Editorial: Neo-this and Neo-that

Abstract

Novelty carries with it a certain attractiveness. This appeal of what is new is itself not new. Back in Athens in the early years of the 1st century, the Apostle Paul encountered it: "All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas." He used the opportunity afforded him by their openness to new information to engage the citizens in dialogue, arguing powerfully for a more adequate worldview, which he presented for their earnest consideration.

Educational research generally involves the quest for something new. Every piece of fresh research represents a pushing back, perhaps ever so slightly, of the boundaries of knowledge, a searching for previously unknown relationships, a suggested explanation for hitherto unsolved problems or dilemmas. But in many cases, educational research simply uncovers more issues to be researched. Definitive solutions are elusive, and even "best evidence syntheses" may not provide unequivocal answers to enlighten classroom behaviour. Human and situational variables are too potent in education.