Books by David A. Turner

To date, theory in Education Studies has been dominated by a particular view of what should count as ''scientific'' theory. David Turner argues that this approach does not necessarily provide a firm foundation for policy planning and professional activity. Using examples from linear programming, game theory, decision theory and chaos theory, he demonstrates how certain insights from modern developments in, for example, the social sciences can be used to stimulate more rewarding debate amongst educational researchers.

Medicine, and particularly neuroscience, appears to offer the kind of educational quick fixes that politicians and the public would love to have. Following media reports of drugs that seemingly improve learning and memory, this title examines commonly held beliefs about learning, knowledge and intelligence, and critically assesses such claims.

Useful for educators, this book shows how game theory and mathematical models can be used to develop an understanding of educational theory in useful ways. It uses the author's findings to inform the debate on a variety of issues, including classroom management, teaching and learning in groups, and quality assurance mechanisms.