First Published in 1988. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

First published in 1988. Good topic work is the epitome of all that is best in British primary schools. It is an all-embracing way of working and one which is infinitely flexible. It therefore requires tremendous skill and sensitivity on the part of the teacher. This is particularly demanding in terms of monitoring what the children are learning and of managing the opportunities for learning so as to maximize the benefit for each child. The purpose of this book is to support those who want to develop the potential of topic work. This can best be done by sharing the experiences of teachers who have been excited by the learning which they have witnessed taking place through topic work. The book is written at a time of intense educational upheaval: a time of review and reform concerning what our schools should be teaching and how they should be monitored.

This book offers a challenge to traditional approaches to classroom teaching and pedagogy. The SPRinG (Social Pedagogic Research into Groupwork) project, part of a larger research programme on teaching and learning funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), was developed to enhance the learning potential of pupils working in classroom groups by actively involving teachers in a programme designed to raise levels of group work during typical classroom learning activities. Internationally, the SPRinG project is the largest evaluation of effective group working methods in comparison to traditional teaching, with findings that show raised levels of pupil achievement and a doubling of sustained, active engagement in learning. The opening chapters present arguments regarding the relationship of social interaction and children’s cognitive development and examine theories that explain why social interactional processes should be integrated into primary school pedagogic practices. Next, the book describes the conceptual and methodological basis for the SPRinG studies, especially its focus on the relational approach, the type of involvement of teachers and classroom planning. Further chapters present key results and describe the background and methods used to establish SPRinG-based effects on pupil progress in mathematics, literacy and science, including both macro and micro assessments; how the SPRinG approach affected pupil-pupil interactions and teacher-pupil interactions, as measured by systematic on-the-spot observations and analyses of videotapes of groups working on specially designed tasks work; and effects on pupil self-completed measures of motivation and attitudes to group work. The book also analyses reflections of teachers who have worked with SPRinG: moving from theory to practice as well as adding insights associated with implementing SPRinG principles in schools. Drawing upon developmental psychological, social psychological and classroom research, it develops a new and ambitious social pedagogic approach to classroom learning, with a stress on group work, which will be of interest to researchers, teachers and policy-makers. This book includes contributions from Andrew Tolmie and Ed Baines, who were also involved in the ScotSPRinG and SPRinG projects.

How can teaching across the curriculum improve children’s learning? How can you plan meaningful, imaginative topic work? Cross-Curricular Teaching in the Primary School helps teachers plan a more imaginative, integrated curriculum by presenting in accessible language a rationale and framework for teaching across the subjects. Illustrated throughout with examples of effective topic work in successful schools, this book provides guidance on the underpinning theory and strategies to facilitate cross-curricular work with young children. Issues covered include: how children learn developing the curriculum and lesson planning teaching and learning in an integrated way at KS1 and KS whole school approaches and team teaching for cross-curricular teaching the role of support staff in cross-curricular teaching improving children’s thinking skills supporting children with special needs using new media and drama to facilitate cross-curricular learning assessing cross-curricular learning. Cross-Curricular Teaching in the Primary School provides much needed support for busy student and practising teachers. Packed with practical ideas, it offers an accessible guide to all aspects of introducing an integrated curriculum.

How can teaching across the curriculum improve children’s learning? How can you plan meaningful, imaginative topic work? Cross-Curricular Teaching in the Primary School helps teachers plan a more imaginative, integrated curriculum by presenting in accessible language a rationale and framework for teaching across the subjects. This second edition has been fully updated in light of the new curriculum, and shows how cross-curricular work can contribute to deeper subject knowledge. Illustrated throughout with examples of effective topic work in successful schools, this book provides guidance on the underpinning theory and strategies to facilitate cross-curricular work with young children. With a new structure to emphasise the importance of careful planning and preparation, issues covered include: How children learn The theory and rationale behind the cross-curricular approach Developing the curriculum and lesson planning Teaching and learning in an integrated way at KS1 and KS2 Cross-curricular approaches for maths Whole school approaches and team teaching for cross-curricular teaching The role of support staff in cross-curricular teaching Improving children’s thinking skills Supporting children with special needs Using new media and drama to facilitate cross-curricular learning Assessing cross-curricular learning. Cross-Curricular Teaching in the Primary School provides much needed support for busy student and practising teachers. Packed with practical ideas, it offers an accessible guide to all aspects of introducing an integrated curriculum.

The Knowledge Deficit illuminates the real issue in education today -- without an effective curriculum, American students are losing the global education race. In this persuasive book, the esteemed education critic, activist, and best-selling author E.D. Hirsch, Jr., shows that although schools are teaching the mechanics of reading, they fail to convey the knowledge needed for the more complex and essential skill of reading comprehension. Hirsch corrects popular misconceptions about hot issues in education, such as standardized testing, and takes to task educators' claims that they are powerless to overcome class differences. Ultimately, this essential book gives parents and teachers specific tools for enhancing children's abilities to fully understand what they read.

This key sourcebook highlights important current topics and debates in primary education and provides practical insights into meeting the challenges of primary teaching.