Primary Subject Knowledge and the Core Curriculum


Book Description

This bespoke ebook compilation is focused on primary subject knowledge and in particular the core curriculum areas of English and mathematics. It has been produced in order to address workload concerns and to offer additional but focused support by presenting a collection of helpful chapters from a wide range of texts to support your learning effectively and ensure that you continue to grow your knowledge base, develop your learning, and enjoy exploring and researching a wide range of topics in a supportive and accessible way. It takes key chapters from a range of popular educational texts. Each chapter has deliberately been kept in its original format so that you become familiar with a variety of styles and approaches as you progress your studies.




Subject Learning in the Primary Curriculum


Book Description

The emphasis on subject knowledge in primary curricula is a world-wide phenomenon and has become increasingly the focus of attention in England, with the introduction of the National Curriculum and the appointment of subject co-ordinators in schools. Yet what exactly constitutes a subject and its practice remains controversial. The book is organised into five parts. Part one examines the general aims of primary education, in order to give a background for a more detailed exploration of UK curriculum development. Parts two, three and four examine the core subjects of English, science and mathematics, whilst constantly bearing in mind the full range of views about the purpose of education and the nature of knowledge. Part five introduces key debates about approaches to knowledge, and raises issues about the future organisation of the curriculum. Subject Learning in the Primary Curriculum is the OU reader for Module 832, Teaching and Learning in the Primary Core Curriculum in the MA in Education.




Science for Primary and Early Years


Book Description

Science for Primary and Early Years is a comprehensive guide to the subject knowledge requirements for the teaching of science in early years settings and primary schools. This second edition consists of activities to help the reader extend their own understanding of science. Part One explores understanding the nature of science, processes of planning, carrying out and evaluating scientific investigations, collecting and using data, hypothesizing, predicting, fair testing, use of correct terminology and understanding health and safety as well as key ideas in science that underpin subject knowledge. Part Two builds on these ideas as it explores in more detail life and living processes, the environment, electricity and magnetism, light, sound and the earth in space. This text is part of the series Developing Subject Knowledge which covers English, Mathematics and Science and provides authoritative distance learning materials on the national requirements for teaching the primary core curriculum, working with the early years and achieving qualified teacher status. It is designed for initial teacher training, experienced practitioner self-study, and will help towards GCSE revision. This is a set book for the Open University Course, 'Ways of Knowing: language, mathematics and science in the early years'.




Why Knowledge Matters


Book Description

In Why Knowledge Matters, E. D. Hirsch, Jr., presents evidence from cognitive science, sociology, and education history to further the argument for a knowledge-based elementary curriculum. Influential scholar Hirsch, author of The Knowledge Deficit, asserts that a carefully planned curriculum that imparts communal knowledge is essential in achieving one of the most fundamental aims and objectives of education: preparing students for lifelong success. Hirsch examines historical and contemporary evidence from the United States and other nations, including France, and affirms that a knowledge-based approach has improved both achievement and equity in schools where it has been instituted. In contrast, educational change of the past several decades in the United States has endorsed a skills-based approach, founded on, Hirsch points out, many incorrect assumptions about child development and how children learn. He recommends new policies that are better aligned with our current understanding of neuroscience, developmental psychology, and social science. The book focuses on six persistent problems that merit the attention of contemporary education reform: the over-testing of students in the name of educational accountability; the scapegoating of teachers; the fadeout of preschool gains; the narrowing of the curriculum to crowd out history, geography, science, literature, and the arts; the achievement gap between demographic groups; and the reliance on standards, such as the Common Core State Standards, that are not linked to a rigorous curriculum. Why Knowledge Matters makes a clear case for educational innovation and introduces a new generation of American educators to Hirsch’s astute and passionate analysis.




Doing Your PGCE at M-level


Book Description

What is PGCE at M-Level and what can you expect from the course? How can it help you to develop as a professional? Master′s-level study is now a well established component of PGCE courses and this new edition of the best selling student guide offers a clear and concise overview of Master′s level aspects in teacher education. This Second Edition includes discussion of recent developments in education policy, greater coverage of reflective practice in school-based training and up-to-date advice on how to get a teaching job at the end of your course. With new reflective activities designed to help students develop critical skills, and improved references to additional material, this book is essential reading for students on PGCE courses in primary and secondary education. Keira Sewell leads Visionary Education (www.visionary-education.co.uk), an education consultancy covering teacher training, science education, strategic development and business and industry partnerships. Contrbutors to the book are members of the primary and secondary PGCE teams at the University of Southampton, Edge Hill University, the University of Dundee and an independent consultant supporting Higher Education Institutions. Praise for the book: "Doing your PGCE at M level is a valuable guide designed to enable students to achieve success. Its approach, using clear explanations and case studies enable trainees to engage at a critical level and understand the potential benefits this can bring to them personally and professionally. Moving forward from the first edition in a way that incorporates education policy from recent fast moving times this enables trainees to critique and identify how the education arena is shaped. This new edition also enables trainees to develop many of the key skills of M-Level work; the development of reflective activities to enable deep reflection and critical analysis is a welcome development. This comprehensive text will be a valuable resource for anyone training to be a PGCE teacher." - Tim Roberts, PGCE Programme Director, University of Hertfordshire




Department for Children, Schools and Families


Book Description

In 2007, the Department for Children, Schools and Families commissioned Sir Peter Williams to undertake an independent review of the quality of primary mathematics teaching and his report was published in June 2008. This report evaluates, in particular: raising attainment and progress in mathematics and narrowing achievement gaps between certain pupils and their peers; and the delivery and effectiveness of the Primary National Strategy's resources and interventions and their impact on pupil and school performance. It was found that bringing greater structure and consistency to the way primary mathematics is taught, the Strategy initially helped to improve test results at Key Stage 2. Since 2000, however, attainment has levelled off. It is too early to tell if the 2007 revisions to the Strategy will deliver the step change required. The report makes recommendations on this basis.




Primary Subject Knowledge and the Core Curriculum


Book Description

This bespoke ebook compilation is focused on primary subject knowledge and in particular the core curriculum areas of English and mathematics. It has been produced in order to address workload concerns and to offer additional but focused support by presenting a collection of helpful chapters from a wide range of texts to support your learning effectively and ensure that you continue to grow your knowledge base, develop your learning, and enjoy exploring and researching a wide range of topics in a supportive and accessible way. It takes key chapters from a range of popular educational texts. Each chapter has deliberately been kept in its original format so that you become familiar with a variety of styles and approaches as you progress your studies.




Primary English: Knowledge and Understanding


Book Description

Now with online resources to support subject knowledge! Secure subject knowledge and understanding is the foundation of confident, creative and effective teaching. To help your students master this, the 8th edition of this established text now comes with a range of online resources available on the brand new companion website including: Interactive English subject knowledge audit: to assess your students subject knowledge in primary English. Save valuable teaching time at the start of the year by setting is as a pre-course audit and ensure students have an accurate picture of their ability before they begin. Grading your students′ overall performance, results can be shared with you immediately and include further reading suggestions so students can revisit areas where they require improvement. Reflective self-assessment questions: more than 70 ‘check your learning’ questions help consolidate students’ understanding of each chapter topic and monitor their learning as they work through the book. Irregular verbs: a handy reference of all the irregular verbs so trainees can teach English confidently. Glossary: building students′ knowledge, the full online glossary of terms for English helps them know their ‘digraph’ from your ‘soliloquy’. This 8th edition, covering the whole primary curriculum, also includes new chapters on handwriting and the nature of learning. Updated interactive activities throughout the book engage students in their learning and enable discussion. Using this book in conjunction with the free online resources really makes this the complete package for developing English subject knowledge.




National Curriculum In The Early Years


Book Description

The child-centred principles of early years education - which emphasize play and holistic learning - are being challenged by the implementation of a subject-based National Curriculum. The contributors to this book explore this challenge and offer some ways of meeting it practically and productively. Issues covered include: pedagogical issues, such as the cross-curricular, topic-based teaching; teacher's attitudes to subject knowledge; assessment issues, including baseline assessment at the age of five; and parental attitudes to the National Curriculum and its content at Key Stage 1.




Miracle of Education


Book Description

"Finnish pupils’ success in international student assessment tests and the characteristics of the Finnish educational system are the focus of interest all around in the world. The significance of Finnish educational policy and societal atmosphere are continuously discussed. This book provides explanations, answers and reflections to these questions. Over 30 expert authors have contributed to this book by bringing their own specific research-based points of view.The second edition of the book introduces the new national curriculum for basic education that now provides guidelines for school-based curricula. Students’ learning with engagement and schools as learning communities are core visions of the reform. The authors also reflect on the PISA 2012 results. The book gives an example on how to use PISA information for national improvements. In Finland, all evaluations are enhancement-led and this also includes PISA measurements.The book illustrates how teaching and learning of different subjects is realized in Finnish schools and describes the essential characteristics and methods of teaching, learning materials and research on these issues.The book provides important insight and reflections to international researchers, teachers, students, journalists and policy makers, who are interested in teaching and learning in Finnish schools. It shows the results of the systematic and persistent work that has been done on education and schooling in Finland.The main features of education in Finland are: Strong equity policy.Teachers as autonomous and reflective academic experts.Flexible educational structures and local responsibility for curriculum development.Evaluation for improvements, not for ranking.No national testing, no inspectorate.Research-based teacher education.Teachers’ high competence in content knowledge and pedagogy.Trust in education and teachers."