Effective Teaching and Learning in Practice

Effective Teaching and Learning in Practice provides an exploration of practical teaching strategies supported by practical experience, research evidence and theory. Don Skinner uses examples from a wide range of teaching and educational contexts, drawing on international developments and best practice, to provide a comprehensive, practical guide to teaching and learning. Topics explored include: • Learning through Action and Experience • Inter-Disciplinary Learning • Understanding and Developing Pedagogy • Researching and Developing Teaching Written in an accessible style, each chapter contains ‘Teaching Development Activity' and ‘Reflective Exploration' boxes to allow the reader to analyze their own thinking, teaching and learning. Key reading and useful website suggestions are given at the end of each chapter, linking to sources for further exploration. Essential for all students in initial teacher training, Effective Teaching and Learning in Practice provides a comprehensive overview of teaching and learning. Recently qualified and established teachers undertaking professional development and looking to develop their practice.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements The Aims of This Book Part I: Teaching and Learning - An Introduction 1. Perspectives on Teaching and Learning 2. Making Sense of Teaching and Learning Part II: The Four Modes of Teaching and Learning 3. Direct Teaching 4. Teaching through Dialogue and Discussion 5. Learning through Action and Experience 6. Learning through Enquiry Part III: Using The Modes in Practice - Further Considerations 7. Whole Class, Group and Individual Teaching 8. Inter-Disciplinary Learning, Thinking Skills, Learning How to Learn Part IV: Background Theory 9. Learning and Teaching with Information Technologies 10. Understanding and Developing Pedagogy 11. Brain Science, Cognitive Psychology and Teaching Part V: How to be Reflective 12. Developing Teaching Glossary References Index

About the Author :
Don Skinner, formerly Academic Coordinator for Education courses at the University of Edinburgh, UK, a teacher and researcher, is now an educational consultant and writer.

Review :
‘An intelligent and accessible account of what we know today about the most effective practices of teaching for learning and the debates and research which inform this account. In this era of evidence-informed practice, this book should be essential reading for all teachers, whatever their career stage and level of practice. Skinner articulates the research evidence so that teachers might become reflective practitioners for the twenty-first century.'Bob Lingard, Professorial Research Fellow in the School of Education, University of Queensland, Australia ‘Based on excellent summaries of recent research on teaching and learning this book presents a clear framework around which teachers can build their classroom practice. It provides an excellent starting point for new entrants to the profession as well as a source of reflection for their more experienced colleagues.'Maurice Galton, Emeritus Professor, University of Cambridge, UK 'Written for all students in initial teacher education, this book aims to assist them with understanding and deploying skilfully a range of teaching stratgeies to promote learning.  Skinner offers examples of teaching in a range of educational settings and examples of issues that teachers face in modern teaching roles, along with practical advice for serving teachers and those undertaking further development.' 'The book as a whole is clear, logical and always easy to follow - a useful primer for new teachers but perhaps also a useful resource for the professional development library.' ‘This modestly entitled book offers plenty of opportunity to learn about developing teaching practices. While its obvious audience will be teachers in training it has the potential to more broadly improve the quality of teaching and opportunities for learning... refreshing and informative.'