Education Review abstracts

Vol.16 No.2, 2003

The Government’s plans for a modern profession

Abstract: Whilst there are many ways in which the Government is working with teachers the overriding focus of effort and investment is the quality of teaching and the promotion of teaching as a modern, vital, thinking profession. This article examines the key issues that affect the development of modern professionalism and argues that it is only by embracing reform that we can create the teaching profession we need.

* * *

Abstract: Despite improvements in literacy and numeracy standards, children continue to leave primary school with inadequate basic skills. Moreover, standards of literacy and numeracy in secondary schools are proving more difficult to shift. In this article Alan Wells draws on his visits to more than 1,000 schools to suggest how teachers might further raise standards. He argues that we need to adopt a reform agenda that builds on the best aspects of the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies and gets rid of the worst.

* * *

Abstract: Whilst much research has drawn on teachers’ perceptions of how variations in class size affect their pupils’ attainment and achievement there has been less investigation of how teachers’ own workloads vary with the sizes of the classes they teach. This article examines the complex relationship between the amount of time teachers spend on planning, preparation and assessment and the sizes of the classes they teach. It concludes that smaller class sizes bring more direct benefits to pupils rather than to teachers.

* * *

Abstract: "Is teaching a trade or is it a profession?" This is a question which governments ask around the globe. Drawing on a broad-based GTC study, "What does it take to be a good teacher in the 21st century?" this article examines views about the skills and attributes needed to meet the challenges of the 21st century and asks whether the current policy climate is conducive to their development.

* * *

From pioneers to champions

Abstract: This is a teachers’ success story, which provides important lessons about how changes in teaching and learning can be promoted and supported effectively. It also shows how the "hallmarks" agreed at the start of the NUT’s pilot professional development programme have proved themselves suitable to remain the guiding principles to underpin the long-term CPD Programme now offered by the NUT to all teachers.

* * *

Abstract: This article examines the Government’s efforts to widen access to higher education. It argues that, whilst the proposal to widen participation is to be welcomed, the Government’s interpretation of what needs doing is mistaken. It details the outreach work carried out by universities to target state schools and argues that it is the erosion of maintenance grants and the principle of free education, rather than university admission policies, which is contributing to the failure of a shift in the social make up of universities.

* * *

Alma Harris

Abstract: The collaboration and collegiality fostered though teacher leadership has been shown to lead to an enhanced capacity for change and improvement at the school and classroom level. This article emphasises the importance of distributing leadership throughout the school and details the important role that teachers can play in sustaining school improvement.

* * *

Sean Neill

Abstract: Since the late 1980s governments have put a high priority on raising standards in education, and much of the policy effort in this direction has involved higher levels of inspection, testing, examination reform and the use of the results from these in league tables. As a result, currently children are being tested more frequently than was the case in the past. This article argues that the frequent changes in the assessment regime have made it more difficult for teachers to build up a coherent set of strategies to improve results and have distorted the educational experience of children.

* * *

Abstract: This article sets out the role that the National College of School Leadership hopes to play in helping teachers rediscover their confidence, creativity and sense of professional freedom. It details the work that the College is undertaking to meet the development and learning needs of all leaders and argues that leadership does not start arbitrarily when you start a formal leadership role for the first time.

* * *

Abstract: This article addresses the nature of the teaching and learning process, the consequences this has for CPD and the potential for particular approaches to CPD to make a practical and strategic contribution to the future of the profession.

* * *

Abstract: An increasingly test based culture means that school performance is ascertained by very limited measures. Both the current and previous governments have subscribed to the same wrong-headed idea that the effectiveness of what is put into a school can be evaluated simply by what comes out. "Wrong-headed" because what comes out is being measured solely by the results of external assessment: SATs, GCSEs or AS and A levels. In this article the author examines the effect that this culture is having on both pupils and teachers and sets out his thoughts on how we can raise standards for all pupils.

* * *

Abstract: Literacy in the future will make higher demands on oracy skills, particularly the ability to speak in a "literate" way. This article looks at how current practice in primary schools may be contributing to, but also inhibiting, the development of such skills. It also considers the effects of changes in primary school staffing policies on the spoken language models available to children.

* * *

Abstract: This article explores how many of the current approaches taken to tackle boys’ under-achievement are unhelpful in breaking down gender stereotypes. It reviews the outcomes of nearly 30 years of equal opportunities policies in schools for pupils and teachers. An alternative approach, based on gender relational theory, is suggested in order to challenge boys’ and girls’ ideas of what it means to be a "proper boy" or "proper girl".

* * *

The needs and priorities of future teachers – a psychological perspective

Jane Phillips

Abstract: In a fast changing world, some future needs and priorities will change dramatically but many will remain precisely as they are today. People have a need for both stability and change. Governors have an interest because governing bodies have both a strategic role and a duty of care to employees at their school. Knowledge of chaos theory and scenario planning can give insights into possible futures. Knowledge of the psychological impact of change can give people the tools they need to embrace beneficial change. If head, staff and governors together take control of their destiny, they can be party to inventing the future for their school.

* * *

Abstract: This article outlines the benefits of introducing a school management model that encourages genuine participation in school decision-making. Creating an environment where teachers feel valued and able to contribute to the management of their schools will lead to professionally fulfilled staff who give their all for the education of children in their care and gain the job satisfaction needed to remain in their school and within their chosen profession.

* * *

Abstract: Creativity is a central ingredient and condition of successful teaching and learning. Through creative action we confirm purpose, and develop the skills and critical faculties to continue learning throughout life. This article outlines the work that Gateshead LEA is undertaking to encourage creativity and innovation in its schools and stresses the importance of creating a culture of trust and openness in schools.

* * *

Abstract: During spring 2003 the negotiations concerning the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) move into a more intensive phase. Many people think that trade has no link to education policies. Developments related to GATS prove that this is a false assumption - education policy in the future may be increasingly linked to trade policies. This article will outline some thoughts on the likely effects of GATS on the education systems in Europe. In order to do that it is necessary to look at what is meaningfully described as a growing education market.

* * *

A "tight loose" profession or a two tier workforce

Martin Allen

Abstract: The nature of secondary school and the work of secondary teachers will continue to change as the twenty first century progresses. The issue however, is whether the direction that these changes take will be in the interests of teachers and their students. This article argues that we should be extremely critical about key aspects of "modernisation" in secondary education.