What Matters in English Teaching: Collected Blogs and Other Writing

by Barbara Bleiman, Andrew McCallum (Foreword)

Addressed to teachers, What Matters in English Teaching gives an informed, principled, sometimes unashamedly polemical account of English teaching today, reflecting on and arguing for a particular vision of the subject - its pedagogies, practices and curriculum content.

Drawing and expanding on Barbara Bleiman's thought-provoking and highly influential blogs, this collection addresses the most important issues and concerns facing English teachers today.

205 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Read most of the book in one sitting. Really makes you rethink the fundamental principles of English teaching. At the same time, lots of great ideas to try out directly in the classroom. I recently attended two of the author’s online courses following the publication of this book and she is so impressive!

[Fran Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone training to teach English should read Barbara Bleiman's collection of writings about the teaching of English, its history, its philosophies, its debates, its practicalities - she covers it all. However, I also found it hugely useful, even though I've been teaching for years, to remind myself exactly what matters among the hubbub and fuss and polarisation that can characterise the subject and the discussion of it. Bleiman's focus on classroom practice, how to run group work successfully and the real joy of reading and writing with students is especially helpful. Great CPD for members of English departments.

[Kate Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight into teaching English

Bleiman’s insights into English teaching are inspiring but the book is also a depressing reflection on the way the current emphasis on assessment has impacted English as a subject.