ERIC Number: EJ1386412
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1356-2517
EISSN: EISSN-1470-1294
Available Date: N/A
Study Skills: Neoliberalism's Perfect Tinkerbell
Teaching in Higher Education, v28 n3 p580-596 2023
We argue that current approaches to Study Skills support are presented as being a panacea for resolving the issues presented by neoliberal approaches to educational expansion. We argue that for such a panacea to be believed pedagogically effective, four key tenets must be adhered to: Study skills is a definable entity; it is valuable for every subject; it can be embedded, and; Study Skills helps students succeed in their subjects. We argue these tenets are devoid of any sound pedagogical basis, yet that they are ideal for, and align with, neoliberal ideologies and free market political economy. We consider the organisational structuration of Study Skills as underpinned by Lukes's third dimension of power, outlining how Study Skills represents a constitutive fantasy, a magical Tinkerbell for all to believe in that solves everyone's problems. We propose HE dispels this Tinkerbell by ceasing to believe in it, and instead resources subject-based support.
Descriptors: Study Skills, Study Habits, Neoliberalism, Definitions, Ideology, Misconceptions, Higher Education, Transfer of Training, Educational Benefits, Mastery Learning, Power Structure, Program Effectiveness
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A