New publications

This book confirms the significance of social capital as an analytical tool, while challenging the basis on which current policy is being developed. It offers evidence on a topic that has become central to contemporary government and provides investigation of the relationship between social capital, knowledge creation and lifelong learning. These findings are then related to a wider policy debate. The author questions the dominant theoretical models of social capital and confronts the assumption of many policy makers that the obvious solution to social problems is to 'invest in social capital'. The purpose of this book is not to present a new line of research, but rather to make sense of the existing research on social capital. Given the increasing confusion over the concept of social capital, at the same time that interest in applying it to various problem areas has never been greater, Social Capital provides an introduction to the state of the literature. The book is aimed at researchers in education, policy studies and urban studies, and those concerned with an understanding of contemporary policy concerns. (Available from DA Information).

This second, revised edition of Good Practice in Childcare focuses on children's rights, children's safety, anti-discriminatory practice, equality, confidentiality and reflective practice. The author also deals with the dilemmas that can arise from implementing such good practice. A useful aid to all childcare courses, this guide provides students with case studies and exercises which will help them develop and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the subject. (Adapted from publisher's description).

This collection of over 100 classroom activities is designed to allow teachers to exploit fully the language learning potential of extensive reading. The activities, contributed by teachers who have used them successfully in classrooms all over the world, introduce extensive reading to students and link it with the rest of the language curriculum. These activities in speaking, listening, role-play, reading, writing and vocabulary are suitable for students of all ages and levels. This book is aimed at teacher-educators, and functions as a handbook for teachers of general language courses, or courses in grammar, listening, speaking, writing or reading. (Adapted from publisher's description).