These pages have been put together largely in response to requests for details of, and links to, books and articles on education and community action. One or two people have also asked about research projects, and my background and experience.
current research
Tony Jeffs and I have been conducting research for a new book that explores the current environments in which educators operate. In particular, we focus on the fundamental mistakes made by policymakers, academics, and those charged with developing practice in schools, colleges, and local communities. Much like Tomison’s Academy pictured above, there is a danger of dereliction. We argue that it is necessary to re-imagine education and develop alternative ways of approaching schooling, informal education, and supporting community-led initiatives.
Click for details of previous projects.
recent articles
Schools in South Ronaldsay and Burray. This article explores the development of schooling over three centuries in these two island communities. It looks at the experiences of parochial and state schooling, and the changing shape of provision. [May 2025]
Ellen Ranyard (“LNR”), Bible women, district nurses and informal education. Known for using innovative methods, Ellen Raynard (1810-1879) brought about the first group of paid social workers in England and pioneered the first district nursing programme in London [updated and extended April 2025]. A linked podcast is now available on The Red Heaven Oral History Archive.
Ivan Illich on deschooling, conviviality, and systems. Possibilities for education and social change. Known for his critique of modernization and the corrupting impact of institutions, Ivan Illich’s concern with deschooling, learning webs and the disabling effect of professions struck a chord among many educators and pedagogues. We explore some key aspects of his theories and his continuing relevance for teaching, pedagogy and learning.[Updated and extended January 2025]
Understanding the housing crisis in Scotland – and the actions we must take to put things right. We have witnessed a long-running and comprehensive failure in housing policy across Britain. Scotland’s record is better than that seen south of the border – but is now in danger of failing badly. Mark K Smith explores what is going wrong – and what can be done so that all can have decent homes. This piece is also available as a pdf (A4). [November 2024]
Mary Augusta Ward / Mrs Humphry Ward and the Passmore Edwards Settlement. Mary Augusta Ward aka Mrs Humphry Ward was one of the best-known writers of her day. She was also a key pioneer in the settlement movement and the development of provision for children with disabilities and for play. Alongside this Mary was an advocate for the rights of women, yet she opposed the extension of the right to vote to them. We explore her life and contribution, and the settlement she founded. [updated and extended August 2024]
Click for a full listing of articles with links where available.
books etc
Many of the books that I have been involved with have been digitized and are available online. In the books section, you can click through to them. Also, you will find new epub (kobo etc.) and mobi (kindle) versions of the following texts from the 1980’s and 1990’s:
Another early book has also just been digitised:
Organise! A guide to practical politics for youth groups and community groups. This book dates back to a developmental project funded by the Department of Education and Science (1988-1981). Creators not Consumers was also a product of this project. Download: Organise!-pdf version-compressed (A4 print). A word of warning – the file has been compressed as it was huge. As a result, there is some very occasional fuzziness in the text.
Click for books and please contact me if you have problems with downloads.
walks
The two London walks featured here use Charles Booth’s famous poverty maps (1898-9), which, thanks to the London School of Economics, can be viewed and compared to a contemporary street map. They also draw on local knowledge – I have lived in both areas. Directions and discussion of the various places to look out for can also be accessed. One Walk explores informal education. It is based around The Strand, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Soho and Oxford Street. The other focuses on social action. Starting close to Tower Bridge, it follows the River Thames eastwards to Rotherhithe. You can walk them for real or virtually.
Both walks were updated in August/September 2024 and are available via infed.org. You can also download PDF versions by clicking here.
For those venturing beyond mainland Scotland, a new site examines life in South Ronaldsay (where I now live). It looks at the last 13,000 years and the various archaeological sites, churches, schools you can visit, and walks and other activities you can enjoy. Exploring South Ronaldsay.
Click for further details.
about me
I edit infed.org – the encyclopaedia of pedagogy and informal education.
Click for further details.
updated: June 16, 2025