Developing Teacher Expertise: Exploring Key Issues in Primary Practice - Softcover

Wow! We have needed a book like this in primary initial teacher education for some time. The short, sharp chapters provide excellent 'think-pieces' for tutors to launch into discussions with students to support the development of their teacher identity and philosophy. These are vital areas for student teachers to engage with since security in the knowledge of their own teacher identity and philosophy sustains teachers throughout their careers. The structure of the book provides a holistic conception of teaching and the role of the primary teacher. It provides an opportunity for student teachers to ask searching questions which will develop their understanding beyond the conception that teaching is merely a craft. -- Vini Lander, Head of Primary Education, University of Chichester, UK The book could be used to invite teachers to reflect about their own practice and to initiate classroom discussions in teacher preparation courses...The simple language used, the synthesis of complex theoretical arguments, and the illustrations of classroom dilemmas make this book useful for introducing complex debates in education to teacher candidates-just when they are beginning to work in classrooms. -- M. Beatriz Fernandez. * Teachers College Record *

What are the issues that education raises for you?

Beyond the technical skills and knowledge aspects of education, teachers and student teachers face questions which challenge their beliefs and approaches to their teaching and learning. This book contains a series of short articles each of which encourage you to reflect on your own practice and challenge your beliefs about how and what you teach.

Questions explored include:

When does inclusion become exclusion for the rest of the class?
Do interactive whiteboards support or reduce creativity in the classroom?
Is drama a luxury in the primary classroom?
Should we be teaching other languages to children under seven?
Learning outside the classroom, is it worth it?
What makes a reflective practitioner?

Essential reading for those training to teach children aged between 3 and 11, as well as practicing teachers looking to develop their practice.