Mark Chater

Jane Johnston

John Halocha

Teaching is a complex process which involves the development and utilization of subject knowledge and teaching skills. Containing reflective and practical skills, this book supports such development, focusing specifically on teaching skills, considering what they are, how they develop and how they differ between age and subject. The book contains three sections – Planning, Doing and Reviewing - which demonstrate effective classroom practice. It uses examples of practitioners at different stages of their professional development to link theory and practice, and includes discussions on contemporary issues in primary education, such as: Constructivist teaching and learning Thinking skills Creativity Teaching and learning styles Child-centred learning The authors provide a critical analysis of the issues, practice and problems faced by primary school teachers, which is supported by reflective tasks throughout the book. Emphasizing the child as a partner in the learning process and highlighting the importance of teaching for child-centred learning, the book ultimately develops and strengthens the teacher’s skills. Developing Teaching Skills in the Primary School provides essential guidance and support to trainee, beginner and developing primary school teachers.

EBOOK: Developing Teaching Skills in the Primary School

Mark Chater's brilliant new book diagnoses the reasons why RE urgently needs radical reform, and looks ahead to a time when the subject will have a new identity based on a clear democratic purpose. The book shines a light on how key leaders can make this happen, and how the new good practice is already breaking through. It is edited and authored by experts and leading change agents in RE, who offer a well-informed and provocative vision and programme for change.

Power and Knowledge in a Worldviews Curriculum

Reforming Religious Education

Clive Erricker

The place of religion in the modern world has changed significantly over the past two decades. This has been partially reflected in the academic study of religion, but little, if at all, in religious education. In addition, the place of RE in schools has been the subject of intense debate due to changes to the curriculum and school structure, as well as being part of wider debates on religion in the public sphere. Written by two highly experienced leading practitioners of RE, Does Religious Education have a Future? argues for a radical reform of the subject based on principles of pedagogy set free from religious concerns. It challenges teachers, researchers and educators to rethink their approaches to, and assumptions about, religious education, and enables them to see their work in a larger context that includes pedagogical ideas and political forces. The book offers readers fresh, provocative and expertly informed critical perspectives on: the global context of RE, debates about religion in public places, religion’s response to modernity, violent extremism, science and secularism; the evolving educational rationale for RE in schools; the legal arrangements for RE and their impact on the teaching of the subject; the pedagogy of teaching approaches in RE and their effect on standards and perceptions of the subject; the educational commitment of faith/belief communities, and how this influences the performance of RE. Does Religious Education have a Future? proposes a new attitude to the subject of religious education, and a new configuration of both its role and content. This book is essential reading for academics, advisers and policy makers, as well as teachers of RE at primary and secondary levels and trainee and newly qualified teachers.

Pedagogical and Policy Prospects

Does Religious Education Have a Future?

Reforming RE: Power and Knowledge in a Worldviews Curriculum is a surge of energy for radical reform in what is now called Religious Education.

Mike Castelli

Although Religious Education (RE) is a legal requirement in UK schools, it is an oft-neglected and misunderstood subject. It is important to seriously re-think this key subject at this time of low religious literacy and rising extremism, to protect communities from the consequences of hatred and misunderstanding. This book promotes a public discussion of what exactly is needed from a new model of RE within our education system to benefit wider society. In this edited collection, the chapters are diverse and future-facing, informed by theory and practice and written by a variety of key leading practitioners and emerging national leaders in RE. It covers the most pressing and urgent issues for RE such as hate speech, educational reform, and the weakening of moderate religious institutions. Linking the chapters together with recurring themes and joining passages, the editors create a flowing and coherent discussion about the state of RE and offer choices and routes for readers to consider in terms of its future course.

Mark Chater

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