Intended to stimulate sociologically informed thinking about educating, this book has become firmly established in its field, winning places on reading lists for Education Studies, Initial Teacher Training and Continuing Professional Development courses. The book begins with a light-hearted taste of sociology, and then goes on to explore five key areas of education: - the hidden curriculum - ideologies of educating - sociological perspectives and the study of education - educational life chances, and - the next learning system.This new edition includes sections on personalized learning, progressive education, and the impact of assessment on pupils. It also comes with a new chapter 'The Discourses of Education'. Roland Meighan is a former Special Professor of Education, University of Nottingham, UK and Senior Lecturer, University of Birmingham, UK.Clive Harber is Professor of Education and Head of the School of Education, University of Birmingham, UK. He brings with him expertise in the field of International Education and Educational DevelopmentWith contributions by Len Barton and Iram Siraj-Blatchford, both of the Institute of Education, University of London; and Stephen Walker, Reader in the Sociology of Education and Visiting Professor in the Science of Education, University of Bari.