Teaching Religious Education Creatively offers a brand new approach for the primary classroom and is crammed full of innovative ideas for bringing the teaching of RE to life. It helps teachers understand what constitutes a healthy curriculum that will encourage children to appreciate and understand different belief systems. Perhaps most importantly, it also challenges teachers to understand RE as a transformatory subject that offers children the tools to be discerning, to work out their own beliefs and answer puzzling questions. Underpinned by the latest research and theory and with contemporary, cutting-edge practice at the forefront, expert authors emphasise creative thinking strategies and teaching creatively. Key topics explored include: What is creative teaching and learning? Why is it important to teach creatively and teach for creativity? What is Religious Education? Why is it important for children to learn 'about' and 'from' religion? How can you teach non-biased RE creatively as a discrete subject and integrate it with other curriculum areas? Teaching Religious Education Creatively is for all teachers who want to learn more about innovative teaching and learning in RE in order to improve understanding and enjoyment and transform their own as well as their pupil's lives.

This textbook gives you a broad overview of everything you will need to know to prepare for your initial teacher training and future career in the classroom. Covering practical issues including planning and assessment, and thought-provoking topics such as reflecting on your practice and developing critical thinking skills, this textbook provides you with an insightful exploration of the realities of teaching in primary schools. This fourth edition has been comprehensively revised and includes five new chapters on: * Teacher wellbeing * The Early Career Framework (ECF) * Digital literacy and primary schools after the pandemic * Growth mindset, dialogue and P4C * Learning outside the classroom This is essential reading for all students on primary initial teacher education courses including university-based (PGCE, BEd, BA with QTS), and schools-based (School Direct, SCITT, Teach First) routes into teaching. Hilary Cooper is Professor Emeritus of History and Pedagogy at the University of Cumbria. Sally Elton-Chalcraft is Professor of Social Justice in Education and also the Director of the Learning Education and Development Research centre in the Institute of Education at the University of Cumbria.

Teaching Religious Education Creatively offers a brand new approach for the primary classroom and is crammed full of innovative ideas for bringing the teaching of RE to life. It helps teachers understand what constitutes a healthy curriculum that will encourage children to appreciate and understand different belief systems. Perhaps most importantly, it also challenges teachers to understand RE as a transformatory subject that offers children the tools to be discerning, to work out their own beliefs and answer puzzling questions. Underpinned by the latest research and theory and with contemporary, cutting-edge practice at the forefront, expert authors emphasise creative thinking strategies and teaching creatively. Key topics explored include: What is creative teaching and learning? Why is it important to teach creatively and teach for creativity? What is Religious Education? Why is it important for children to learn 'about' and 'from' religion? How can you teach non-biased RE creatively as a discrete subject and integrate it with other curriculum areas? Teaching Religious Education Creatively is for all teachers who want to learn more about innovative teaching and learning in RE in order to improve understanding and enjoyment and transform their own as well as their pupil's lives.

Recently there has been a national move for Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes to support students working at master's level in some of their courses, yet there is little literature to support the students or their tutors/supervisors in the specific area of research. This step by step guide has been designed to meet the needs of all teacher training students involved in any classroom-based research at Level 6 or M-level. The book contains three sections that mirror the progression from novice researcher to practitioner researcher.The introductory overview includes a discussion of different types of research and the role of the teacher/researcher. Section one introduces the purpose of school-based research and contains case studies and advice from experienced teacher researchers who have 'been there, done that' to make the most of both the professional course and their research. It also offers guidance on study skills and how to carry out a literature review. The important issue of research ethics is investigated with guidance offered to both students and tutors. Issues of reliability and validity are also taken up in this first section.Section two broadens the focus further by offering the opportunity to consider how teaching impacts on children's and students' learning and a range of methods of data collection and analysis are discussed. The researcher is encouraged to develop their pedagogy further by considering how a more creative and innovative approach to teaching can be critically evaluated through research. The advantages of collaboration and triangulation will be introduced. Section three offers support for sharing research with a wider audience in a range of ways. It also discusses how further developing skills in educational research is an opportunity for continued professional development. The conclusion suggests the notion of the teacher researcher as being part of the professional identity of a teacher.

This textbook gives you a broad overview of everything you will need to know to prepare for your initial teacher training and future career in the classroom. Covering practical issues including planning and assessment, and thought-provoking topics such as reflecting on your practice and developing critical thinking skills, this textbook provides you with an insightful exploration of the realities of teaching in primary schools. This fourth edition has been comprehensively revised and includes five new chapters on: * Teacher wellbeing * The Early Career Framework (ECF) * Digital literacy and primary schools after the pandemic * Growth mindset, dialogue and P4C * Learning outside the classroom This is essential reading for all students on primary initial teacher education courses including university-based (PGCE, BEd, BA with QTS), and schools-based (School Direct, SCITT, Teach First) routes into teaching. Hilary Cooper is Professor Emeritus of History and Pedagogy at the University of Cumbria. Sally Elton-Chalcraft is Professor of Social Justice in Education and also the Director of the Learning Education and Development Research centre in the Institute of Education at the University of Cumbria.