Beware of Wise Men Bearing Gifts: a case study in the misuse of educational research

Abstract

This article is concerned with the report of the ‘three wise men’, Curriculum Organisation and Practice in Primary Schools: a discussion document, which was published in early 1992. The background to the report is examined, and its central argument assessed. In the course of this it is shown that the research evidence cited does not offer convincing support for the claims made. It is concluded that the report represents a misuse of educational research, and implies a false relationship between research and the professional practice of teachers.