A new documentary glosses over some awkward questions about the origins of America’s most celebrated children’s television show.
Wizz for Molesworth: British private schools and the making of ‘character’
How might a series of children’s books published in the 1950s provide insights into the character of today’s privately educated political leaders?
Media literacy policy: the reduced version
The UK government is developing new policies on media literacy. But what does it mean by media literacy – and where is education in its plans?
Citizenship and media education in contested times: an interview with Shakuntala Banaji
In the second of two posts looking at citizenship and media education, this is an interview with one of the most interesting thinkers and researchers in this area, Professor Shakuntala Banaji.
Citizenship and media education: lost connections?
The first of two posts revisiting the idea of citizenship education, and its relationship with media education.
Adult fans, children’s culture: the curious case of My Little Pony
What’s going on for adult fans of children’s culture? Some thoughts about the bronies, and other adult fans of My Little Pony.
Deschooling society? Revisiting Ivan Illich after lockdown
‘All over the world, the school has an anti-educational effect on society.’ Fifty years ago, Ivan Illich’s book Deschooling Society offered a radical challenge to the very institution of the school. How far might it be relevant to the world after lockdown?
Enemies of promise? Education, culture and meritocracy under the Conservatives
The argument for restoring ‘traditional’ forms of education is based on dubious claims about social justice. Why the argument for meritocracy needs to be challenged.
Disinfecting Disney? Tackling the history of representation
The Disney Corporation is putting advisory messages about racial stereotyping on some of its historical films and TV shows. How should we deal with problematic representations from the past?
Teaching Culture: The Missionary Position
The attempt to civilize the uncultured masses is coming back into style. I look back to the Leavisite approach to popular culture, and its place in the history of English teaching.
David Buckingham 