Pedagogy and the University : Critical Theory and Practice

This is an intellectually lively book with genuine scholarly ambition. McLean outlines the main trends in university pedagogy within the context of academic practices (funding, curriculum development, audit, access etc.) and socio-economic developments. The author: shows how to relate 'macro' issues (e.g. globalization) to 'micro' issues (approaches to teaching); challenges the paradigm of education as a purely 'technical rational' process designed to contribute to economic growth; and argues that the process will not achieve its desired ends and ignores other, more emancipatory, values in education. Whilst supporting an 'evidence-informed' and research-led approach to developing pedagogy, McLean demonstrates that these conceptions need to include a role for action research and reflective practice.