The Truth about Teaching: An evidence-informed guide for new teachers

by Greg Ashman

Drawing on years of experience teaching in a diverse range of schools and powered by a nuanced understanding of educational research, Greg Ashman presents the most vital ideas that you need to know in order to succeed in teaching. Find out how to avoid common mistakes and challenge some of the myths about what good teaching really is. Evidence-informed, the book explores major issues you will encounter in schools, including the science of learning, classroom management, explicit forms of teaching, why the use of phonics has been such a controversial issue and smart ways to evaluate the potential of technology in the classroom. If you are training to teach in primary or secondary education, or in the early stages of your teacher career, this book is for you.

Genres: Education

200 pages, Paperback

Published December 27, 2018

About the author

Greg Ashman studied Natural Sciences (Physics) at Cambridge University before completing a teaching qualification at the Institute of Education in London. He worked in comprehensive schools in London for 13 years, the last two of those as Deputy Headteacher. In 2010, Greg moved to Australia with his young family. He now works as head of maths and head of research at an independent school in Victoria. He is also studying for a PhD in instructional design.

Reviews

[blaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does what it says on the tin - an overview of research, tips and tricks for beginner teachers seeking some know-how. The defence of explicit teaching was particularly refreshing after my university lecturers' constant worship of any teaching method that doesn't actually require the teacher teaching something. The discussion of cognitive load and its impact on learning was very interesting and useful too. Would recommend to any new teacher.

[Isabella Abigail Ow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a really good and helpful book! What I really like about it is that it questions many assumptions about the different aspects of teaching. It does so in a very conscious way, like one is actually considering if widely held practices are true and for the best. If they are not, then there is good reason to evaluate and do things differently. Each chapter is concise, so pretty memorable.

I connected to a portion in the concluding chapter about there being an empathy gap between teachers and non-teachers.

I guess the main thing I wanted to express about that is that the profession is not an iron rice bowl. Most teachers who strive to be relevant and engaging constantly seek to improve themselves and they are subjected to standards set by both their workplaces and their clients, the students haha.

As people widely believe it to be, the profession is meaningful and fulfilling.

I digress. Good book with concise insights across a spectrum of topics.