John Yandell – författare

This book takes a fresh look at secondary urban English classrooms and at what happens when students and their teachers explore literature collaboratively. By closely examining what happens in English lessons, minute by minute, it reveals how literary texts function not as a valorised heritage to be transmitted, but as a resource for the students’ work of cultural production and contestation. The reading that is undertaken in classrooms has tended to be construed as either a poor substitute or merely a preparation for other reading, particularly for that paradigmatic literacy event, the absorbed and simultaneously discriminating consumption of the literary text by the independent, private reader. This book argues for a different understanding of what constitutes reading, an understanding that is informed by historical and ethnographic perspectives and by psychological and semiotic theory. It presents the case for a conception of reading as an active, collaborative process of meaning-making and for a fully social model of learning. Drawing extensively on data gathered through classroom observation and filming of English lessons taught over the course of a year by two teachers in a London secondary school, the book explores students’ engagement with literary texts and the pedagogy that facilitates this engagement. The book offers new insights into reading, and reading literature in particular. It challenges the paradigm of reading that is offered in government policy and the assumption, common to much work within the field of ‘new literacies’, that ‘schooled literacy’ is the already-known, the default, against which the alternative literacy practices of homes and communities can be defined. It will be valuable reading for researchers, teachers, teacher educators and postgraduate students, and will have particular appeal for those with an interest in the fields of English studies and literacy.

James Britton’s work addresses central educational questions that are as relevant today as they were half a century ago. Britton was the architect of a theory of language and learning which has influenced the thinking and practice of generations of teachers across the anglophone world. This Reader helps teachers and students explore his theories of the relationships between language and thought, between thinking and feeling, the links between unconscious and conscious ways of knowing, and the symbolising nature of language.This carefully curated collection of Britton’s key writings renders his work accessible to today’s students, educators and researchers. Fully annotated chapters explore how his work fuses observation and theory in a remarkable synthesis, and demonstrates the continuities between the early use of language and later, more complex achievements in speaking, listening, reading and writing.All those involved in teacher education and training, including researchers and scholars, will find this a rich and insightful text.

James Britton’s work addresses central educational questions that are as relevant today as they were half a century ago. Britton was the architect of a theory of language and learning which has influenced the thinking and practice of generations of teachers across the anglophone world. This Reader helps teachers and students explore his theories of the relationships between language and thought, between thinking and feeling, the links between unconscious and conscious ways of knowing, and the symbolising nature of language.This carefully curated collection of Britton’s key writings renders his work accessible to today’s students, educators and researchers. Fully annotated chapters explore how his work fuses observation and theory in a remarkable synthesis, and demonstrates the continuities between the early use of language and later, more complex achievements in speaking, listening, reading and writing.All those involved in teacher education and training, including researchers and scholars, will find this a rich and insightful text.

This book takes a fresh look at secondary urban English classrooms and at what happens when students and their teachers explore literature collaboratively. By closely examining what happens in English lessons, minute by minute, it reveals how literary texts function not as a valorised heritage to be transmitted, but as a resource for the students’ work of cultural production and contestation. The reading that is undertaken in classrooms has tended to be construed as either a poor substitute or merely a preparation for other reading, particularly for that paradigmatic literacy event, the absorbed and simultaneously discriminating consumption of the literary text by the independent, private reader. This book argues for a different understanding of what constitutes reading, an understanding that is informed by historical and ethnographic perspectives and by psychological and semiotic theory. It presents the case for a conception of reading as an active, collaborative process of meaning-making and for a fully social model of learning. Drawing extensively on data gathered through classroom observation and filming of English lessons taught over the course of a year by two teachers in a London secondary school, the book explores students’ engagement with literary texts and the pedagogy that facilitates this engagement. The book offers new insights into reading, and reading literature in particular. It challenges the paradigm of reading that is offered in government policy and the assumption, common to much work within the field of ‘new literacies’, that ‘schooled literacy’ is the already-known, the default, against which the alternative literacy practices of homes and communities can be defined. It will be valuable reading for researchers, teachers, teacher educators and postgraduate students, and will have particular appeal for those with an interest in the fields of English studies and literacy.

Fully updated to reflect changes in teacher education and the curriculum, the Fifth Edition of Learning to Teach English in the Secondary School explores the background to debates about teaching the subject, alongside tasks, teaching ideas and further reading to expand upon issues and ideas raised in the book.Including chapters on planning, changes to the assessment system, language teaching, and cross-curricular aspects of secondary teaching, this new edition features: changes in policy and practice, including the most recent GCSE reforms; a new chapter on 'Media literacy in English'; a consideration of modern digital technology and how it underpins good practice in all areas of English teaching and learning; and cross-referencing to guidance on assessment and well-being and resilience in the core text Learning to Teach in the Secondary School. A key text for all student teachers, Learning to Teach English in the Secondary School combines theory and practice to present a comprehensive introduction to the opportunities and challenges of teaching English in the secondary school.

Fully updated to reflect changes in teacher education and the curriculum, the Fifth Edition of Learning to Teach English in the Secondary School explores the background to debates about teaching the subject, alongside tasks, teaching ideas and further reading to expand upon issues and ideas raised in the book.Including chapters on planning, changes to the assessment system, language teaching, and cross-curricular aspects of secondary teaching, this new edition features: changes in policy and practice, including the most recent GCSE reforms; a new chapter on 'Media literacy in English'; a consideration of modern digital technology and how it underpins good practice in all areas of English teaching and learning; and cross-referencing to guidance on assessment and well-being and resilience in the core text Learning to Teach in the Secondary School. A key text for all student teachers, Learning to Teach English in the Secondary School combines theory and practice to present a comprehensive introduction to the opportunities and challenges of teaching English in the secondary school.

The book you can trust to guide you through your teaching career, as the expert authors share tried and tested techniques in secondary settings. For this new edition Caroline Daly, with Andrew Pollard, has worked with top practitioners from around the UK, to create a text that is both cohesive and that continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s secondary school teachers.Reflective Teaching in Schools uniquely provides two levels of support:- practical, evidence-­based guidance on key classroom issues, such as relationships, behaviour, curriculum planning, teaching strategies and assessment- evidence-­informed ‘principles’ and 'concepts' to help you continue developing your skillsNew to this edition:- More case studies and research summaries based on teaching in the secondary school than ever before - New reflective activities and guidance on key readings at the end of each chapter- Updates to reflect recent changes in curriculum and assessment across the UK reflectiveteaching.co.uk provides a treasure trove of additional support.