Drawing on international research and professional practice, this book provides a rich, detailed, and accessible guide to Communities of Practice (CoP) theory, with information on how the theory is constructed, the research that it rests on, and the ways that it has been used in thinking about learning and teaching in the further and adult education sectors. Exploring Communities of Practice in Further and Adult Education introduces CoP theory and the theory of learning that goes with it. It provides empirical examples of CoP research from a range of settings, including further and adult education, to illustrate how CoPs form and work within educational settings, including thinking about assessment and evaluation. It also explores how different CoPs work together and can learn from each other. With these key elements described, this book demonstrates how CoPs can be used in further and adult education settings to help understand more about how students and staff learn. With engaging material including examples from research, prompts for professional learning, and case studies, this comprehensive and accessible title will appeal to student teachers and beginning teachers as well as more experienced teachers in the sector looking to refresh their practice.

What does 'professionalism' mean for teachers and trainers in further education colleges or adult education centres? Over the last twenty years, ideas about professionalism and professional identity within the post-compulsory sector have been shaped and reshaped by successive policies, standards, and professional bodies. Yet, these ideas themselves remain controversial and continue to be the focus of debate as well as research. This book gathers together a series of articles published over the last ten years, providing critical and research-based perspectives on professionalism within post-compulsory education and training. The twelve chapters that are presented here explore issues such as professional standards and continuing professional development and their impact on current definitions and frameworks of professionalism, as well as the policies that have shaped these processes. These are issues that are of relevance and importance not only to practitioners and researchers in the post-compulsory sector, but to anyone who is concerned with contemporary debates about what it means to be 'a professional' in education and training. The chapters in this book were originally published as articles in Research in Post-Compulsory Education.

Drawing on international research and professional practice, this book provides a rich, detailed, and accessible guide to Communities of Practice (CoP) theory, with information on how the theory is constructed, the research that it rests on, and the ways that it has been used in thinking about learning and teaching in the further and adult education sectors. Exploring Communities of Practice in Further and Adult Education introduces CoP theory and the theory of learning that goes with it. It provides empirical examples of CoP research from a range of settings, including further and adult education, to illustrate how CoPs form and work within educational settings, including thinking about assessment and evaluation. It also explores how different CoPs work together and can learn from each other. With these key elements described, this book demonstrates how CoPs can be used in further and adult education settings to help understand more about how students and staff learn. With engaging material including examples from research, prompts for professional learning, and case studies, this comprehensive and accessible title will appeal to student teachers and beginning teachers as well as more experienced teachers in the sector looking to refresh their practice.

What does 'professionalism' mean for teachers and trainers in further education colleges or adult education centres? Over the last twenty years, ideas about professionalism and professional identity within the post-compulsory sector have been shaped and reshaped by successive policies, standards, and professional bodies. Yet, these ideas themselves remain controversial and continue to be the focus of debate as well as research. This book gathers together a series of articles published over the last ten years, providing critical and research-based perspectives on professionalism within post-compulsory education and training. The twelve chapters that are presented here explore issues such as professional standards and continuing professional development and their impact on current definitions and frameworks of professionalism, as well as the policies that have shaped these processes. These are issues that are of relevance and importance not only to practitioners and researchers in the post-compulsory sector, but to anyone who is concerned with contemporary debates about what it means to be 'a professional' in education and training. The chapters in this book were originally published as articles in Research in Post-Compulsory Education.

By its very nature ethnography is an emergent methodology. To be ethical the ethnographer needs to manage research ethics in-situ. This need to manage ethical dilemmas as they arise often comes into conflict with increased ethical regulation and procedures from ethics review boards that require the researcher to foresee ethical quandaries before data collection commences. These regulations can constrain the emerging purpose of the study, evolving means of data collection and multifaceted ways of interacting with participants that are seen as being the strengths of undertaking an ethnographic approach. The chapters in this volume problematise this tension and highlight the importance of managing ethics in-situ by reflecting on recently completed and current projects drawing out ethical dilemmas relating to data ownership, dissemination, representation, social justice and managing ethnographic studies in the midst of a global pandemic and Covid-19 lockdowns. Reflecting on these experiences of doing educational ethnography with children and young people, drawing on a diverse range of studies conducted in England, Scotland, South America, India, and the Basque Country, this volume argues that administrative and conceptual change is needed to ensure that ethics does not become a tick box exercise but that ethnographers commit fully to conscientiously managing ethics in-situ.

Curriculum is a key issue for trainee teachers in the lifelong learning sector and a core component of most courses. It lies at the heart of the work of teachers and trainers, it shapes the programmes and courses that are taught, and dictates which students can have access to courses. What goes in to the curriculum is argued over by governments, employers, parents and educationalists. How the curriculum is funded can change on a yearly basis. Access to a particular curriculum can raise or diminish the life chances of the learners involved. This book provides an accessible and up-to-date overview of the key issues surrounding the curriculum. Written for all those working towards QTLS, it provides examples and case studies from working FE colleges, adult education centres and work-based learning contexts as well as offering succinct summaries of key theories and debates relating to the curriculum. This fully revised Second Edition reflects the latest policies and thinking, has a new chapter on the implications of e-learning on curricula, and includes a full glossary of key terms and concepts. Jonathan Tummons has worked in higher education since 1995. After six years as a lecturer in teacher education in the further education sector, in 2009 he took up his current post as senior lecturer in education at Teesside University where he is also research co-ordinator for education and a member of the management board for the Social Futures Institute, Teesside's research centre for the social sciences.

As the number of higher education (HE) courses offered in further education (FE) settings increases, so does the need for teachers and trainee teachers to develop their teaching skills. This text is written for all teachers and trainee teachers in FE. It considers what it means to teach HE in FE and how an HE environment can be created in an FE setting. The text covers day-to-day aspects of teaching including planning and assessment, giving guidance on the unique needs of HE students. Chapters on research and quality assurance support the reader in developing some advanced teaching skills. This is a practical guide for FE teachers and trainee teachers as the sector adapts to the needs of education today.

This book provides an up-to-date and critical analysis of contemporary issues and debates in the lifelong learning sector (LLS)The themes are presented in an accessible format, and are underpinned by recent research as well as policy analysis. The authors examine significant issues in the LLS today including inclusive practice, the employability agenda, the curriculum in the LLS and research-led teaching. There are practical strategies and reflective tasks that encourage readers to become critical, questioning practitioners. Other helpful features include: Learning outcomes at the beginning of each chapterLinks to QTLS standardsCase studies End of chapter summariesFurther reading and useful websites It is essential reading for trainees on QTLS programmes and is also important reading for education students and qualified staff undertaking CPD.

As the number of higher education (HE) courses offered in further education (FE) settings increases, so does the need for teachers and trainee teachers to develop their teaching skills. This text is written for all teachers and trainee teachers in FE. It considers what it means to teach HE in FE and how an HE environment can be created in an FE setting. The text covers day-to-day aspects of teaching including planning and assessment, giving guidance on the unique needs of HE students. Chapters on research and quality assurance support the reader in developing some advanced teaching skills. This is a practical guide for FE teachers and trainee teachers as the sector adapts to the needs of education today.

This book guides student researchers through the different stages of small-scale or practitioner research, a common component of study for students training to work in the lifelong learning sector. The authors look at the entire research journey, from planning a research topic and framing research questions, through the process of data collection and analysis, to writing up and presentation.

Using a step-by-step approach the book tackles common thorny issues such as: Understanding the different genres of research Discussion of qualitative and quantitative approaches to research The importance of forming research questions and of locating them within current research literature How to do a literature review Dealing with permissions, access and ethics The nuts and bolts of research methods Interpreting data and writing up research findings Together with case studies and examples of real-life research projects that have been completed by the authors' own students, this book tackles research in a student-friendly and accessible style, carefully unpacking and defining the different terms, concepts and theories that students need to know when beginning research for the first time.

This book is essential reading for students who are training to work in the lifelong learning sector or practitioners who are undertaking CPD to maintain their license to practice.

""Many teachers training in the lifelong learning sector, as well as those going on to do foundation, honours and masters degrees in education, find the prospect of carrying out educational research for the first time daunting. Thus far, they have been reliant on generic educational research textbooks. Jonathan Tummons' and Vicky Duckworth's excellent work now guides them clearly and supportively through the research journey in a way which is underpinned by the authors' deep understanding of both the sector and nature of the challenge of the research task to the student, using an informal and accessible written style."
Andy Armitage, Head of the Department of Post-Compulsory Education at Canterbury Christ Church University, UK

"This book combines sound practical advice with an exploration of the philosophical and methodological concepts underpinning educational research. Often drawing on the authors' own experiences, it makes a convincing case for the practitioner as researcher and draws clear and appropriate attention to the purposes, uses and dissemination of small scale research."
Susan Wallace, Professor of Continuing Education, Nottingham Trent University, UK "

This text is an introduction to learning and teaching in the post compulsory sector. Those training to teach in the sector need to understand learning and learners in PCET. This text goes further than other texts in its exploration of the sector. It encourages readers to critically evaluate the context of PCET in the UK and opens up their learning through introducing some global profiles. The text explores learners in the sector, the diversity of the sector, the challenges and some topical contemporary themes. It covers a breadth of content and can thus be used as a general course text for all PGCE (PCET) courses as well as other education programmes. Through pedagogical features including critical questions, teacher and learner voices, links to practice and more, the text provides a resource for all those learning about PCET.

Dealing with challenging behaviour is a fundamental concern of all trainee teachers and even more so for those who are training to work with pupils' age 14+, whether within a secondary school context or post-compulsory college context.

This book will equip the practitioner with the skills required to implement change within problematic relationships and environments, and to explore a range of possible reasons as to 'why students behave in the way they do'.

"Understanding Behaviour 14+" challenges existing paradigms in order to break down barriers; substituting and encouraging professional responsibility for promoting positive relationships rather than the passive acceptance of unwanted behaviors, or a reliance on a culture of 'blame'.

Key features of the book include: A brief and effective solution-focused approach Challenging existing paradigms Consideration of the process of reflection and evaluation Effective approaches to providing an inclusive classroom This essentially moves away from thinking about difficult or 'bad' students and towards thinking about difficult relationships or environments. This process of change allows the practitioner to reflect in a far more constructive and objective manner, also allowing the practitioner to acknowledge their own feelings in this process.

""The effective management of the behaviour of 14+ learners has become a key issue across the school and lifelong learning sectors. The new Ofsted Schools, Common Inspection Framework and Initial Teacher Education Framework have behaviour management as a central focus. The raising of the participation age (RPA) will require teachers to manage the learning of a wider range of students in an increasingly broader spectrum of institutional contexts. "Understanding Behaviour 14+" will be a welcome resource for these teachers, whether more or less experienced. The authors recognize that there are no quick fixes to deal with what are extremely complicated relations and situations and avoid a 'tips for teachers' approach to behaviour management. They emphasise the importance of understanding why students behave the way they do and, with an excellent blend of theory and practice, encourage teachers to use reflection and to take solution- rather than problem-based approaches to managing behaviour. The text is highly accessible and issues are practically grounded in real life case studies."
Andy Armitage is Head of The Department of Post-Compulsory Education, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK. He recently completed a year's secondment to Ofsted as an inspector of Initial Teacher Education"

This text is an introduction to learning and teaching in the post compulsory sector. Those training to teach in the sector need to understand learning and learners in PCET. This text goes further than other texts in its exploration of the sector. It encourages readers to critically evaluate the context of PCET in the UK and opens up their learning through introducing some global profiles. The text explores learners in the sector, the diversity of the sector, the challenges and some topical contemporary themes. It covers a breadth of content and can thus be used as a general course text for all PGCE (PCET) courses as well as other education programmes. Through pedagogical features including critical questions, teacher and learner voices, links to practice and more, the text provides a resource for all those learning about PCET.

This positive guide to professional issues in the Learning and Skills Sector tackles the challenges and anxieties faced by trainee teachers. It examines issues surrounding values and ethics from a variety of perspectives. Everyday examples and case studies are used to help the reader place issues in a working context. It is ideal reading for trainees wanting to understand their responsibilities to students and professional colleagues. Of use to qualified teachers as well as trainees, this book is an essential guide to becoming a professional tutor and is matched to the professional and ethical components for achieving QTLS.

Inclusive practice is a crucial component of professional education practice in the UK's Lifelong Learning Sector. This accessible text includes comprehensive coverage of key areas and explores what inclusive practice means for teachers and learners in the Sector. The book begins by examining definitions of inclusion and goes on to cover specific educational needs. It covers the learning environment, college level planning and teaching, and learning practices. It offers practical advice on how to anticipate the diverse needs of the learners. Guidance on inclusive planning and assessment is given, alongside detailed coverage of UK legislation surrounding inclusion.

Jonathan Tummons has sensitively updated Curzon's long-established Teaching in Further Education, ensuring that not only does this new edition provide the academically rigorous approach of previous editions but it also offers an up to date guide to current practice and research. Topics covered include: - Theories of learning - The teaching-learning process - Instructional techniques - Assessment and evaluation - Intelligence and ability This is the complete guide for those training to work in the Further Education sector.

Jonathan Tummons has sensitively updated Curzon's long-established Teaching in Further Education, ensuring that not only does this new edition provide the academically rigorous approach of previous editions but it also offers an up to date guide to current practice and research. Topics covered include: - Theories of learning - The teaching-learning process - Instructional techniques - Assessment and evaluation - Intelligence and ability This is the complete guide for those training to work in the Further Education sector.

Learning Architectures in Higher Education restores criticality and rigour to the study of communities of practice as a means of understanding learning, acknowledging that this is one of the most influential and widely used theories of learning to emerge during the last 30 years but one that has been misapplied and diluted. Jonathan Tummons explores communities of practice theory, looking at how its focus on learning as apprenticeship can be understood, providing the reader with a conceptual framework for making sense of learning as a social practice as distinct from an individual, psychological process. Tummons looks at how communities of practice theory needs to be reconfigured to take account of the insights provided by other theoretical models and then applies his critically and theoretically reworked perspective to two distinct higher education contexts, providing critical and powerful tools for examining learning and teaching practices.

Learning Architectures in Higher Education restores criticality and rigour to the study of communities of practice as a means of understanding learning, acknowledging that this is one of the most influential and widely used theories of learning to emerge during the last 30 years but one that has been misapplied and diluted. Jonathan Tummons explores communities of practice theory, looking at how its focus on learning as apprenticeship can be understood, providing the reader with a conceptual framework for making sense of learning as a social practice as distinct from an individual, psychological process. Tummons looks at how communities of practice theory needs to be reconfigured to take account of the insights provided by other theoretical models and then applies his critically and theoretically reworked perspective to two distinct higher education contexts, providing critical and powerful tools for examining learning and teaching practices.

Curriculum is a key issue for trainee teachers in the lifelong learning sector and a core component of most courses. It lies at the heart of the work of teachers and trainers, it shapes the programmes and courses that are taught, and dictates which students can have access to courses. What goes in to the curriculum is argued over by governments, employers, parents and educationalists. How the curriculum is funded can change on a yearly basis. Access to a particular curriculum can raise or diminish the life chances of the learners involved. This book provides an accessible and up-to-date overview of the key issues surrounding the curriculum. Written for all those working towards QTLS, it provides examples and case studies from working FE colleges, adult education centres and work-based learning contexts as well as offering succinct summaries of key theories and debates relating to the curriculum. This fully revised Second Edition reflects the latest policies and thinking, has a new chapter on the implications of e-learning on curricula, and includes a full glossary of key terms and concepts. Jonathan Tummons has worked in higher education since 1995. After six years as a lecturer in teacher education in the further education sector, in 2009 he took up his current post as senior lecturer in education at Teesside University where he is also research co-ordinator for education and a member of the management board for the Social Futures Institute, Teesside's research centre for the social sciences.