Classrooms as Learning Communities

Chris Watkins is a reader in education at the University of London, Institute of Education and course tutor to the MA in Effective Learning. He has been a teacher and worked with pupils whose effect on school was sometimes disruptive. For twenty years he has contributed to improvements in tutoring, mentoring, classroom behaviour, school behaviour and learning.

'After reading this important and well-structured book, there is no doubt that classroom teachers will have a vastly greater understanding of the merits of operating as successful learning communities and will feel more informed and confident to make the cultural changes they envisage.' - Teachingexpertise.com'The book does not shy away from discussing relevant theoretical debates and questioning prevalent assumptions about classrooms and learners, and draws extensively on evidence of research and effective classroom practice to identify good practice in classrooms adopting these innovative approaches.' - Teachingexpertise.com'This is a book well worth reading.' - Journal of Education for Teaching'This is a wonderfully useful book for everyone who is interested in creating learning communities whether they are reading it on their own or using it to encourage whole-school dialogue about learning.' - National School Improvement Network News'It is an incredibly easy read and yet is never simplistic; a provocative book yet never patronising; and well worth every penny.' - School Leadership and Management

• 1. Introduction  2. Classrooms, Change, Learning, Teaching, Community  3. Community  4. Classrooms as Learning Communities Practices in Classrooms  5. Goals in a Learning Community  6. Tasks in a Learning Community  7. Social Structure in a Learning Community  8. Resources in a Learning Community  9. Roles in a Learning Community  Observing Classrooms as Learning Communities  10. Schools as Learning Communities