachers' College Record, 107(6), pp. 1393-1411.

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Abstract

Federal educational policy, funding, and legislation are currently forwarding a research agenda described by the current administration as scientifically based. We characterize this agenda, described in multiple official documents as the gold standard, as neopositivist. We consider the ways in which this research paradigm and the methods that accompany it (i.e., randomized field trials) are particularly problematic for knowledge generation in adult basic education, an important subfield of adult education. We focus on three areas of concern that exemplify in significant ways the limitations of scientifically based research: the contexts of adult basic education, the ways in which practitioners use research, and the state of the knowledge base.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:St Clair, Prof Ralf
Authors: Belzer, A., and St Clair, R.
Subjects:L Education > LC Special aspects of education > LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Education
Journal Name:Teachers' College Record
ISSN:0161-4681
ISSN (Online):1467-9620

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