Open Education: a slogan examined

SUMMARY The origins and history of the open education movement, and its links with the British progressive tradition are briefly explained. The cycles of development typical of both the British and American educational scenes are described and, in this context, particular attention is directed towards the increasing use of ‘openness’ by progressive educators in this country at the present time. The slogan of ‘openness’ is then analysed with the objective of clarifying the chief aims and assumptions of open educators, and also of offering some explanation of the incredible popularity of the slogan. Finally, some speculations about the future development of open education in an account which involves both procedural and normative implications for education is offered.