Thinking Differently About Schooling

Abstract

This chapter establishes the conceptual framework of the book whilst foregrounding our understandings of key terms related to the research. In particular, we ask our readers to consider the provocation that there is a difference between 'schooling' and 'education'. We explain key terms that relate to alternative educational provision and describe how we intend to use them in the book. Whilst noting the historical roots of mass education and the implications for schooling of deficit constructions of youth, we consider what a 'meaningful' education might look like in contrast to the traditional 'grammar of schooling'. We conclude with an outline of our theoretical and methodological frameworks and describe the research sites and processes.