Concept Development In The Primary School

Originally published in 1987, this book introduces work on the intellectual development of children in the primary school. It contains chapters on the teaching of reading, writing, art, science and mathematics. While critical of many of the once popular ideas of Jean Piaget, the author also emphasises the continuing validity of some aspects of Piaget’s thinking.

Originally published in 1987, this book introduces the reader to work on the intellectual development of adolescents relevant to the secondary school teacher. It covers the teaching of English, history, geography, economics, politics, legal studies, physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics. Although it emphasises the continuing importance of Piaget’s thought, the book aims to introduce readers to the non-Piagetian research that had taken place in recent years.

Developmental Education is an approach to education in school that aims at promoting children’s cultural development and their abilities to participate autonomously and well-informed in the cultural practices of their community. From the point of view of Cultural-historical Activity theory (CHAT), a play-based curriculum has been developed over the past decades for primary school, which presents activity contexts for pupils in the classroom that create learning and teaching opportunities for helping pupils with appropriating cultural knowledge, skills, and moral understandings in meaningful ways. The approach is implemented in numerous Dutch primary schools classrooms with the explicit intention to support the learning of both pupils and teachers. The book focuses especially on education of young children (4 – 8 years old) in primary school and presents the underpinning concepts of this approach, and chapters on examples of good practices in a variety of subject matter areas, such as literacy (vocabulary acquisition, reading, writing), mathematics, and arts. Successful implementation of Developmental Education in the classroom strongly depends on dynamic assessment and continuous observations of young pupils’ development. Strategies for implementation of both the teaching practices and assessment strategies are discussed in detail in the book.

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.

Children are already learning at birth, and they develop and learn at a rapid pace in their early years. This provides a critical foundation for lifelong progress, and the adults who provide for the care and the education of young children bear a great responsibility for their health, development, and learning. Despite the fact that they share the same objective - to nurture young children and secure their future success - the various practitioners who contribute to the care and the education of children from birth through age 8 are not acknowledged as a workforce unified by the common knowledge and competencies needed to do their jobs well. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 explores the science of child development, particularly looking at implications for the professionals who work with children. This report examines the current capacities and practices of the workforce, the settings in which they work, the policies and infrastructure that set qualifications and provide professional learning, and the government agencies and other funders who support and oversee these systems. This book then makes recommendations to improve the quality of professional practice and the practice environment for care and education professionals. These detailed recommendations create a blueprint for action that builds on a unifying foundation of child development and early learning, shared knowledge and competencies for care and education professionals, and principles for effective professional learning. Young children thrive and learn best when they have secure, positive relationships with adults who are knowledgeable about how to support their development and learning and are responsive to their individual progress. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 offers guidance on system changes to improve the quality of professional practice, specific actions to improve professional learning systems and workforce development, and research to continue to build the knowledge base in ways that will directly advance and inform future actions. The recommendations of this book provide an opportunity to improve the quality of the care and the education that children receive, and ultimately improve outcomes for children.

'This is an outstanding book: it should be high on the list of any primary school teacher's set of references and a required text for pre-service teachers.' Australian Primary Mathematics Classroom In our technology-rich world, numeracy is just as important as the smartphone in your pocket. Students need to develop mathematical ways of seeing the world and strong problem-solving skills, and those foundations are taught in the primary school classroom. Teaching Mathematics in Primary Schools covers the mathematical content taught in primary and middle years, always emphasising how students can connect what they learn in mathematics with other curriculum areas and with the world beyond the classroom. The authors draw on the latest international research to show how teachers can develop a rich repertoire of classroom teaching techniques, and effective planning, assessment and reporting methods. They outline approaches to creating supportive learning environments for all students, and to building their knowledge and confidence in using mathematics. This third edition has been updated throughout and includes a new chapter on numeracy. Evidence-based uses of digital technologies to support learning and teaching are included in every chapter. With practical strategies that can be implemented in the classroom, this book is an invaluable resource for pre-service and early career primary and middle years mathematics teachers.

Based on many years of teaching experience and drawing on her research among rural and urban children, this book is addressed to students of education and psychology, and can be used as a core text. Dr Ranganathan discusses the theories of education and the philosophical orientation of important thinkers. She studies the physical, emotional, social cognitive and moral development of children, as also their needs and interests. She also deals with the situation of exceptional children. The author has taken care to ensure the book is sensitive to issues of gender, class and caste. Each chapter ends with a summary of the main ideas dealt with therein. The book also contains a select reading list.