This book looks at the issues facing teachers and trainers currently working in the field of post compulsory education including questions of vocationalism, managerialism, professionalism, accountability, and educational research. Although aimed in part at raising awareness of such issues and the contrasting views which might be held it is intended that readers will use the book to develop an active engagement with these issues. This may be achieved through reflection and evaluation within their own professional context but also through embarking on their own research projects.

The book is split into three sections. The first section deals with issues raised by locating post compulsory education within a wider social, political and economic context. The second section looks at issues raised by considering post compulsory education in its organizational context. The third section looks at methodological issues connected with conducting research in post compulsory settings.

The format for each section includes overviews with self-assessment exercises, followed by different authors pursuing particular lines of inquiry, finishing with suggestions for ways in which readers might engage in debate and research.