The result of a research project, this work, an attempt to report on what has actually been happening in our schools, answers such questions as: what difference have education reforms made to pupils' experience in schools? and how has recent education policy impacted on children today?

Pupil consultation can lead to a transformation of teacher-pupil relationships, to significant improvements in teachers' practices, and to pupils having a new sense of themselves as members of a community of learners. In England, pupil involvement is at the heart of current government education policy and is a key dimension of both citizenship education and personalised learning. Drawing on research carried out as part of the Teaching and Learning Research Programme, Improving Learning through Consulting Pupils discusses the potential of consultation as a strategy for signalling a more partnership-oriented relationship in teaching and learning. It also examines the challenges of introducing and sustaining consultative practices. Topics covered include: the centrality of consultation about teaching and learning in relation to broader school level concerns; teaching approaches that pupils believe help them to learn and those that obstruct their learning; teachers' responses to pupil consultation - what they learn from it, the changes they can make to their practice and the difficulties they can face; the things that can get in the way of pupils trusting in consultation as something that can make a positive difference. While consultation is flourishing in many primary schools, the focus here is on secondary schools where the difficulties of introducing and sustaining consultation are often more daunting but where the benefits of doing so can be substantial. This innovative book will be of interest to all those concerned with improving classroom learning.

This book explores the latest research on cognition and its consequences. It looks in depth at the pupils' experiences of school, following many lengthy interviews. It demonstrates that the education system as we have it, despite the best efforts of teachers, has a disastrous effect on the attitudes of young people, and does not even fulfil its own limited aims. The book explores the themes of the intelligence of children and how they are thwarted from using it: the centrality of relationships with peers and adults other than teachers; the sources of information, especially significant outside school; and the vulnerability to trauma, which schooling is good at exploiting. The research all points to clear conclusions, which we need to act on, however reluctant we might feel.

Consulting Pupils considers the potential benefits and implications of talking to students about teaching and learning in school, exploring its impact at different levels. Key issues included are: * the importance of engaging young learners in a focused dialogue about learning * the role of pupil consultation in helping schools to develop new directions for improvement * the wider implications of pupil consultation and participation in teaching the principles of citizenship and democracy. Through examples of pupil consultation initiatives in primary and secondary schools, the authors demonstrate how an agenda for change based on pupils' perspectives on teaching and learning can be used to improve classroom practice. Part of the What's In It For Schools series aimed at making educational policy issues relevant to practitioners, this book will be a valuable resource for practitioners, students and researchers interested in exploring pupils' perspectives on teaching and learning.

First Published in 2000. Written with the newly-qualified or student teacher in mind, the nature of this highly accessible book considers the nature of learning difficulties and the impact of legislation and policy on the teaching and learning of pupils with a wide range of special educational needs in the mainstream classroom. The authors offer practical solutions to the many challenges facing teachers of inclusive settings, and individual chapters provide the reader with guidance on: meeting special needs appropriately in inclusive educational settings; effective access to the curriculum; classroom organisation and management to support pupils; staff roles and responsibilities and staff development. The writers are also sensitive to the views and experiences of pupils and how these can enhance opportunities for good quality learning. Teachers and students will find this book an essential companion.

Meeting the Needs of Your Most Able Pupils: Religious Education provides specific guidance on: recognising high ability and multiple intelligences planning, differentiation and extension/enrichment in RE teacher questioning skills support for more able pupils with special educational needs (dyslexia, ADHD, sensory impairment) homework recording and assessment beyond the classroom: Visits, summer schools, masterclasses, links with universities, businesses and other organisations. This book includes comprehensive appendices with linked resources available online that feature: useful contacts and resources lesson plans liaison sheets for Teaching Assistants homework activities monitoring sheets. This book is essential for secondary teachers, subject heads of departments, leading teachers for G&T Education (Gifted and Talented co-ordinators), SENCos and LA advisers.