"This book provides a really sound grounding in the theories that underpin successful teaching and learning. Without over-simplification it provides accessible introductions to the key learning theories with which teachers and students are likely to engage, and it has immense practical value." Professor Sally Brown, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Leeds Metropolitan University, UK This comprehensive guide for education students and practitioners provides an overview of the major theories of learning. It considers their implications for policy and practice and sets out practical guidelines for best pedagogical practice. The book can be read as a series of stand-alone chapters or as an integrated overview of theoretical perspectives drawn from the philosophy, psychology, sociology and pedagogy that guide educational principles and practice. Each chapter contains: An accessible introduction to each theory A summary of key principles Critical insights drawn from the theories discussed Examples and illustrations from contemporary research and practice Summary boxes that highlight critical and key points made Practical implications for education professionals Approaches to Learning is an invaluable resource for students and practitioners who wish to reflect on their educational constructs and explore and engage in the modern discourse of education.
This book offers an accessible introduction and a comprehensive guide to a range of ideas on creativity in education. The book provides an overview of the major theories related to creativity and explores the implications for policy and practice. The popular topic of creativity has given rise to a large number of theoretical positions, sometimes contradictory or contested. This book clarifies and organises these approaches so that teachers understand where particular pedagogical and curricular practices originate and can develop them coherently. Topics covered include: Creativity in a social context Creativity and technology Creativity and curriculum planning Assessment and creativity Group creativity Managing creativity Tools of creativity The creative learner Creativity and cognition Creativity as expression Approaches to Creativity is an invaluable resource for those who wish to reflect on creativity and explore and engage in the modern discourse of education. It will be of value in teacher education, postgraduate studies, curriculum design and administration. "I’m thrilled to see a book aimed at helping teachers deepen their understanding of creativity and, at the same time, offering practical insights for how teachers might nurture creativity in their everyday curriculum." Professor Ronald A. Beghetto, Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Education, University of Oregon, USA “At a time when many books designed to help us rethink big issues distract by their priestly tone and their pretensions to having found a solution, this is refreshingly clear, new and open.” Professor John Onians, Emeritus Professor of World Art History, University of East Anglia, England “It is a rare book which manages to combine deep scholarship with readability. This one achieves that goal while also being timely and relevant. It should be read by all busy teachers who are concerned to apply research about creativity into their teaching practice.” Professor John Panter, Ex-Head of Academic Staff Development, University of Wollagong, Australia “This excellent overview of creativity is consistent with what the social and behavioral sciences tells us about creativity but is an easy read and perhaps more than anything else is enormously practical. Approaches to Creativity is, in short, accessible yet grounded in science. It presents both the broad context for creativity as a part of human effectiveness, as well as the nuts-and-bolts fine points that will allow everyone to learn something about themselves and about fulfilling creative potentials.” Mark A. Runco, PhD Torrance Professor, Creative Studies & Gifted Education Editor, Creativity Research Journal “As an educationalist and policy-maker, I am pleased to recommend this comprehensive and exciting book which clearly outlines international developments in creativity education, including in particular, the Russian contribution to the field.” Professor Nadezhda Shaidenko, Deputy Chair of the Education Committee of the Duma of the Russian Federation “This book takes the complexity of creativity research and breaks it down into readable and interesting prose. Teachers – and everyone else – will enjoy and learn from this valuable contribution.” Professor J.C.Kaufman, Professor of Psychology, California State University, USA “If it is possible to pin down the lightning flash of creativity then this book is the best attempt I have read so far.” Mark Patrick Hederman, OSB Abbot of Glenstal Abbey, Murroe, Co. Limerick, Ireland
What would the primary curriculum look like with humanities at its heart? How can cross-curricular work help children to learn more effectively? With practical ideas on how to join up the primary curriculum, this book uses history and geography to explore different contexts and strategies for making links between the full range of primary subjects, so that learning can be more integrated and relevant to learners. The authors demonstrate how these subjects can serve as the basis upon which values can be developed in the curriculum. There are powerful case studies, including examples of pupils′ work and talk, and teachers′ reflections. Additional materials to accompany the book can be found at: www.sagepub.co.uk/rowleyandcooper Written by a group of practising teachers and university tutors, this book will be invaluable to primary teachers, student teachers and all those involved in curriculum design. Chris Rowley is Senior Lecturer in and Geographical and Environmental Education at the University of Cumbria, UK. Dr Hilary Cooper is Professor of History and Pedagogy at the University of Cumbria, UK.
By focusing on key figures in early years education and care, this book considers the influential thinkers and ground-breaking approaches that have revolutionized practice. With contributions from the leading authorities and researchers in the field, chapters provide an explanation of the approach, an analysis of the theoretical background, case studies from practice and questions and discussion points to facilitate critical thinking. Written in an accessible style and relevant to all levels of early years courses, from undergraduate to graduate degrees, the book asks the reader to engage with debates and to develop their own views and opinions.
This reader-friendly and accessible text introduces 50 teaching and learning approaches and explores how they work in practice by taking an honest look at the advantages and disadvantages of each one. For each approach, the authors include in-practice examples taken from a range of teaching contexts. The text also offers clear support for teachers on how they can assess learners′ progress when using each approach. This focus on the need to see and measure the learning that is taking place supports the reader to concentrate on the learning and not be distracted with the newness of different approaches.
A subject-specific guide for teachers to supplement professional development and provide resources for lesson planning. Approaches to learning and teaching Primary is the perfect companion for teachers who want to understand key teaching techniques and use them to create effective and engaging lessons. Considering the local and global contexts when planning and teaching a syllabus, the title presents ideas for teaching in a primary classroom with practical examples that help put teaching theory into practice. Teachers can download online tools for lesson planning from our website. This book is ideal support for those new to teaching or wanting to refresh their ideas, and for those studying professional development qualifications or PGCEs.
This title aims to make life easier for educators by gathering together the theoretical approaches informing the modern principles and practices of western education. The authors are committed to the view that theory has many practical implications and to its value in supporting, confirming and optimising best practice.
