Stephen Rowland explores the relationship between the turor (or facilitator) and the professional worker on post-experience professional courses. His emphasis in on the processes of reflection and enquiry in professional learning and is not content specific. Drawing upon his experience as a course tutor and the perspectives of students, he suggests an approach to professional learing which is firmly rooted in the experience and interests of the student.

Very little is known about the quality of the learning experiences provided for pupils. This book contains the results of a major research project, conducted in a sample of English primary schools, in which particular attention was paid to the tasks children were assigned, to the degree of match between assigned tasks and pupil attainment, to the detailed observation of children at work. The teacher's problems in assigning work appropriate to children's attainments and the special problem of matching posed by the transfer of children from one class to another were also subjected to analysis. Lessons learned from the project were used as a basis for the design of an in-service course for teachers. The course, which was aimed at improving teachers' matching skills was closely evaluated. The report contains data and analysis pertinent to each of the above issues. The findings reveal that despite the conscientious efforts of able teachers a number of serious issues are apparent - particularly in areas such as classroom organization and teacher diagnosis of children's work.

There has always been considerable debate about the best solutions to deal with disruptive behaviour in schools. On the one hand is the strategy of segregating disruptive pupils while on the other is a commitment to keeping such pupils in the ordinary school.

This book advocates the latter philosophy and examines the best ways of coping with the problem. These concern both teacher skills and school organisational flexibility. In addition, the authors propose the provision of a support team whereby local authorities can help schools, teachers and children with problems of disruption without setting up sin-bins . Change is thus shown to be possible at three levels teachers, headteachers and local authorities. Detailed illustrative case material is presented throughout the book.

The time has passed when learning was identified purely as a process involving the ability to store and recall knowledge and facts, and the competence to produce them when required. These abilities still seriously concern the potential teacher and this book duly examines them, but the 'whys' and the 'hows' of learning and teaching are now considered as important as the implanting of facts for regurgitation at exam time.Some children learn more quickly than others, some can remember facts more easily, and a teacher must ask several fundamental questions in order to understand the factors at work in this learning process. Where is knowledge stored? Why do we remember some facts and forget others? When are we learning new facts and when are we remembering and adapting knowledge to see it in a new light? To help answer these and many other questions a number of learning situations, typical in most schools, are examined, the processes at work in the classrooms are examined and then they are both related to different theories of learning. The examination of a series of learning processes should not necessarily involve a choice between them, and a feature of this volume is its lack of partiality towards any particular teaching method, although the teacher and student will draw their own conclusions.

This volume describes and analyses exceptional educational events periods of particularly effective teaching representing ultimates in teacher and pupil educational experience. The events themselves are reconstructed in the book through teacher and pupil voices and through documentation. A model of critical event is derived from the study, which might serve as a possible framework for understanding other such occurrences in schools.

This is a companion volume to the editors' Insights into Teachers' Thinking and Practice (Falmer Press, 1999) and seeks to carry the discussion on further illustrating that there is a continuing intensity of thought, activity and debate on how to conceptualise research on teacher thinking, and thus generate knowledge for further understanding and action. The ethical questions on undertaking research on the inner lives of teachers remain unresolved. The international team present chapters which investigate the relationship between the researcher and the researched, and the relevance and role of research in teacher development. The papers are not presented as 'best practice' for such definitions would be inevitably value laden. Rather, they are indications and anticipations of key areas for the development of understanding of teachers' thinking and actions in the 1990s.

The change from a student role to a teacher role can be one of the most abrupt and stressful transitions in working life but the process of socialization does not end when the student becomes a fully qualified teacher, as many writers, laymen and sociologists, would have us believe. Colin Lacey argues that socialization is a partial and rarely homogenous process. He illustrates this from a wide variety of interesting case material to show how student teachers adapt their responses to the classroom situation.

This book explores the complex social assumptions and values that underlie research programmes about schools. The analysis of educational research draws upon American and European scholarships in the sociology of knowledge, social philosophy and the history and sociology of science. The discussion considers first the communal, crafts and social characteristics of educational research. Three research models empirical-analytic, symbolic or linguistic and critical sciences are given attention. The discussion of the three research models is to illuminate how the constellation of commitments, assumptions and practices inter-relate to perform a paradigm giving different and conflicting definitions to the meaning of educational theory and to the use of the particular techniques of enquiry. The social role of educational research and the researcher is also considered.

This book reviews the educational experience of the 1960s and 1970s and to suggest ways of approaching major contemporary themes such as equality, accountability and standards. The author underlines a nineteenth and twentieth-century sociological tradition in analysing education and covers a range of educational themes including aspects of schooling and higher education, education as social policy, knowledge as power, and teaching and adolescence. He draws on the social history of many of the processes, concepts and debates. Parts of the book derive from research into the history and contemporary forms of these problems in the USA. The volume therefore illuminates important contemporary issues in education and society by using historical, sociological and comparative insights.

This volume of topical working papers makes available to teachers and to others information intended to stimulate discussion so that all educators may bring their judgement and experience to bear on the concerns of the School Council and contribute to its work. The papers describe plans for curriculum development projects at their formative stages, when comment can be particularly helpful; report on conferences and summarize findings and opinions on debated questions about the curriculum and examination in schools.

Writing principally for teachers-in-training and for new teachers, Guy Claxton offers a fresh approach to what is often a stuffy and polemical area. New teachers today are being bombarded from all sides with advice, prescriptions and demands about what they ought to be, and about personal and professional standards they ought to attain. The person they are gets to feel more and more ignored, unvalued and inadequate. The message of The Little Ed Book is that the answers to all the questions a teacher must confront both practical and ideological are already within him or her, and that, whatever they are, they are worthy of respect. Just as a map of a city is useless unless you can locate yourself, so you must find and value the teacher that you are, before you can become the teacher you can be.

Theorising Teaching in Secondary Classrooms is for all teachers who wish to fully understand and improve upon their own practice. It encourages you to reflect on and conceptualise your teaching, and helps you understand how your practice is connected to the social, cultural, political and institutional contexts in which you teach.

Considering the latest international research literature and extensively illustrated with quotes from real beginning and experiences secondary school teachers talking about their teaching, it explores nine fundamental aspects of teaching that make up the sociocultural jigsaw . Key issues considered include:

• the relationship between teacher and student
• classroom management
• teaching and communication for learning
• formative assessment
• teaching in diverse classrooms
• ethics in the school.

Theorising Teaching in Secondary Classrooms both challenges and supports you as you explore and endeavour to makes sense of the many facets of professional practice. It is highly valuable reading for all those engaged in initial teacher education, professional development and Masters degrees .

This book reveals how advances in computer science and human-computer interaction impact Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) environments. The underlying theme of the contributions is the social affordances of physical objects. The collaborative situations illustrated in the book are not necessarily learning situation in a school sense. In summary, this book illustrates a turn in the field of CSCL and emphasizes an important message for a generation of CSCL users.

Fueled largely by significant increases in the Latino population, the racial, ethnic, and linguistic texture of the United States is changing rapidly. Nowhere is this Latinization of America more evident than in schools. Dramatic population growth among Latinos in the United States in recent decades has not been accompanied by similar sizeable gains in the academic achievement of this group. Data regarding the academic achievement of Latino students are alarming. Estimates suggest that approximately half of Latino students fail to complete high school, and too few enroll in and complete college. As educators, researchers, and policymakers search for solutions to address the underachievement of Latino youth in schools, they often ignore the perspectives of those most directly affected by the problem namely Latino youth themselves. In contrast, "The Latinization of U.S. Schools" moves beyond general statistical portraits and centers on the voices of youth to critically examine how a group of Latino students makes meaning of policies and practices within schools, such as tracking and the virtual exclusion of Latinos from the curriculum. These perspectives, although often suppressed within schools, expose an inequitable opportunity structure that results in depressed academic performance for many Latino youth. Perhaps most significant, each chapter concludes with empirically based recommendations for educators seeking to improve their practice with Latino youth stemming from a multiyear participatory action research project conducted by Irizarry and the student contributors to the text. "

Introducing creativity to the classroom is a concern for teachers, governments and future employers around the world, and there has been a drive to make experiences at school more exciting, relevant, challenging and dynamic for all young people, ensuring they leave education able to contribute to the global creative economy. Creative Learning to Meet Special Needs shows teachers how to use creativity in the curriculum for key stages 2 and 3 to support the learning of pupils with special educational needs in a way which effectively engages them and leaves a lasting impact on their school experiences and later lives. Describing the different ways in which a creative approach can help pupils with SEN access the curriculum, with activities and practical materials for teachers, this book will explain: why creativity is central to making the curriculum accessible how to use personalised learning with pupils with SEN how to promote achievements and motivation through creative experiences how the curriculum can be extended and represented in innovative ways for pupils with SEN how to use interactive methods of teaching and alternative methods of communication. Providing case studies and examples of the ways in which teachers have delivered the curriculum creatively to pupils with special educational needs, this book is an invaluable guide for all those involved in teaching and engaging young people with special needs.

Secondary mathematics teachers are frequently required to take a large number of mathematics courses - including advanced mathematics courses such as abstract algebra - as part of their initial teacher preparation program and/or their continuing professional development. The content areas of advanced and secondary mathematics are closely connected. Yet, despite this connection many secondary teachers insist that such advanced mathematics is unrelated to their future professional work in the classroom. This edited volume elaborates on some of the connections between abstract algebra and secondary mathematics, including why and in what ways they may be important for secondary teachers. Notably, the volume disseminates research findings about how secondary teachers engage with, and make sense of, abstract algebra ideas, both in general and in relation to their own teaching, as well as offers itself as a place to share practical ideas and resources for secondary mathematics teacher preparation and professional development. Contributors to the book are scholars who have both experience in the mathematical preparation of secondary teachers, especially in relation to abstract algebra, as well as those who have engaged in related educational research. The volume addresses some of the persistent issues in secondary mathematics teacher education in connection to advanced mathematics courses, as well as situates and conceptualizes different ways in which abstract algebra might be influential for teachers of algebra. Connecting Abstract Algebra to Secondary Mathematics, for Secondary Mathematics Teachers is a productive resource for mathematics teacher educators who teach capstone courses or content-focused methods courses, as well as for abstract algebra instructors interested in making connections to secondary mathematics.

This book addresses the issues confronting educators in the integration of digital technologies into their teaching and their students' learning. Such issues include a skepticism of the added value of technology to educational learning outcomes, the perception of the requirement to keep up with the fast pace of technological innovation, a lack of knowledge of affordable educational digital tools and a lack of understanding of pedagogical strategies to embrace digital technologies in their teaching. This book presents theoretical perspectives of learning and teaching today's digital students with technology and propose a pragmatic and sustainable framework for teachers' professional learning to embed digital technologies into their repertoire of teaching strategies in a systematic, coherent and comfortable manner so that technology integration becomes an almost effortless pedagogy in their day-to-day teaching. The materials in this book are comprised of original and innovative contributions, including empirical data, to existing scholarship in this field. Examples of pedagogical possibilities that are both new and currently practised across a range of teaching contexts are featured.

The most rapid and significant phase of development occurs in the first three years of a child's life. The Supporting Children from Birth to Three series focuses on the care and support of the youngest children. Each book takes a key aspect of working with this age group and gives clear and detailed explanations of relevant theories together with practical examples to show how such theories translate into good working practice. It is widely known that babies and infants will flourish in an environment that supports and promotes their learning and development. But what constitutes an appropriate environment for children under three? Drawing on recent research, this book explores the concept of an appropriate environment, both within and beyond the early years setting. It sets this within the context of child development and practically demonstrates how a high quality environment can be created for babies and children under three that supports their learning and development. Features include: * clear explanation of relevant theories * case studies and examples of good practice * focus points for readers * questions for reflective practice Providing a wealth of practical ideas and activities, this handy text provides detailed guidance on how to develop an appropriate indoor and outdoor environment for babies and children under three to help practitioners ensure effective outcomes for the youngest children in their care.

Turning Pupils on to Learning documents and makes visible how creative learning approaches can engage and motivate children in their learning. The book features six case studies of creative learning projects that cover the early years through to Key Stage 3 which are written by the teachers and creative practitioners involved. From the creation of new learning spaces to wider curriculum innovation, the case studies discuss the need for the projects, how they came about, the activities and challenges and the lasting outcomes for teachers and pupils. They describe a model of learning that offers an ethical way for children to engage with the world, which develops their creative skills and supports high achievement. Each case study is supported by a wealth of questions and activities designed to provoke personal reflection and professional development discussions with colleagues. Turning Pupils on to Learning also features an accessible overview of the key issues and debates of the book. It comprehensively explains: What is meant by creativity, engagement and motivation in learning The critical importance of developing a creative pedagogy How to implement creative initiatives that motivate young people The value of listening to young people's voices How to influence school and classroom culture which engages pupils This practical book is an invaluable guide for all those involved in teaching and engaging young people.

Why is it that some teachers have a kind of magical charisma and charm which sets them apart from their peers? This book gives us a fresh and exciting answer They have the classroom X-Factor White and Gardner 's gripping text, The Classroom X Factor, examines the notion of having what the public has come to call the X-Factor from the perspective of the teacher, offering fascinating insights into the use of non verbal communication in the classroom.

Using classroom and curricular examples, this book sets out to show how both trainee and practising teachers can identify their own X-Factor in order to help transform their perspectives and perceptions of themselves during the live act of teaching. The book demonstrates how teachers can transform the way in which they connect with their students, whilst also creating meaningful and potent learning experiences for them. White and Gardner show that by following simple methods borrowed from psychology and cognitive science teachers can develop their own X-Factor and in so doing increase their enjoyment and efficacy as professionals. The techniques described include some of the following:

• Facial and vocal expression
• Gesture and body language
• Eye contact and smiling
• Teacher attire, colour and the use of space
• Nonverbal communication and pedagogical approaches

In addition, the book provides a section containing fictional stories that aim to contextualise the findings detailed throughout the text. The inclusion of chapter summaries, questions aimed at identifying the readers own X-Factor, lesson exemplars and a user-friendly self-evaluation framework all work together to make the book a stimulating and easy read where reflective learning and the practical application of classroom techniques are the order of the day.

This comprehensive guide to developing the classroom X-Factor within you will be of value to teaching and learning and is of immense use to both practising and student teachers and to schools seeking to develop models of reflective practice. It will also be of interest to curriculum and assessment agencies, policy makers, academics and others whose roles involve the design, provision, support and evaluation of teachers efficacy in the classroom.

Introducing creativity to the classroom is a concern for teachers, governments and future employers around the world, and there has been a drive to make experiences at school more exciting, relevant, challenging and dynamic for all young people, ensuring they leave education able to contribute to the global creative economy. Creative Approaches to Improving Participation examines ways in which young people have been given a creative voice in the classroom, and have actively participated in their own learning, transforming classrooms, curricula, assessment structures and teaching practices. Promoting reflection on current 'student-teacher-school' relationships, the contributions within this book illustrate how the active engagement of students can lead to greater motivation, self-reliance and risk-taking, skills essential for a successful post-school career. Through an exploration of students' current inclusion in school life, this book provides: a study of key issues and debates surrounding student participation ideas for increasing student participation and 'personalised learning' case studies from a range of creative learning projects with analysis of their achievements guidance on the creation of active pedagogies practical suggestions for reflective practice. A practical, accessible guide to creatively increasing students' participation, this book is valuable reading for all practising and trainee teachers, school managers and school leaders working with young people in education.

Presented are innovative teaching and learning techniques for the teaching of knowledge-based paradigms. The main knowledge-based intelligent paradigms are expert systems, artificial neural networks, fuzzy systems and evolutionary computing. Expert systems are designed to mimic the performance of biological systems. Artificial neural networks can mimic the biological information processing mechanism in a very limited sense. Evolutionary computing algorithms are used for optimization applications, and fuzzy logic provides a basis for representing uncertain and imprecise knowledge.