Challenging what we think about learning

A new book by leading educationalists from The University of Auckland is challenging teachers to rethink what they know about learning.

The book is a collection of recent research papers and brief reports from the university’s School of Teaching Learning and Development, with contributions by other leading NZ and overseas education theorists.

Challenging Thinking About Teaching and Learning (Nova Publishers 2009) is unique as all chapters suggest how the latest research findings can be implemented in the classroom.

It tackles some of the major areas undergoing a rethink in modern teaching practices, including how to raise student achievement, and how to recognise and cater for diversity.

“It is not a viable option for teachers to be locked into thinking about teaching and learning from one frame of reference,” says Dr Frances Langdon, head of the School of Teaching Learning and Development.

“I anticipate that some readers will have their ideas and practices confirmed, or, in some instances, disconfirmed by this book.”

Among the 39 researchers who contributed chapters are Prof. John Hattie, and Drs Christine M Rubie-Davies and Catherine Rawlinson, who co-edited the publication.

The book draws mainly on NZ studies. It canvasses debates about underachievement in NZ, and explores in detail the groups that may be marginalised in the classroom including the gifted and talented, boys, special education students and those with behavioural challenges. It asks teachers to reflect on whether their practices are positively contributing to learning.

The School of Teaching Learning and Development is made up of more than 40 leading NZ educational theorists and teacher educators, who are constantly reviewing teaching practices in our classrooms. The book is the first to bring together the broad range of educational issues studied in the department into one publication.

Co-editor Dr Catherine Rawlinson says the book will stimulate debate and challenge educators’ thinking about pedagogy.

“We hope this book will inspire researchers and teachers to question their pedagogy and to closely examine how students are learning in their early childhood centre, classroom or lecture theatre.”

Challenging Thinking About Teaching and Learning is available by contacting the publishers directly. Visit: www.novapublishers.com