This article draws on a study which investigated the interpretation and use of Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) in primary schools in the UK (the authors gratefully acknowledge Studentship funding from the Economic and Social Research Council for this study). The paper focuses on school staff members' perceptions about the…

The aim of this article is to initiate discussion about the pursuit of self-awareness--a concept embedded in recent policy--as an educational goal. The authors argue that complex theoretical questions need to be addressed if improvements in policy and practice relating to personal, social and emotional education are to ensue. Such questions relate…

This article looks at the transition to higher education made by a group of male undergraduates. The data were collected though one-to-one interviews with 24 students, who were asked questions designed to elicit data about their positioning in relation to hegemonic masculinities. The evidence presented here supports the view that gender operates…

Focuses on the role of gender as a significant aspect of self-concept suggesting that transitional phases intensify the sociocultural processes of identity construction and that gender acquires salience as an aspect of identity during the transitions. Highlights studies on gender as an aspect of identity during transitional phases of the school…

Addresses concerns about the trustworthiness of research results derived from image-based data, particularly questions of validity assessment. Compares examples of such research to provide an illustration of these issues. Presents a tentative strategy for ensuring trustworthiness based on five criteria: completeness, interpretive adequacy,…