Interpreting International Education


Book Description

This book addresses issues and challenges arising in the theory and practice of international education. Written by leading international experts in the field, it draws on up-to-date scholarship relating to this burgeoning area of study. The book reflects research that focuses on the increasing importance worldwide of the international schools sector. Acknowledging the seminal contribution made to development of the field by Professor Jeff Thompson, it discusses topical and fundamental questions relating to international education that are faced by researchers and practitioners. These include the aims of international education, its underpinning philosophy and values, the role of curriculum, the nature of pedagogy in this context and challenges for teaching and leadership. The volume is research-focused and comprises chapters from well-regarded experts based in 11 different countries who have academic and professional experience in teaching and researching international education. As a major contribution to this growing field of knowledge in a rapidly changing educational context, this book will be of great interest to academics, students and researchers in the field of international education worldwide, as well as those with research interests in comparative education and curriculum studies.




Assessment in Geographical Education: An International Perspective


Book Description

In recent years there has been increased attention paid to the importance of assessment in Geographical Education, the chosen subject for this book. Assessment is an important tool for collecting information about student learning and for providing timely data to inform key stakeholders including students, teachers, parents and policymakers. To be effective, assessment needs to be valid, reliable and fair. Validity is about ensuring that we assess what we claim we are assessing. Reliability is about measuring performance and understanding in a consistent way. Without validity and reliability, assessment is unlikely to provide equitable opportunities for students to demonstrate what they know and can do. As geography educators it is therefore important that we identify the core concepts and skills in geography that we want students to master. We need a clear understanding of what the progression of learning looks like for each concept and skill so we can develop fit for purpose assessments that track and improve student learning. While there is a substantial literature on evidence-based assessment in secondary school contexts, research exploring best-practice assessment in geography is rare. This is a concern given the distinctive nature of geography and the important role of assessment in the learning process. This scholarly collection seeks to address this issue by connecting research in educational assessment with the domain of geography. The chapters are written by leading researchers in Geographical Education from across the globe. These chapters provide examples of innovation through the collective voices of geography teacher educator scholars from across Australia, USA, South Korea, Germany, Switzerland and Singapore. What unifies the work in this book, is that each chapter focuses on a key feature of the discipline of geography, providing scholarly examples of evidence-based practices for assessing student’s knowledge and skills.




The School Leader’s Year


Book Description

This practical handbook offers a month-by-month guide to the curriculum, assessment, progress, and leadership over the school year. It provides a clear, comprehensive, and coherent structure to the academic year helping school leaders to prioritise their time and workload, supporting them and their team to work as efficiently and effectively as possible. Considering the statutory and key leadership activities from admissions, induction, transitions, and parents’ evenings to coursework, timetabling, assessment, staff performance, and much more, the book provides a clear plan of action to ensure school leaders have prepared their work at the optimal time over the year. Each chapter features tried-and-tested strategies to help schools put robust systems and processes in place alongside guidance on sustaining pace, developing resilience, and exam preparation and technique. Full of practical tips to help improve progress and including real-world examples of leadership in action from leaders working in primary and secondary schools, this is essential reading for all school leaders that want their students to be as successful as they can possibly be in every lesson, every day.




Inclusion: A Principled Guide for School Leaders


Book Description

This valuable and accessible guide navigates school leaders and those in training through a number of key areas of inclusion, providing context and understanding, helpful definitions, examples of leadership in action, and ten essential principles of inclusive leadership. Inclusion: A Principled Guide for School Leaders discusses what a culture of inclusion should look like: in classes, in schools, and in the education sector more widely. Each chapter acts as a think piece to stimulate debate, to reflect upon the purpose of education, and to ask how far we have come in embracing inclusion. The book also offers suggested actions for principled leaders and illustrative case studies to bring the theory to life, taken from a range of schools and spanning a wide number of topics, including: Inclusive Learning Partnerships with Learners and Families Special Educational Needs Disadvantage and Socio-Economic Poverty Culture, Language and Ethnicity This book explores a variety of issues in inclusion, highlighting the implications for school leaders and offering an approach to develop learning for marginal groups through effective strategic leadership. It will be essential reading for SENCOs, middle and senior leaders, but equally of interest to those who aspire to be inclusive leaders of the future.




Evidence Based Teaching in Secondary Schools


Book Description

A comprehensive guide to support, challenge and develop understanding of evidence-based teaching. Trainee teachers need to understand what is meant by ′evidence based teaching′ and how this influences and shapes teaching in classrooms today. This book explores what we mean by ′evidence′ in education and how education researchers trial and evaluate teaching methods. It introduces key contemporary strategies used in schools and links back to the research and literature to help trainees connect theory to practice. Supports new teachers to have the confidence to critically evaluate new teaching strategies and to understand how to discern what works for them in their classroom.




Centering Whole-Child Development in Global Education Reform


Book Description

This volume offers critical analysis of national school reform policies intended to align with global agendas to promote educational quality and equity. By uniquely foregrounding the need for education reform to nurture child well-being alongside traditional measures of academic achievement, the book identifies common challenges across the Global North and South and extends insights provided by international student assessment data. Chapters offer a close analysis of reform practices in countries in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas to consider cultural, social, political, and functional aspects which drive or inhibit the success of reform initiatives. Providing excellent insights into holistic education for children and youth, this book highlights lessons to support global efforts in providing high-quality, equitable education for the whole child. Developing international knowledge and supplementing international data, this volume will be of interest to students, scholars, and researchers with an interest in education policy, as well as comparative and international education.




All About SEMH: A Practical Guide for Secondary Teachers


Book Description

All About SEMH is an accessible and informative guide for secondary school teachers, designed to increase their understanding of social, emotional and mental health needs, and to enhance their toolkit with practical, evidence-informed strategies to support learners in their care. The book unpicks key terminology and debunks myths and misconceptions, enabling teachers to more easily understand some of the challenges for learners with SEMH needs. It then explores a range of key areas including anxiety, depression, bereavement, obsessive-compulsive disorder and self-harm, and focuses on practical strategies and adaptations that can be made in every classroom. All About SEMH includes: A comprehensive introduction to social, emotional and mental health needs and the surrounding terms and policies Practical strategies tailored to different conditions to help provide targeted support to secondary school learners Case studies and worked examples to illustrate points in the book, supporting behaviour recognition and developing reader understanding The difference between children’s behaviour at home and at school are examined, and the voices of parents of children with SEMH are woven throughout Guidance on safeguarding and when to ask for additional support regarding concerns such as drug abuse or child exploitation Easy to dip in and out of chapters with signposting to further research, resources and support This accessible guide is a valuable resource to empower secondary educators, increasing their knowledge and understanding of SEMH, and providing a range of practical strategies to support every learner in their class. It will be essential reading for all secondary school educators, SENCOs and parents who are supporting children with SEMH needs.




Improving Maths and English in Further Education: A Practical Guide


Book Description

Improving Maths and English in Further Education provides a strategic, practical and easily applied toolkit for teachers and leaders as they work with students to gain core skills. The book highlights the unique challenges that are faced within the sector and the value of embedding college-wide literacy and numeracy for success, providing a range of strategies to resolve challenges. Structured to make sure that there is always an alternative approach, method or suggestion, the book allows the reader to choose the steps that suit their context best. Each chapter looks at the key priorities: •Identifies a range of potential solutions to a challenge faced in FE •Acknowledges potential implementation pitfalls and remedies •Suggests practical takeaways, key considerations and next steps Teachers and staff within further and Post-16 education will find this an essential resource for supporting students studying maths and English. "Teachers and leaders from curriculum areas across the sector will find scenarios and anecdotes that resonate in this book; timetabling, accountability, motivation… a must read." Catherine Sezen, Senior Policy Manager – FE "This is an interesting and engaging read from Jonny, who has produced a book that brings together contemporary educational literature, with a personal and honest take on leading and teaching English and Maths in FE." Steven Wallis, Executive Director Quality, NCG "This book caters for the many different voices, people and characters in FE - it does exactly what it says on the tin... It will give you all the tools for a great job with an evidence base to boot." Julia Smith, @tessmaths Jonathan Kay has managed and led English and maths departments in Further Education since 2017, as well as working as consultant for the Association of Colleges and Lead English Expert and examiner for a leading exam board. Jonathan has also previously worked as an English teacher, 2nd in Department and Head of English in a range of Secondary schools.




The Complete Guide to Pastoral Leadership: A compendium of essential knowledge, research and experience for all pastoral leaders in schools


Book Description

This isn’t your average book about pastoral care – it is a no-nonsense exploration of the knowledge base that excellent pastoral practitioners, be they aspiring, new, or experienced, need to excel in their roles. Written for teaching and non-teaching pastoral leaders alike, this book combines theory, evidence, and research with best practice and on-the-job experience to help you on the way to becoming the very best pastoral leader that you can be. It is written for pastoral leaders by a current pastoral leader, reflecting the reality of our roles – the extraordinary pressures and challenges that we face, sometimes in just getting through the day.




Religious Education 5-11


Book Description

Religious Education has returned in the limelight of education. Religious Education 5-11 deals with present-day debates and issues at the heart of this important subject. It provides a systematic, holistic and unified guidance on teaching RE in primary school. The guide features vignettes, case studies, extracts and viewpoints from experts for deeper engagement. Religious Education 5-11 offers ample guidance and suggestions for the classroom. The main areas covered include: Historical, legal and contemporary perspectives What is RE about? Aims, purposes and the field of enquiry RE in the Early Years, Key Stages 1 and 2 Knowledge in RE Concepts, attitudes, skills, dispositions and SMSC Planning and structuring the curriculum Theories, classical and contemporary pedagogies and multidisciplinary approaches Assessment and progression Subject leadership and the thriving community Research and lifelong learning in RE This book is an indispensable resource for all student educators, early career teachers and classroom practitioners interested in teaching Religious Education in an ambitious, contemporary and challenging way.