School learning is of limited use to learners unless they can apply the knowledge and skills that have been learned in class to their lives in the `real world’ outside school. Reading 2.10, by Thomas and Pattison documents the gaps between the abstract, formal knowledge of school and the home contexts in which it might have been applied. Rich et al focus on the concept of 'what matters to children' in their two books which integrate theory and practice in the interests of supporting real world, first-hand experience in learning. An interesting book by Armstrong explores how children in classrooms can appropriate the form of activities for the purpose of representing and expressing their personal funds of knowledge. Solomon provides a detailed overview of self-education in informal learning situations, and Schuller et al interviewed adults of all ages in order to look at the impact of formal and informal learning on people's lives.
Thomas, A. and Pattison, H. (2007) How Children Learn at Home. London: Continuum. (Reading 2.10)
Rich, D., Casanova, D., Dixon, A., Drummond M J., Durrant, A. and Myer, C. (2005) First-hand Experience: What Matters To Children, Ipswich: Rich Learning Opportunities.
Rich, D., Drummond, M J. and Myer, C. (2008) Learning: What Matters To Children, Ipswich: Rich Learning Opportunities.
Armstrong, M. (1980) Closely Observed Children, London: Writers and Readers.
Solomon, J. (2003) The Passion to Learn, London: RoutledgeFalmer.
Schuller, T., Hammond, C., Bassett-Grundy, A., Preston, J. and Bynner, J. (2004) The Benefits of Learning, London: RoutledgeFalmer.
