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Developing Active Learning in the Primary Classroom
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Developing Active Learning in the Primary Classroom



October 2013 | 240 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Establishing an effective learning environment in the classroom requires a clear understanding of different teaching strategies that make children active participants in their own learning. This book explores a range of philosophies and strategies to develop active learning in primary education. It balances theory with practice to provide evidence-based guidance and suggestions for use in the classroom.

Key topics include:
  • Creating a supportive learning environment
  • Developing the questioning skills of teachers and children
  • Learning through assessment
  • Developing thinking skills through curriculum subjects
  • Active learning in early years education
  • Philosophy for Children (P4C)
  • Frameworks to promote thinking

This is essential reading for professional studies modules on primary initial teacher education courses, including university-based (PGCE, PGDE, BA QTS, BEd), school-based (SCITT, School Direct) and employment-based routes into teaching. It also serves as a handbook for schools that are developing their approaches to active learning.

Anitra Vickery works as senior lecturer in primary mathematics education and the Professional Studies Coordinator at Bath Spa University.

 
Frameworks for thinking
 
Active learning in the early years
 
Creating a culture of enquiry
 
Developing teacher and learner questioning skills
 
Reflective teachers, reflective children
 
Learning through assessment
 
Active learning with ICT
 
Thinking skills through mathematics
 
Developing thinking and learning skills in science
 
Philosophy for children
 
Talking and learning through language

'This is an excellent text, accessible for practising teachers and students wanting to learn more about how to foster and develop active learning with Primary age children'

Diahann Gallard, Senior Lecturer
Liverpool John Moores University

“This book brings together practical applications, current research and illustrative case studies that stimulate thinking about active learning in primary classrooms. It provides a valuable and practical guide to the theory and application of active learning and is indispensable reading for teachers and students alike.”

Dr Judith Kleine-Staarman, Lecturer in Education
University of Exeter

Looks like a very useful text - will recommend to next year's cohort and will use some ideas when revising Whole Curriculum Studies sessions.

Miss Julie Taylor
Centre for Professional Education, Warwick University
June 8, 2015

very helpful book for students preparing their first classroom based sessions with children. Practical and stimulating.

Mr Nigel Roberts
youth and schools, centre for youth ministry
May 18, 2015

Good to see a text encouraging active learners in the classroom and beyond. Chapter 4 on Developing Teacher and Learner Questioning Skills and Chapter 5 Reflective Teachers, Reflective Children will be relevant when considering developing active learning in PE lessons, supporting the cognitive domain of learning.

Mrs Alison Carney
Department of Childhood Studies, Canterbury Christ Church University
April 29, 2015

A useful resource to support active learning activities. Chapter 5 on reflective teachers will support our trainees on their work based route for PE.

Mrs Alison Carney
Department of Childhood Studies, Canterbury Christ Church University
June 6, 2016

An excellent book with really useful classroom activities

Mrs Denise Salter
Faculty of Health Studies, Bucks New University
October 29, 2014

very good advice for practical aspects in the classroom

Ms Alison Stevenson
Early years & young people, North West Regional college
August 20, 2014

An accessible text with a wide range of topics suitable for wider professional studies. Good for practising teachers or trainees.

Ms Louise Lambert
Faculty of Education, Birmingham City University
August 4, 2014

This is an ideal source for student techers considering how to embed active learning within their classrooms. It combines theory with case studies and practical activities to support the development of the teacher.

Mrs Catherine Carden
POINTED, Canterbury Christ Church University
April 23, 2014

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter One: Frameworks for Thinking