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Quarterly Essay 35
Noel Pearson on Education
By Noel Pearson

Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard have promised an education revolution, but what might that really mean? In Quarterly Essay 35, one of Australia’s most original and provocative thinkers turns his attention to the question of education.

Noel Pearson argues that nothing is more crucial to future success than a proper education. He discusses what makes a good teacher and recalls his own education, his mentors and inspirations. From here he widens the discussion to consider what works in the classroom, introducing new findings from research and practice – how and why do people learn? He also looks critically at some of the most difficult and controversial issues. Does education for the many mean a lowering of overall standards? Can one teach empowerment? How might school attendance be enforced? Can one teach critical literacy in the absence of basic literacy? What can be done to stop the loss of indigenous languages? In all of this, Pearson searches for the radical centre – the way forward that combines rights and responsibilities, and ensures that no child will be left behind.

Noel Pearson is a lawyer and activist. He has published many essays and newspaper articles, including a collection of essays, Up from the Mission, which charts his life and thought, from his early days as a native-title lawyer to his position today as one of Australia’s most influential figures.

ISBN - 978-1-86395-444-0 - $16.95 - September 2009