Think Before You Teach: Questions to challenge why and how you want to teach

by Martin Illingworth

When was the last time you took a moment to pause and really think about your teaching? Think Before You Teach is purposefully full of the openings of discussions to have, first with yourself and then, maybe later, with your colleagues. It doesn't promise all the answers. And it doesn't tell you what to teach. But it will ask you to think about why you want to teach and how you are going to teach. Arrive at school in the morning armed with a clear sense of why you are there and how you will have an impact on the hopes of your students. Regardless of government policies or school initiatives you remain the most important factor in the learning of your students. The students know it and they are looking to you for a lead. You are the key resource in the room; thinking about how to employ this resource is vital. Take a moment and give yourself that time and space to think. Teachers think about a lot on a daily the curriculum, classroom practice, assessment, tests and exams, data, lesson planning etc. They think about Ofsted and policy and pressure. There are also the big things to think about. In a changing world what is our purpose as educators? Technology and the internet have changed the knowledge/skills debate. How do we equip digital natives for the future? What is your personal philosophy? To tackle these questions, teachers need hope, humour, imagination and Martin offers this in scores.For anybody thinking of entering the teaching profession, student teachers, teacher trainers, NQTs and teachers of all levels of experience. The book explores the various teacher training routes - School Direct, Teach First, PGCE - and the questions teachers should be asking about the path they have taken and their continuing professional development (CPD) needs. By raising questions about pedagogy, good practice, values and responsibilities, to name but a few, Martin encourages all teachers to become reflective practitioners and rediscover their passion.

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 25, 2015

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when I was in my NQT rut. Two terms in, three different head teachers and it seemed to be a focus on paperwork and asbestos health and safety checks. This gave me the nudge I needed, along with having the opportunity to listen to Martin Illingworth speak at an NQT conference at Leeds Trinity to refocuses my attention on what was important to me - the children. I was always told that I was 'soooooo creative' and great with children but I felt, sad to admit with just two terms in, I had lost my spark. Matin offers great tips to consider for yourself as a practitioner and I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed knowing that he still had the odd lesson that didn't go to plan. It was refreshing, honest and encouraging... exactly what the doctor ordered. Thank you Martin.