“With care, and in partnership with others, it may yet be possible to overcome contemporary dilemmas and to provide the high quality, rounded and fulfilling education for all to which so many aspire. This book helps considerably in understanding contemporary problems and challenges in primary education – it is important, timely and deserves to be widely read.” Andrew Pollard, Institute of Education, London What is the impact of New Labour’s education policies on primary schools? What are the main lessons to be learned from recent research on primary schools? What are the implications for the future of primary education? In this topical book, leading academics in primary education evaluate New Labour’s Education policy. They draw on the findings of the latest research to discuss the impact of policies on primary school practice and on the views and experiences of primary school teachers and pupils. Current issues and initiatives are analysed to identify the extent to which policy is shaped by past events, trends and assumptions. The contributors consider the future of primary education, offer recommendations at school, LEA and national level, and make suggestions for future research. Changing Teaching and Learning in the Primary School emphasises the central importance of taking children’s perspectives into account when making changes in policy and practice. By focusing predominantly on teaching and learning at Key Stage 2, the book addresses the imbalance between the range and depth of information offered on pre-school and infant education and that available on junior teaching. This is key reading for students on primary initial teacher training programmes, Education Studies students, primary school teachers and classroom assistants, as well as education researchers and school leaders.

In this concise and accessible guide, the authors are sympathetic to the particular demands of teaching three to eight year olds and offer practical solutions to the complex issues that are currently faced by early years educators. In recognizing the demands on practitioners, they provide new and challenging frameworks for an understanding of the practice of teaching young children and draw upon international research to offer a sound model of early years subject-structured teaching which has the quality of children's learning at its centre. Their aim is to support teacher expertise through stimulating teachers' thinking about children's development, motivation, ways of learning and the subjects they teach. These topics are clearly set in the complex institutional settings in which practitioners work and ways of taking and evaluating action are offered.

How do networks create educational change and improve student achievement? What kinds of educational policies and practices facilitate network learning? Networks bring teachers, principals and other stakeholders together to share ideas, observe best practices, identify and analyze problems, and develop strategies for improved teaching, learning, and community life. These networks are becoming an important method to enhance educational renewal and student achievement. Networks go beyond tensions of top-down vs. bottom-up, school development and formal and informal organizational structures. The theoretical base of networking makes use of many different concepts of educational change theory, such as educational change processes, empowering of teachers, professional development, communities of practice, the network society and democratic education. The first part of the book features studies of four ‘established’ networks who have been functioning for several years. These networks describe their accomplishments, challenges, goals, and the theoretical basis of their work. In the second part of the book, three recently developed networks share their ‘start-up’ experiences and lessons learned. The book concludes by looking at networking as a strategy for educational change. Key reading for Education students, educational consultants and teacher educators with an interest in educational leadership and educational change. Contributors: Lew Allen,Linda Atkinson, Tero Autio, Randy Averso, Jean Cate, Dennis W. K. Chan, Chris Day, Victor Forrester, Gregg Garn, Dennis Gentry, Jesse Goodman, Mark Hadfield, Barbara Harold, Frances Hensley, Elaine Jarchow, Gaetane Jean-Marie, Tracey McAskill, Robin McGrew-Zoubi, Mary John O’Hair, Ulrich C. Reitzug, Eero Ropo, Joan Rué, Wiel Veugelers, Ian Walker, William Y. Wu, Henk Zijlstra.

"This down-to-earth and timely book demonstrates that assessment is at the very heart of the teaching and learning process. It gives highly practical ideas and strategies to help make learning powerful and effective. It reminds us not only about what works in classrooms but also about what works in adult learning and informal learning too." Steve Munby, Chief Executive, National College for School Leadership, UK This book deals with formative assessment, that is, assessment designed to inform and enhance learning, rather than simply produce test results and qualifications. Formative assessment considers how pupils learn, what they learn and why, and encourages pupils to direct their own learning. Based on real life experiences of students and teachers, this book develops a practical framework for thinking about formative assessment, based on a five-year research project undertaken by Portsmouth Local Authority schools and the University of Sussex. Rich in case studies, quotations, examples and recommendations collected from the project, the book offers practical advice for making formative assessment work. Its key features include: A framework for formative assessment Focus on professional and whole-school development Prompts for reflection Real-life examples and case studies from work carried out by pupils, teachers, assistants and leaders The central message is that assessment should be fundamental to the whole learning process, and is as relevant to early years as to primary, secondary and post-compulsory settings across the curriculum. Teaching, Learning and Assessment is important reading for all teachers whether undertaking initial teacher training or continuing professional development.

This book examines the post of subject leader in primary schools in the light of the four key areas defined by National Standards for Subject Leadership: strategic direction and development teaching and learning leading and managing staff efficient and effective deployment of staff The book combines existing research data and new material gathered by the authors. It presents the underpinning principles and analyses the complex set of roles and responsibilities undertaken by subject leaders. Most importantly it provides practical advice for subject leaders illustrated by a series of case studies and tasks which are addressed directly to subject leaders. The authors have taken a generic approach, looking at issues such as changing roles and responsibilities, planning for teaching and learning, working with colleagues and others, managing resources and bringing about school improvement, that have to be addressed by all subject leaders whatever their particular area of responsibility. Throughout, the book emphasises the importance of leadership, children's learning, professional development and collaboration. The book will be of value to all primary school teachers, and especially subject leaders.

Educational psychology is the scientific study of how people learn and how teachers can foster learning. An understanding of these principles and how they can be applied to classroom situations is as crucial as it ever has been for the contemporary Australian school teacher, from early childhood through to secondary school. Australian school environments and students are changing. Many issues are having an impact on the dynamics of the contemporary learning and teaching environment, such as: • Increasing student diversity, including those with special needs • The pervasive impact of technology • The introduction of the Australian National Curriculum • The public reporting of school NAPLAN results. This text prepares pre-service teachers for their profession by encouraging reflective practice and critical thinking. It helps inform the ‘practical' teaching experience and develop skills through thought-provoking questions, activities and lesson plan analysis. It is suited for educational psychology subjects taught to student teachers from all sectors - early childhood, primary, middle and secondary.

This textbook gives you guidance and insights into the knowledge, values and commitments necessary to succeed in the primary classroom, supported by links to theory and research literature and realistic scenarios you may encounter as a new teacher. Fully updated throughout, key features of this second edition include: · A new chapter on inclusive education · Newly expanded coverage of digital learning, engaging with educational research and the role of the primary teacher · New ‘View from Practice’ examples · Cross-referenced links to the Teachers’ Standards in England and the GTCS Professional Standards in Scotland and where they are covered within the book This is essential reading for professional studies modules on primary initial teacher education courses, including university-based (PGCE, PGDE, BA QTS, BEd), school-based (SCITT, School Direct) and employment-based routes into teaching.

Developing the Expertise of Primary and Elementary Classroom Teachers challenges many current assumptions about primary education. Tony Eaude uses international research and the experiences of teachers at different career phases to indicate that primary classroom teachers with a high level of expertise adopt a wide repertoire of strategies and a flexible, reciprocal and intuitive approach to planning, assessment and teaching. He explores why a deep understanding of how young children learn, the ability to create an inclusive environment, relationships of care and trust and teachers who are attuned to children are essential. Eaude argues that to develop qualities such as confidence and resilience, to exercise informed intuition and to create a robust professional identity, many constraints on manifesting expertise, some of which are emotional, some more structural, must be overcome. Drawing on the research on professional learning, Eaude shows that these abilities and qualities are learned over time, through regular, sustained, contextualised opportunities, relating theory and practice, with the years soon after qualification particularly significant. He highlights that the professional knowledge and judgement required in complex, changing situations is acquired and refined mainly through guided practice and experience backed by reflection and engagement with research. The need for supportive professional learning communities and for policy which encourages primary classroom teachers' enthusiasm, creativity and willingness to innovate is emphasised and an enriched apprenticeship model – using a variety of processes, including observation of other teachers, practice, mentoring, case studies and discussion – is advocated.

* Cross-curricular approach to teaching climate change and environmental values in the Primary school * Subjects covered include: literacy, numeracy, art, science, history, geography, PE, and more * includes chapters on reflective practice for teachers and students * includes lesson ideas and classroom resource guides

Climate change is complex and there is a need to educate our future generations so that they are able to deal with the plethora of information and views that they come into contact with in their lives. This book inquires into what it means to teach and learn about climate change. Now in its second edition, Chang further explores what education for climate change entails, discussing the concept of climate change education (CCE) itself, how it is taught in schools and how public education is being carried out. Featuring updated literature in a quickly advancing field, the book defines CCE for the global citizen and looks at pedagogies supporting CCE. It also identifies teachers as key stakeholders in climate change discourse, how to improve teacher readiness on the topic and how teacher professional development can support successful implementation of CCE. This book will be invaluable to climate change educators and can act as a reference resource for teachers, education policymakers and public education agencies.