Headteachers, teachers, parents, politicians and school governors have long been united in wondering how to produce effective teaching in primary schools - but they could find few reliable answers. This book changes that. Here, some of the UK's leading researchers into effective primary school provision combine qualitative and quantitative research findings to shine a spotlight on teaching in effective primary schools. They reveal the pedagogical strategies that are the hallmark of successful schools and bring these strategies to life through detailed observations of classroom interactions. Reading this book takes you into the classrooms of skillful teachers and describes inspirational teaching. The book offers accessible, multi-layered evidence for making learning more engaging and motivating for children, through better pedagogical practice.
Flexible, effective and creative primary school teachers require subject knowledge, an understanding of their pupils and how they learn, a range of strategies for managing behaviour and organising environments for learning, and the ability to respond to dynamic classroom situations. This third edition of Learning to Teach in the Primary School is fully updated with reference to the new National Curriculum, and has been revised to provide even more practical advice and guidance to trainee primary teachers. Twenty-two new authors have been involved and connections are now made to Northern Irish, Welsh and Scottish policies. In addition, five new units have been included on: making the most of your placement play and exploration in learning behaviour management special educational needs phonics. With Masters-level reflective tasks and suggestions for research-based further reading, the book provides valuable support to trainee teachers engaged in learning through school-based experience and through reading, discussion and reflections as part of a teacher education course. It provides an accessible and engaging introduction to knowledge about teaching and learning that every student teacher needs to acquire in order to gain qualified teacher status (QTS). This comprehensive textbook is essential reading for all students training to be primary school teachers, including those on undergraduate teacher training courses (BEd, BA with QTS, BSc with QTS), postgraduate teacher training courses (PGCE, SCITT) and employment-based teacher training courses (Schools Direct, Teach First), plus those studying Education Studies. This textbook is supported by a free companion website with additional resources for instructors and students and can be accessed at www.routledge.com/cw/Cremin.
This book supports primary trainees and their in school mentors to understand the complex nature of effective learning and teaching in primary schools. It explores the key skills required, helping trainees begin use them in their teaching, reflect on their development of these skills (with their mentors) and evaluate their impact on learning. This book supports and challenges primary trainee teachers and their mentors (both school based and university/SCITT based) by offering a range of approaches, strategies and perspectives to aspects of primary teaching. This new edition: · Includes practical guidance for building resilience · Explores the latest teaching approaches being trialled in schools · Supports trainees to work with their in school mentor · Includes new chapterss on professional identity and professional responsibilities
′Chris James, Michael Connolly, Gerald Dunning and Tony Elliott have produced a comprehensive analysis of the very effective primary school. Although the research for the book draws on the authors′ experiences in Welsh Primary Schools, the range of literature cited and the analytical frameworks employed ensure that their findings have a much broader relevance. They define ′a very effective′ school as one that provides high levels of attainment and rich educational experiences despite being located in extremely challenging circumstances. A key insight of the book is that although these schools are consequently ′extraordinary′ their practice was in many ways quite ′ordinary′. This is because these schools worked in much the same way as the very best of schools have always done. In many ways, this as the authors note, is an optimistic message – that all children deserve to be educated in such very effective schools. The virtue of How Very Effective Primary Schools Work is that it makes clear those characteristics and strategies that can help every school to become great′ - David Hopkins, HSBC iNet Chair of International Leadership, and formerly Chief Adviser on School Standards to the Secretary of State 2002-2005 ′All children, especially the poorest, deserve capable, mature and well adjusted teachers and leaders who work together to lay firm foundations of learning and behaviour, then enrich and elevate everyone′s learning far beyond that in optimistic cultures of security, persistence and hope. Based on solid research from 18 outstanding schools in challenging circumstances, this is the vital message of this important and unique book. Chris James and his colleagues show that highly effective schools need high functioning adults and communities who expect and get the best from everyone, dedicate themselves to others without burning themselves out, are not frightened of challenges and contradictions, stay around to fulfil their obligations to others and see their efforts bear fruit, and are emotionally comfortable in their own skin. If you want to become more effective as a school you will need to become more effective and adjusted as a teacher, a leader and an all-round human being. This inspiring and indispensable book, will stir and steer all who read it in that educationally essential quest′ - Andy Hargreaves, Thomas More Brennan Chair in Education, Boston College All good teachers and headteachers are concerned with improving pupil attainment. In high attainment schools, they must recognize how to sustain success. In schools with low attainment levels, they must come to understand the challenges they face and find ways of overcoming the difficulties. This practical, research-based book describes the key approaches used by very effective schools. The authors explain how success can be achieved and maintained and describe ways of working that bring about high levels of pupil attainment. They also explain why these ways of working are successful. This book is essential reading for headteachers, teachers, students of educational leadership and management, school governors, and those who work in local authorities.
A fascinating account of the range of teaching, assessing and feedback strategies used by individual 'expert' teachers. The book describes: *the most common lesson patterns, why and when they are used *how teaching strategies are varied according to subjects *how assessment and feedback information can encourage pupils to learn *the differences in teaching seven year olds and eleven year olds
How can teachers improve what they do in the primary classroom? Which teaching methods will help you and your pupils to perform effectively? These are the questions that every teacher will be asking him or herself in today's climate of targets and tables. Much research over recent years has focused on the role of the teacher and how effective classroom practice is achieved. The book discusses many areas of topical importance including: teaching methods motivating learners and matching work to children how to structure children's learning classroom control and organisation teaching literacy teaching children with special education needs working with parents. It also looks at the increasing role of the teacher as a researcher and how colloborative practices are providing a way for teaches to appraise both their own progress and that of their colleagues. This book should be of particular interest to the classroom teacher who is looking for ways to develop his or her teaching but has limited time to explore the research. It sets out to translate the findings of research into practical terms which teachers can easily use.
Innovation in the classroom is about empowering teachers to develop intelligent, creative and effective teaching methods that will challenge and engage learners. Drawing on contemporary research and case studies from the UK and internationally, this book examines the theory behind innovative teaching and learning and its practical application in primary schools. Reflection points throughout the chapters encourage self-evaluation and development, giving students greater confidence to plan and deliver their own innovative teaching. Topics covered include: Creative approaches to learning in primary and early years education Using different settings and technologies to develop thinking skills Promoting positive classroom behaviour and inclusion Innovation in planning and assessment
This book offers a challenge to traditional approaches to classroom teaching and pedagogy. The SPRinG (Social Pedagogic Research into Groupwork) project, part of a larger research programme on teaching and learning funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), was developed to enhance the learning potential of pupils working in classroom groups by actively involving teachers in a programme designed to raise levels of group work during typical classroom learning activities. Internationally, the SPRinG project is the largest evaluation of effective group working methods in comparison to traditional teaching, with findings that show raised levels of pupil achievement and a doubling of sustained, active engagement in learning. The opening chapters present arguments regarding the relationship of social interaction and children’s cognitive development and examine theories that explain why social interactional processes should be integrated into primary school pedagogic practices. Next, the book describes the conceptual and methodological basis for the SPRinG studies, especially its focus on the relational approach, the type of involvement of teachers and classroom planning. Further chapters present key results and describe the background and methods used to establish SPRinG-based effects on pupil progress in mathematics, literacy and science, including both macro and micro assessments; how the SPRinG approach affected pupil-pupil interactions and teacher-pupil interactions, as measured by systematic on-the-spot observations and analyses of videotapes of groups working on specially designed tasks work; and effects on pupil self-completed measures of motivation and attitudes to group work. The book also analyses reflections of teachers who have worked with SPRinG: moving from theory to practice as well as adding insights associated with implementing SPRinG principles in schools. Drawing upon developmental psychological, social psychological and classroom research, it develops a new and ambitious social pedagogic approach to classroom learning, with a stress on group work, which will be of interest to researchers, teachers and policy-makers. This book includes contributions from Andrew Tolmie and Ed Baines, who were also involved in the ScotSPRinG and SPRinG projects.
An essential guide to teaching and learning in international schools for pre- and in-service educators around the world. With more and more teachers working in international schools, this book provides a practical and accessible examination of effective pedagogy in this specific context. Using case studies that can be applied in a range of settings, it explores key areas of classroom practice such as collaboration and student agency, along with emergent approaches such as play-based, concept-based and enquiry-based teaching and learning. In addition, it gazes towards students’ future needs, exploring themes such as new literacies and intercultural competence. “The thoughtful questions posed throughout the text have the potential to guide some important conversations and prompt positive, professional growth.” Kath Murdoch, Seastar Education Consulting “This is a text that is much needed in national and international education.” Malcolm Nicolson, Director Erimus Education “Modelling the power and value of collaboration, a cohort of very accomplished educators with international experience have united to share numerous practical examples to support effective teaching and learning." Dr Jennifer Chang Wathall, independent education consultant "...connects readers to new or different researchers beyond what is shared in IB publications, therefore widening the research base and highlighting new strategies to help educators keen to innovate in their practice.” Sandy Paton, PYP Educator and independent consultant
