Ian Gilbert – författare

Why do I need a teacher when I’ve got Google? is just one of the challenging, controversial and thought-provoking questions Ian Gilbert poses in this urgent and invigorating book.Questioning the unquestionable, this fully updated new edition will make you re-consider everything you thought you knew about teaching and learning, such as:Are you simply preparing the next generation of unemployed accountants?What do you do for the ‘sweetcorn kids’ who come out of the education system in pretty much the same state as when they went in?What’s the real point of school?Exams – So whose bright idea was that?Why ‘EQ’ is fast becoming the new ‘IQ’What will your school policy be on brain-enhancing technologies?Which is the odd one out between a hamster and a caravan?With his customary combination of hard-hitting truths, practical classroom ideas and irreverent sense of humour, Ian Gilbert takes the reader on a breathless rollercoaster ride through burning issues of the twenty-first century, considering everything from the threats facing the world and the challenge of the BRIC economies to the link between eugenics and the 11+.As wide-ranging and exhaustively-researched as it is entertaining and accessible, this book is designed to challenge teachers and inform them – as well as encourage them – as they strive to design a twenty-first century learning experience that really does bring the best out of all young people. After all, the future of the world may just depend on it.

Why do I need a teacher when I’ve got Google? is just one of the challenging, controversial and thought-provoking questions Ian Gilbert poses in this urgent and invigorating book.Questioning the unquestionable, this fully updated new edition will make you re-consider everything you thought you knew about teaching and learning, such as:Are you simply preparing the next generation of unemployed accountants?What do you do for the ‘sweetcorn kids’ who come out of the education system in pretty much the same state as when they went in?What’s the real point of school?Exams – So whose bright idea was that?Why ‘EQ’ is fast becoming the new ‘IQ’What will your school policy be on brain-enhancing technologies?Which is the odd one out between a hamster and a caravan?With his customary combination of hard-hitting truths, practical classroom ideas and irreverent sense of humour, Ian Gilbert takes the reader on a breathless rollercoaster ride through burning issues of the twenty-first century, considering everything from the threats facing the world and the challenge of the BRIC economies to the link between eugenics and the 11+.As wide-ranging and exhaustively-researched as it is entertaining and accessible, this book is designed to challenge teachers and inform them – as well as encourage them – as they strive to design a twenty-first century learning experience that really does bring the best out of all young people. After all, the future of the world may just depend on it.

Teachers around the world have found Ian Gilbert’s classic text Essential Motivation in the Classroom an inspiring and provocative read. This ground-breaking companion to the book is a definitive one-stop guide for teachers who are looking for inspiration into how his ideas can be put into practice in every-day classrooms. A truly lively and engaging resource, it scrutinises each aspect of Gilbert’s now famous ‘seven keys’ of motivation and provides a wide range of practical ideas, activities and launch-pads for discussion which can be blended seamlessly into your own lessons. Taking as its starting point the right of every child to an inspirational education that develops their values, attitudes and skills, this book provides you with the means to unlock even your most challenging of pupils and will act as a spring board for visionary learning in the classroom and beyond, Key ideas explored include: • Goal setting strategies• Students’ own intrinsic motivation• Preparing effective challenges• Developing multiple approaches to learning • Using physical activities to anchor learning • Helping students to understand themselves better and be better prepared for the world todayFor teachers of pupils at all ages and stages, this book is easy to follow, easy to ‘dip in and out of’, is conversational in tone, and has the potential to be a game-changer for any teacher wishing reinvigorate their pupils, colleagues and classrooms.

Teachers around the world have found Ian Gilbert’s classic text Essential Motivation in the Classroom an inspiring and provocative read. This ground-breaking companion to the book is a definitive one-stop guide for teachers who are looking for inspiration into how his ideas can be put into practice in every-day classrooms. A truly lively and engaging resource, it scrutinises each aspect of Gilbert’s now famous ‘seven keys’ of motivation and provides a wide range of practical ideas, activities and launch-pads for discussion which can be blended seamlessly into your own lessons. Taking as its starting point the right of every child to an inspirational education that develops their values, attitudes and skills, this book provides you with the means to unlock even your most challenging of pupils and will act as a spring board for visionary learning in the classroom and beyond, Key ideas explored include: • Goal setting strategies• Students’ own intrinsic motivation• Preparing effective challenges• Developing multiple approaches to learning • Using physical activities to anchor learning • Helping students to understand themselves better and be better prepared for the world todayFor teachers of pupils at all ages and stages, this book is easy to follow, easy to ‘dip in and out of’, is conversational in tone, and has the potential to be a game-changer for any teacher wishing reinvigorate their pupils, colleagues and classrooms.

A great deal has changed in the word of education since Essential Motivation in the Classroom was first published in 2002.Then again, nothing has really changed at all: schools are still under pressure to raise standards, government ministers come and go along with various educational fads, initiatives and silver bullets, young people are still young people, and teachers are still looking for ways to motivate their students to do their very best in the classroom and beyond. Which is why this new, updated third edition of Ian Gilbert’s bestselling and classic text is still very much needed. Complete with a new preface and specially written ‘Notes from the future’ introducing each of the seven ‘keys to motivation,’ this book remains what it always was – an entertaining and inspiring read, full of useful, practical advice ranging from motivational research by leading theorists to philosophical gems from Homer Simpson.For teachers in all phases and sectors of education around the world, this fascinating and highly engaging book takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride of strategies, ideas and insights to help educators think again about classroom practice and school culture and to look with fresh eyes at motivation, relationships and achievement in their classrooms.

A great deal has changed in the word of education since Essential Motivation in the Classroom was first published in 2002.Then again, nothing has really changed at all: schools are still under pressure to raise standards, government ministers come and go along with various educational fads, initiatives and silver bullets, young people are still young people, and teachers are still looking for ways to motivate their students to do their very best in the classroom and beyond. Which is why this new, updated third edition of Ian Gilbert’s bestselling and classic text is still very much needed. Complete with a new preface and specially written ‘Notes from the future’ introducing each of the seven ‘keys to motivation,’ this book remains what it always was – an entertaining and inspiring read, full of useful, practical advice ranging from motivational research by leading theorists to philosophical gems from Homer Simpson.For teachers in all phases and sectors of education around the world, this fascinating and highly engaging book takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride of strategies, ideas and insights to help educators think again about classroom practice and school culture and to look with fresh eyes at motivation, relationships and achievement in their classrooms.

How can schools become places where everyone belongs, thrives and is celebrated?At a time when diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are under attack globally, this timely and engaging book offers a powerful call to action, drawing on a diverse range of contributors to show how belonging plays a crucial role in attendance, behaviour, engagement and achievement. Edited by award-winning education writer Ian Gilbert, it comprises 45 unique contributions from across the education spectrum, offering practical insights and alternative perspectives on creating inclusive, equitable schools. Topics covered include supporting refugee children, neurodiversity, the Muslim experience, gypsy, Romany and traveller children, supporting teachers of colour and older teachers in their careers, holding difficult conversations, decolonising the curriculum, LGBTQ+ awareness, limb difference and much more.The book serves as both a showcase of what can be done to ensure belonging for all members of the school community and a timely response to the consequences of punitive behaviour control approaches. Taking its place alongside two previous best-selling titles also edited by Ian Gilbert, The Working Class and Square Pegs, this volume completes a trilogy fighting to help schools ensure everyone is welcomed, understood and successful.This practical and powerful book will benefit all educators, school leaders, policymakers and those in academia and social care who want to understand better how schools can serve as havens where there genuinely is No Other.

How can schools become places where everyone belongs, thrives and is celebrated?At a time when diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are under attack globally, this timely and engaging book offers a powerful call to action, drawing on a diverse range of contributors to show how belonging plays a crucial role in attendance, behaviour, engagement and achievement. Edited by award-winning education writer Ian Gilbert, it comprises 45 unique contributions from across the education spectrum, offering practical insights and alternative perspectives on creating inclusive, equitable schools. Topics covered include supporting refugee children, neurodiversity, the Muslim experience, gypsy, Romany and traveller children, supporting teachers of colour and older teachers in their careers, holding difficult conversations, decolonising the curriculum, LGBTQ+ awareness, limb difference and much more.The book serves as both a showcase of what can be done to ensure belonging for all members of the school community and a timely response to the consequences of punitive behaviour control approaches. Taking its place alongside two previous best-selling titles also edited by Ian Gilbert, The Working Class and Square Pegs, this volume completes a trilogy fighting to help schools ensure everyone is welcomed, understood and successful.This practical and powerful book will benefit all educators, school leaders, policymakers and those in academia and social care who want to understand better how schools can serve as havens where there genuinely is No Other.

The Little Book of Dyslexia references both personal experience and current applied research and findings in order to highlight issues faced by people with dyslexia. It looks at a number of strategies and lesson ideas which can be used both inside and outside the classroom to help students with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties. It also lists various resources which can be used alongside these strategies to create a successful learning environment for those with dyslexia. The book progresses through the various challenges that are faced at different age ranges, and support needed, starting with the youngest in early years, including some of the early signs you may see with dyslexia, moving up through primary and secondary school and finally onto higher education and university and being a student teacher. An outstanding guide for students, teachers, Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCO's) and parents.

One of the keys to a happy and creative classroom is getting out of it and this book will give you the confidence to do just that. Drawing on academic research, Juliet explains why learning outdoors is so beneficial and provides plenty of tips and activities to help you to integrate outdoor learning into your teaching practice, providing a broad range of engaging outdoor experiences for your students.There is no need for expensive tools or complicated technologies: all you need is your coat and a passion for learning - oh, and you'd better bring the kids too!Topics covered include: forest schools, learning outside the classroom, outdoor education, nature activities, caring for the environment, play in schools, investigative play, urban outdoor activities, problem solving, creative thinking and strategies for supporting curriculum objectives. For all primary practitioners who want to shake up their usual classroom routine and discover the benefits of teaching outdoors. Dirty Teaching was a finalist in the Non-Fiction People's Book Prize Winter 2014 collection.

Our current education system is overloaded with amendments, additions and adjustments which have been designed to keep an outdated model in the air. But it is crashing. And as it comes down, we see the battle of blame begin. It is time to take our vocation back, to learn to trust ourselves and each other and, crucially, to take control of the direction of education and policy.We have allowed powerful institutions to manipulate the fear of parents and teachers to the extent that neither can see how to proceed without being told what to think. Covering education policy, PISA testing, Ofsted, exams, pedagogy and much more, this book explores how the so-called accountability and quality systems in our country have been used to straight-jacket teachers into compliance, even when flying in the face of emerging knowledge and understanding about learning.This is a narrative of hope, of how the system could be different. It offers tales from within the classroom of learning, of hope, of laughter, of gentle subversion. This is a call to arms for a pedagogical revolution. Will you answer it?

Every chapter has been revised and some significantly expanded, particularly those on planning, conducting and reviewing lazy lessons. Others have been updated with Jim's latest tried-and-tested techniques, which all shift the emphasis away from the teaching and onto the learning.Have you ever wondered what would happen in your classroom if you simply stopped teaching? Over the last few decades the demands of countless education initiatives, not to mention the pressures good teachers put on themselves, have seen so much teaching squeezed into our lessons, it must have squeezed out some of the learning. Maybe if we spent a little less time teaching and gave students a little more time to learn, things would be different. Maybe this would allow us more opportunities to build relationships with the class and develop that all-important rapport with the individuals who might just need us most. Maybe we could even reclaim our Sunday afternoons from planning and marking?The Lazy Way can help you get more out of your students and at the same time help you to get your life back. More than just a series of tricks, the Lazy Way is something Jim Smith has put together over years of experience working with all sorts of learners (and teachers) who want their lessons to be different yet still be rewarded with academic success. The approach was born out of Jim's frustration with doing a job he loves but being slowly killed by it in the process. And, as all good psychologists know, if necessity is the mother of invention then frustration is the absent father, and being knackered the grown-up sibling who just won't leave home.If you want your students to learn more and you to work less, then The Lazy Teacher's Handbook provides you with all the arguments and evidence you need. The new edition is packed full of even more easy-to-apply, highly effective strategies (which Ofsted have rated as 'outstanding') all with the seal of approval from real students in real classrooms. So, next time someone tells you to get a life, this book will make it possible.Previously published as The Lazy Teacher's Handbook, ISBN 9781845902896.'The Lazy Teacher' is a registered trademark.The Lazy Teacher's Handbook - first edition Winner of the 2012 Award for non-fiction bestselling English-language Book from Wales.The Lazy Teacher's Handbook - New Edition - Honorable Mention 2017 Foreword INDIES Awards in the Education category.The Lazy Teacher's Handbook - New Edition is a finalist in the 2018 Education Resources Awards in the Educational Book Award category.

A brain workout book for uncertain times. We are living in a world where facts don't count, certainty no longer exists and complexity means we never quite know what will happen next. To prepare ourselves better for such a world, we need a brain workout that isn't so much about finding answers as getting our heads around questions. We need The Compleat Thunks(R) Book. In The Compleat Thunks(R) Book, Thunks(R) creator Ian Gilbert brings together Thunks(R) from a number of his books as well as over 100 new ones, all designed to get you thinking, questioning, debating and arguing your way to a better understanding of how to survive in a world gone dangerously bonkers. Some of these Thunks(R) were previously published in The Book of Thunks(R), ISBN 978-184590092-2 and The Little Book of Thunks(R), ISBN 978-184590062-5. Thunks is a registered trademark to Independent Thinking Ltd.

In `The Working Class: Poverty, education and alternative voices`, Ian Gilbert unites educators from across the UK and further afield to call on all those working in schools to adopt a more enlightened and empathetic approach to supporting children in challenging circumstances.One of the most intractable problems in modern education is how to close the widening gap in attainment between the haves and the have-nots. Unfortunately, successive governments both in the UK and abroad have gone about solving it the wrong way.Independent Thinking founder Ian Gilbert's increasing frustration with educational policies that favour `no excuses' and `compliance', and that ignore the broader issues of poverty and inequality, is shared by many others across the sphere of education - and this widespread disaffection has led to the assembly of a diverse cast of teachers, school leaders, academics and poets who unite in this book to challenge the status quo. Their thought-provoking commentary, ideas and impassioned anecdotal insights are presented in the form of essays, think pieces and poems that draw together a wealth of research on the issue and probe and discredit the current view on what is best for children from poorer socio-economic backgrounds. Exploring themes such as inclusion, aspiration, pedagogy and opportunity, the contributions collectively lift the veil of feigned `equality of opportunity for all' to reveal the bigger picture of poverty and to articulate the hidden truth that there is always another way.This book is not about giving you all the answers, however. The contributors are not telling teachers or schools leaders how to run their schools, their classroom or their relationships - the field is too massive, too complex, too open to debate and to discussion to propose `off-the-shelf' solutions. Furthermore, the research referred to in this book is not presented in order to tell educators what to think, but rather to inform their own thinking and to challenge some of the dominant narratives about educating the `feckless poor'. This book is about helping educators to ask the right questions, and its starting question is quite simple: how can we approach the education of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in a way that actually makes a difference for all concerned?Written for policy makers and activists as well as school leaders and educators, The Working Class is both a timely survey of the impact of current policies and an invaluable source of practical advice on what can be done to better support disadvantaged children in the school system.Edited by Ian Gilbert with contributions from Nina Jackson, Tim Taylor, Dr Steven Watson, Rhythmical Mike, Dr Ceri Brown, Dr Brian Male, Julia Hancock, Paul Dix, Chris Kilkenny, Daryn Egan-Simon, Paul Bateson, Sarah Pavey, Dr Matthew McFall, Jamie Thrasivoulou, Hywel Roberts, Dr Kevin Ming, Leah Stewart, (Real) David Cameron, Sir Al Aynsley-Green, Shona Crichton, Floyd Woodrow, Jonathan Lear, Dr Debra Kidd, Will Ryan, Andrew Morrish, Phil Beadle, Jaz Ampaw-Farr, Darren Chetty, Sameena Choudry, Tait Coles, Professor Terry Wrigley, Brian Walton, Dave Whitaker, Gill Kelly, Roy Leighton, Jane Hewitt, Jarlath O'Brien, Crista Hazell, Louise Riley, Mark Creasy, Martin Illingworth, Ian Loynd, David Rogers, Professor Mick Waters and Professor Paul Clarke.Click here to listen to The Working Class on Spotify - It covers all the music mentioned in the book plus a great deal more of working class music from across time and round the world!

Growing up in poverty, and neglected and abused by her own parents, Jaz Ampaw-Farr was destined to become a statistic. Her story was changed however, by five teachers who made the point of putting human connection first – despite the challenges of the education system.Because of these people, Jaz went on to become a teacher, writer and award-winning international speaker who, through celebration and provocation, engages educators and galvanises them into embracing the difference that they can make when they, too, put being a human first.In Because of You, This is Me Jaz shares her story – often harrowing but always uplifting – to show how the everyday heroes in our schools can transform the lives of the children who need their help the most.Essential reading for all educators.**Trigger Warning:** This book addresses themes of child abuse and neglect, which may be upsetting or triggering for some readers. If you or someone you know has been affected by similar issues, please take care when reading and consider seeking support.

Written from the personal experience of a parent and his three children, Independent Thinking on Loss: A little book about bereavement for schools details the ways in which schools can help their pupils come to terms with the death of a parent.A child loses a parent every twenty-two minutes in the UK. Childhood bereavement brings with it a whole series of challenges for the children involved challenges they will deal with all their lives. The research shows teachers want to help, but don't know what to do.This book is a start.Written by Independent Thinking founder Ian Gilbert together with his three children, Independent Thinking on Loss is a personal account of the way educational institutions tried and succeeded, tried and failed and sometimes didn't try at all to help William, Olivia and Phoebe come to terms with the death of their mother.Several months after their mother's death, BBC's Newsround aired a brave and still controversial programme in which four children talked about their losses. This prompted Ian and his children to sit down and think about their own experiences and draw up a fifteen -strong list of dos and don'ts that could help steer schools towards a better understanding of what is needed from them at such a difficult time.The warmth of reception of this handout led the family to expand their advice and suggestions into what has now become Independent Thinking on Loss, the proceeds of which will go to Winston's Wish, one of the UK's leading children's bereavement charities.Ian, William, Olivia and Phoebe encourage educators to view death and bereavement as something that can be acknowledged and talked about in school, and offer clear guidelines that will make a difference as to how a school can support a bereaved child in their midst. They also explore how conversations and actions little ones, whole-school ones, genuine ones, professional ones, personal ones in the school setting can make an awful scenario just that little bit easier for children to deal with.Suitable for anyone working with children and young people in an educational setting.?Independent Thinking on Loss is an updated edition of The Little Book of Bereavement for Schools (ISBN 9781845904647) and is one of a number of books in the Independent Thinking On series from the award-winning Independent Thinking Press.

A book for educators who find themselves torn between a government/Ofsted narrative around behaviour, attendance and attainment, and their own passion for supporting square pegs and their families.

Little Owl's Book of Thinking squeezes years of research, teaching and experience into seven chapters, two owls and a whole forest of woodland creatures.

A Thunk is a beguiling question about everyday things that stops you in your tracks and helps you start to look at the world in a whole new light.The author guides you through the origins and uses of Thunks and demonstrates how this powerful little book can develop philosophical thinking for all ages. Remember there are no right or wrong answers to these questions. How liberating is that?

Leadership with a Moral Purpose gives all primary heads - aspiring, newly appointed or those who think 'there must be something more than this!' - the ideas, techniques, tools and direction to turn their schools 'inside-out' and inspire them to lead with the heart and with the soul.Too many schools these days are 'outside-in' schools, running to keep up with someone else's agenda or priorities. In this timely book, Will Ryan gives Heads the confidence to do those things they know are right because they are right for the children, right for the staff and right for the community.

A light-hearted look at the brain aimed at a lay audience, it particularly focuses on the neurobiology of emotional intelligence and in many ways is the neurobiological explanation of why emotional intelligence is so important to health, wealth and happiness. From birth to death our brains are learning. In this book Andrew explains the actual events that occurin the learning brain. Understanding the nuts and bolts of learning can only help you learn yourself - but also aid others to learn from you. The Little Book of Big Stuff About the Brain is about understanding why emotional health is so important. It is a book about structure and function - and the immensely reassuring fact that there is nothing occult or sinister or hidden about our emotional selves - there is just a whole pile of circuitry that can be adjusted and changed and remodelled.Emotional damage is repairable, painful memories can be unlearned, and debilitating conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder can be placed firmly in the past. There is nothing about ourselves that we can't fundamentally change if we are prepared to do the work required. This means that no matter how deep the damage runs, there is still hope that it can (eventually) be unlearned. The most important message in this book - emotions and our emotional brains - underpin most of what we are and how we express ourselves from how we brush our hair to how we solve complex social and intellectual questions.

A great gift book for possibly the most impossible person to buy for!The Book of Thunks will shake up your templates, rattle your thought routines and force you to think about things differently.A Thunk is a beguiling question about everyday things that stops you in your tracks and helps you start to look at the world in a whole new light.So find a friend or family member, ask a Thunk, disagree with their answer (remember there are no right and wrong answers) and keep your brain working longer and better.If you typed the word run a thousand times would that be a short story? Warning: A few of these Thunks are unsuitable for use with children.

Are you looking for a creative opening, energising middle or big finish to a lesson? then just pick out a relevant game, exercise or idea from this wonderful book and watch the fireworks go.Failing that, just leave the room as you found it and head for your local hostelry where Dawn will be waiting with a patient ear, a packet of crisps and your usual.All the ideas contained within this book have come together over ten years of experience, working with thousands of students in hundreds of schools.Some are of Dave's own devising, some have been donated and the rest have been simply nicked under the user-friendly title of knowledge sharing, but all have been deployed with one vision in mind which is to shamelessly entertain whilst at the same time engaging young people in the creative arena in order to prove, as Socrates the Greek philosopher once stated, 'Life and learning should be a festival of the mind'.

Everything you need to create brilliant - and happy - young learners.Building on the success of Jackie's The Learner's Toolkit, this version aimed at younger children contains everything you need to create truly independent learners. Because there is much more to learning to learn than a set of techniques and tricks, this book helps create children who are confident and resilient in themselves and in their ability to learn and learn well. Written with more than half an eye on the SEAL framework (which may not be on the current government's list of priorities but is at the heart of all caring and successful primary schools), this book is more than a book. It is the definitive toolkit of lesson plans and teacher's notes complete with its own CD-ROM with everything the busy teacher needs to help all children become expert learners.

Many gifted and talented children are bored and frustrated in the classroom. Many are not achieving their potential and talents are going unrecognised. Written by an experienced and world renowned author with a wealth of experience, this practical guide will challenge, excite and inspire teachers and show them how they can identify and provide for the needs of these children.

Praise for the 1st edition: 'This is now one of my top five education books. .I was absorbed and uplifted by it and my own practice as a teacher will undoubtedly change as a result. Surely there can be no higher recommendation.'- Geoff Barton, Times Educational Supplement Essential Motivation in the Classroomis the definitive one-stop guide for teachers who want to know how to motivate children - and how children learn to motivate themselves. In the ten years since this book was first published, it has proven to be a best selling text that informs, inspires and amuses educationalist around the world.This fully updated and revised tenth anniversary edition continues to take the reader on a rollercoaster ride through the theories of teaching, learning and thinking. Ian Gilbert highlights the 'seven keys' of motivation, offering a range of strategies, ideas and insights to help learners become motivated from within.An entertaining and inspiring read, this book is full of useful, practical advice, ranging from motivational research from leading theorists to philosophical gems from Homer Simpson. Teachers in all sectors of education will find this book indispensable, helping them to change the culture of their classrooms and improve the effectiveness of their teaching.