This paper presents a framework which supports undergraduate students undertaking a literature re... more This paper presents a framework which supports undergraduate students undertaking a literature review and has been used to good effect over the last three years. The framework divides the task of writing a literature review into seven steps which if followed will guide the student through the process; a task that many undergraduate students find challenging and stressful. By providing this support the framework also alleviates the demands upon the project supervisor and reduces tutorial fatigue.
This paper presents the findings of a quasi-longitudinal investigation of the lived experiences o... more This paper presents the findings of a quasi-longitudinal investigation of the lived experiences of Children's Service professionals between 2004 and 2012. The aim of the research was to gain an understanding of the factors which shape and transform professional activity. Data collection was undertaken using semi-structured interviews and Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) was used as the analytical framework. The findings of the research surfaced a number of tensions that were evident within Children's Services. These included the limited role that government policy took in shaping professional activity together with the need for senior managers to translate national policy into localised practice via clearly articulated strategic vision; as well as the need to develop new 'Council' rules to promote new ways of working. The findings also challenged the concept of a stable 'community of practice' as proposed by Lave and Wenger and supported Vygotsky's notion that learning is underpinned by discontinuity, conflict and displacement. Engestrom's concepts of historicity and multi-voicedness also proved to be particularly applicable to the process of change that took place in and between both phases of the research.
This paper presents the findings of a quasi-longitudinal investigation of the lived experiences o... more This paper presents the findings of a quasi-longitudinal investigation of the lived experiences of Children’s Service professionals (in England) between 2004 and 2012. The research aimed to gain an understanding of the factors which shape and transform collective professional behaviour during periods of national policy reform. Cultural historical activity theory formed the analytical framework which helped identify features of professional practice which changed or remained the same; thereby giving insight into ‘the change process’ within large organisations. The findings identified a movement from universal provision of services to one that adopted an increasingly business orientated approach. Multi-agency partnership working remained evident throughout; from policy ambition in 2004 to one embedded in practice through necessity within an environment of decreasing financial and human resources.
A paper for the Ireland International Education conference in April. It highlights some of the k... more A paper for the Ireland International Education conference in April. It highlights some of the key learning outcomes of my doctoral thesis and sets this within a neoliberal policy context.
The views expressed in this report are the authors' and do not necessarily reflect those of the D... more The views expressed in this report are the authors' and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department for Education and Skills.
This article outlines the development and analysis of the results of a community-led survey under... more This article outlines the development and analysis of the results of a community-led survey undertaken in year 1 of a 3-year period of evaluation for a first wave Sure Start programme. The survey had initially been suggested as a means of collecting data that was required, at the time, by the central Sure Start unit, however, its potential outside of this specific evaluative purpose was also recognized. In addition to providing important pointers for the future development of the programme, the findings give insight into a community within the west midland conurbation, and reviews the support that carers have accessed during the first 4 years of their youngest child's life. Their feelings and opinions are presented and demonstrate factors that influence the involvement of carers in this and other related programmes.
This thesis presents a quasi-longitudinal investigation of the lived experiences of Children’s Se... more This thesis presents a quasi-longitudinal investigation of the lived experiences of Children’s Service professionals in the period between the introduction of the 2004 Children Act to 2012: a period of public service austerity. The aim of the research was to gain an understanding of the factors which shape and transform professional behaviour. Data collection was undertaken using semi-structured interviews with Children’s Service practitioners. Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) was used as an analytical framework through which to develop understandings of shifts in professional practice.
The analysis of interviews surfaced a number of professional shifts. These included: a re-conceptualisation of partnership working, from policy ambition to one based upon positive outcomes for children and families (a key research finding), together with a move from a universal to a targeted approach to the provision of services for children and young people (‘service users’ were redefined as ‘customers of services’ within a newly established business-like approach). The findings also illustrate the limited direct role that government policy took in shaping professional changes; this highlights the need for senior managers to translate national government policy into localised practice via clearly articulated strategic vision.
The study also tests out a range of theoretical perspectives and challenges those which present a stable and slowly evolving professional community; the study explores theoretical positions which present the transformation of professional practice as dynamic, fluid and idiosyncratic.
Book chapter for a forthcoming book entitled: International and Comparative education: contempora... more Book chapter for a forthcoming book entitled: International and Comparative education: contemporary issues and debates.
This paper presents a framework which supports undergraduate students undertaking a literature re... more This paper presents a framework which supports undergraduate students undertaking a literature review and has been used to good effect over the last three years. The framework divides the task of writing a literature review into seven steps which if followed will guide the student through the process; a task that many undergraduate students find challenging and stressful. By providing this support the framework also alleviates the demands upon the project supervisor and reduces tutorial fatigue.
This paper presents the findings of a quasi-longitudinal investigation of the lived experiences o... more This paper presents the findings of a quasi-longitudinal investigation of the lived experiences of Children's Service professionals between 2004 and 2012. The aim of the research was to gain an understanding of the factors which shape and transform professional activity. Data collection was undertaken using semi-structured interviews and Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) was used as the analytical framework. The findings of the research surfaced a number of tensions that were evident within Children's Services. These included the limited role that government policy took in shaping professional activity together with the need for senior managers to translate national policy into localised practice via clearly articulated strategic vision; as well as the need to develop new 'Council' rules to promote new ways of working. The findings also challenged the concept of a stable 'community of practice' as proposed by Lave and Wenger and supported Vygotsky's notion that learning is underpinned by discontinuity, conflict and displacement. Engestrom's concepts of historicity and multi-voicedness also proved to be particularly applicable to the process of change that took place in and between both phases of the research.
This paper presents the findings of a quasi-longitudinal investigation of the lived experiences o... more This paper presents the findings of a quasi-longitudinal investigation of the lived experiences of Children’s Service professionals (in England) between 2004 and 2012. The research aimed to gain an understanding of the factors which shape and transform collective professional behaviour during periods of national policy reform. Cultural historical activity theory formed the analytical framework which helped identify features of professional practice which changed or remained the same; thereby giving insight into ‘the change process’ within large organisations. The findings identified a movement from universal provision of services to one that adopted an increasingly business orientated approach. Multi-agency partnership working remained evident throughout; from policy ambition in 2004 to one embedded in practice through necessity within an environment of decreasing financial and human resources.
A paper for the Ireland International Education conference in April. It highlights some of the k... more A paper for the Ireland International Education conference in April. It highlights some of the key learning outcomes of my doctoral thesis and sets this within a neoliberal policy context.
The views expressed in this report are the authors' and do not necessarily reflect those of the D... more The views expressed in this report are the authors' and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department for Education and Skills.
This article outlines the development and analysis of the results of a community-led survey under... more This article outlines the development and analysis of the results of a community-led survey undertaken in year 1 of a 3-year period of evaluation for a first wave Sure Start programme. The survey had initially been suggested as a means of collecting data that was required, at the time, by the central Sure Start unit, however, its potential outside of this specific evaluative purpose was also recognized. In addition to providing important pointers for the future development of the programme, the findings give insight into a community within the west midland conurbation, and reviews the support that carers have accessed during the first 4 years of their youngest child's life. Their feelings and opinions are presented and demonstrate factors that influence the involvement of carers in this and other related programmes.
This thesis presents a quasi-longitudinal investigation of the lived experiences of Children’s Se... more This thesis presents a quasi-longitudinal investigation of the lived experiences of Children’s Service professionals in the period between the introduction of the 2004 Children Act to 2012: a period of public service austerity. The aim of the research was to gain an understanding of the factors which shape and transform professional behaviour. Data collection was undertaken using semi-structured interviews with Children’s Service practitioners. Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) was used as an analytical framework through which to develop understandings of shifts in professional practice.
The analysis of interviews surfaced a number of professional shifts. These included: a re-conceptualisation of partnership working, from policy ambition to one based upon positive outcomes for children and families (a key research finding), together with a move from a universal to a targeted approach to the provision of services for children and young people (‘service users’ were redefined as ‘customers of services’ within a newly established business-like approach). The findings also illustrate the limited direct role that government policy took in shaping professional changes; this highlights the need for senior managers to translate national government policy into localised practice via clearly articulated strategic vision.
The study also tests out a range of theoretical perspectives and challenges those which present a stable and slowly evolving professional community; the study explores theoretical positions which present the transformation of professional practice as dynamic, fluid and idiosyncratic.
Book chapter for a forthcoming book entitled: International and Comparative education: contempora... more Book chapter for a forthcoming book entitled: International and Comparative education: contemporary issues and debates.
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Papers by Paul Wiseman
Thesis by Paul Wiseman
The analysis of interviews surfaced a number of professional shifts. These included: a re-conceptualisation of partnership working, from policy ambition to one based upon positive outcomes for children and families (a key research finding), together with a move from a universal to a targeted approach to the provision of services for children and young people (‘service users’ were redefined as ‘customers of services’ within a newly established business-like approach). The findings also illustrate the limited direct role that government policy took in shaping professional changes; this highlights the need for senior managers to translate national government policy into localised practice via clearly articulated strategic vision.
The study also tests out a range of theoretical perspectives and challenges those which present a stable and slowly evolving professional community; the study explores theoretical positions which present the transformation of professional practice as dynamic, fluid and idiosyncratic.
CV by Paul Wiseman
Books by Paul Wiseman
The analysis of interviews surfaced a number of professional shifts. These included: a re-conceptualisation of partnership working, from policy ambition to one based upon positive outcomes for children and families (a key research finding), together with a move from a universal to a targeted approach to the provision of services for children and young people (‘service users’ were redefined as ‘customers of services’ within a newly established business-like approach). The findings also illustrate the limited direct role that government policy took in shaping professional changes; this highlights the need for senior managers to translate national government policy into localised practice via clearly articulated strategic vision.
The study also tests out a range of theoretical perspectives and challenges those which present a stable and slowly evolving professional community; the study explores theoretical positions which present the transformation of professional practice as dynamic, fluid and idiosyncratic.