Understanding Primary Education Developing Professional Attributes, Knowledge and Skills

Supporting Children's Learning in the Primary and Early Years will help trainees and newly qualified teachers reflect on the professional decisions they need to make within their planning and classroom practice. The authors analyze key issues and policies within contemporary education through reference to research and pedagogical practice. They encourage readers to reflect on policy and practice and support them in articulating their own beliefs and values.
With case study material drawing on the voices of different participants in a range of educational settings, and chapters that usefully outline the key issues/questions to be addressed and conclude with helpful summaries that invite readers to reflect on issues discussed, this is an invaluable resource for all trainees and newly qualified teachers.

Understanding Primary Educationwill help trainees and newly qualified teachers reflect on the professional decisions they need to make within their planning and classroom practice. The authors analyse key issues and policies within contemporary education through reference to research and pedagogical practice. They encourage readers to reflect on policy and practice and support them in articulating their own beliefs and values. A broad perspective of the curriculum is outlined with a focus on what curriculum breadth and balance looks like in practice. Readers are encouraged to consider questions such as: What are the purposes of education? What values are important in a pluralist society and what values might we share? In what ways can children be encouraged to be active participants within their communities?

1. Introduction 2. The Foundation Stage – How Far Can You Push It? 3. Strategies and Schemes of Work – Straightjacket or Stimulus for Creative Learning? 4. What Makes a Good Pedagogy for KS2? 5. Inclusive Communities? Are They Possible? 6. Current Assessment Practices. Driving or Supporting Practice? 7. What’s Happened to Curriculum Breadth and Balance and Does It Matter Anyway? 8. Multi-Literacies: How Do Children View and Communicate Their World? 9. Beyond the Classroom Walls: Teachers and Pupils Learning Together 10. Facing the Future: The Primary School Teacher in the 21st Century