Creative Professional Learning to Teach 14-19-Year-Olds

9780750707404

0750707402

What has creativity to do with teaching? In what senses can - or should - the teacher strive to be creative? What are the connections between creativity and professionalism in teaching, and what are the practical implications of these connections? This book seeks to explore the answers to these and a range of related questions. The contributors to this book consider a range of meanings of creativity and their relevance for a number of aspects of teaching. Creativity is set within the broader idea of reflective practice, and is then explored in relation to specific areas such as choosing appropriate teaching methods, deciding when and how to use groups in the classroom, or in relation to understanding and using assessment. Consideration is given to the nature and implications of professionalism and professional knowledge in teaching, to important ideas in management and opportunities for creativity, and to wider concepts of quality, equality and stakeholding. A final chapter looks at the role of enquiry in the development of the teacher as a creative professional. Case studies, enquiry tasks and invitations to reflect on specific points appear where they will aid understanding. This thought-provoking yet practical book is an essential and accessible text for new teachers and others who want to make sure that their work with students is innovative and exciting. It is written with new teachers of the 14-19 age range in mind, though there is much to interest those with more experience, as well as those with a role in the development of their colleagues.