Ofsted continues to identify weaknesses in this subject, while many primary, non-specialist trainees lack confidence in the area. Linked to the new (2007) Standards for QTS and the DATA Tier 1 competencies, this book is for trainees who have had less than 20 hours training in design and technology but are required to teach the subject during school placements and once qualified. This clear, jargon-free text explains the key concepts and curriculum requirements, without assuming prior expertise or advanced levels of understanding, making this book a sound basic introduction.

What is understanding and how does it differ from knowledge? How can we determine the big ideas worth understanding? Why is understanding an important teaching goal, and how do we know when students have attained it? How can we create a rigorous and engaging curriculum that focuses on understanding and leads to improved student performance in today's high-stakes, standards-based environment? Authors Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe answer these and many other questions in this second edition of Understanding by Design. Drawing on feedback from thousands of educators around the world who have used the UbD framework since its introduction in 1998, the authors have greatly revised and expanded their original work to guide educators across the K-16 spectrum in the design of curriculum, assessment, and instruction. With an improved UbD Template at its core, the book explains the rationale of backward design and explores in greater depth the meaning of such key ideas as essential questions and transfer tasks. Readers will learn why the familiar coverage- and activity-based approaches to curriculum design fall short, and how a focus on the six facets of understanding can enrich student learning. With an expanded array of practical strategies, tools, and examples from all subject areas, the book demonstrates how the research-based principles of Understanding by Design apply to district frameworks as well as to individual units of curriculum. Combining provocative ideas, thoughtful analysis, and tested approaches, this new edition of Understanding by Design offers teacher-designers a clear path to the creation of curriculum that ensures better learning and a more stimulating experience for students and teachers alike.

Whether you are beginning a teacher-training course or embarking on a career in teaching, this introductory textbook provides comprehensive information on how to meet the standards for effective teaching in early years and primary settings.

First Published in 1999. Progression in Primary Design and Technology is a book that places the issue of progression firmly into the classroom situation. It encourages the reader to explore practice and to develop a new perspective on progression for individual children. It is recognised that teachers have an extremely demanding role in which normative expectations and standards guide practice. Some children do not make expected progress for a variety of reasons. The main purpose of this book is to provide activities through which teachers and trainees explore the issues and work towards classroom provision that is both challenging and flexible for all children.

Design and Technology involves children learning through processes that include identifying needs and opportunities, generating and developing ideas, planning, making and evaluating. The second edition fully reflects the latest revisions in the National Curriculum and links with other curricular changes in the intervening years. Specific links are made to the National Strategies for Literacy, Numeracy and ICT; to the National Standards for Subject Leaders; to Science and the other foundation subjects; to the QCA Scheme of Work for D & T; and to new initiatives in citizenship and creativity.

Beginning by outlining the national curriculum for design and technology, Aspects of Teaching Secondary Design and Technology goes on to look at what design and technology is in the primary school, at examination level and post-16. Vocational qualifications relevant to design and technology are also discussed. There are chapters looking at the relationship between design and technology and the wider social and cultural context. The development of cross-curricular skills and value judgements are discussed as are sustainability and the role of the community in the teaching and learning of design and technology. Together, these articles comprise a sound guide to good classroom practice, related to the requirements of the curriculum, and rooted in the professional perspectives of experienced teachers.

Review of 1st edition "I found the whole account a model of clarity with a good blend of theory and practice which many authors would do well to note" Ted Wragg, TES The First Years at School (2nd Edn) is a practical and reflective discussion of the education of 4 to 8 year olds based on a sympathetic recognition of the complexities of being an early years teacher. Angela Anning begins by reviewing the historical and ideological traditions of British infant and primary schools, tracing how we have reached the position where teachers feel themselves to be torn between child-centered and utilitarian demands in educating young children. She then provides a detailed and authoritative critique of recent thinking about the cognitive, social and emotional development of children, and explores the complexities of teachers' roles. She discusses the organization of the classroom, the structuring of learning in the school day and the content of the curriculum. She tackles the implications of the series of changes in the National Curriculum Orders and the national assessment systems for seven year olds and their impact on pre-fives and children with special educational needs. The second edition brings the debate about the post Dearing Key Stage One curriculum and its implications for pre-school education bang up to date. This will be vital reading for both student and practising teachers of young children.