This article examines Engestrom's version of activity theory, one rooted in Marxism. It is argued that whilst this approach holds progressive possibilities, its radicalism is undermined by a restricted conceptualisation of transformation and the marginalisation of a politicised notion of social antagonism. As a consequence, this approach to…

The article explores work-based learning in the context of current changes taking place in vocational education and training in England. It seeks to locate these within an understanding of the economy and the way in which work-based knowledge is construed. The article analyses these issues, drawing upon a literature that examines the work-based…

Focus groups with 43 British preservice teachers preparing for the postcompulsory sector revealed their concerns about facilitating learning for "second-chance" students and some emancipatory and social justice ideals. However, they tended to express technicist ideas of teaching and constructions of "good" and "bad" students that contradicted…

Discussions with three groups of further education students in Britain explored their orientations toward study, their responses to vocationalism, and the processes influencing their emerging identities as learners. The processes were linked with the global context of education. (SK)