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Book reviews
How We Learn The New Science of Education and the Brain S. Dehaene
Stanislas Dehaene is a Professor of Experimental Cognitive Psychology and one of Europe’s leading neuroscientists. For over thirty years, he has been studying how education changes our brains.
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In this book, he provides an overview of the latest research into issues including: what learning is; how our brain learns; and reconciling education and neuroscience. He proposes seven definitions of learning and provides an overview of current theories into how the brain develops and acquires knowledge.
Dehaene identifies four pillars of learning as essential to teaching: attention –the teacher’s role in directing this in their lessons; curiosity – nurturing a curious, playful mindset; feedback – how learning from mistakes can be a positive experience for students; and consolidation –the role of routines, repetition and sleep in helping form more permanent memories.
This leads him to draw a number of interesting conclusions about how we learn most effectively and the implications for classroom practice.
This book will be of interest to those who want to learn more about current research into “the learning brain” and how this should inform more effective teaching practices in all settings. There are some particularly compelling observations on research into the impact of access to an enriched early childhood environment and curriculum.
Allen Lane £25.00 ISBN: 978-0-241-36646-2
Body Image in the Primary School A Self-Esteem Approach to Building Body Confidence (second edition) N. Hutchinson and C. Calland
This is the second edition of a popular publication that previously won a government award, with lessons highlighted by Ofsted as providing evidence of good practice. The authors are teachers and education consultants with extensive experience in children’s behaviour, mental health and wellbeing. Their expertise has been shared at national level, as well as with universities, schools and parents.
Topics covered include: body image in children; the body image curriculum; guidance for schools; transition; and involving parents and carers. The book includes over 60 detailed and engaging lesson plans that cover the age range 4 to 13, with additional lessons on gender, social media and the “selfie” culture. There are also links to research relating to body image, academic achievement and emotional wellbeing.
This book is an inclusive and supportive publication that addresses important issues that affect many children today in terms of how they feel about themselves and their perceptions of how others see them. It will be useful to teachers, therapists and other professionals in structuring teaching and support in a field that is increasingly important given concerns about bullying, obesity and social media.
A David Fulton Book (Routledge, Taylor Francis) £23.99 ISBN: 978-0-367-18842-9
by Mary Mountstephen
How to Be an Outstanding Primary SENCO J. Ward
Jackie Ward is a practising SENCO, who has worked in primary education for over 25 years, specialising in SEN and disabilities and behaviour. With experience in several schools and a pupil referral unit, she is well-placed to advise current practitioners on ways to support others, as well as recognising the need for self-care in a role that is often stressful and always demanding.
This book is aimed at aspiring, new and experienced SENCOs and the author takes into account the differing needs and situations of fellow practitioners faced with managing and prioritising multiple responsibilities.
The chapters focus on key issues such as: legal requirements and duties; supporting children; supporting colleagues; supporting parents; applying for statutory assessments; and education, health and care plans.
Each chapter is clearly laid to support the reader in acquiring skills and competencies in their role, as well as providing several “top tips” and case studies.
This is a very well constructed and researched book that deserves a wide audience. Ward identifies various social media groups that support personal wellbeing and addresses issues that might negatively impact on the SENCO’s role. She provides a well-crafted road map to enable teachers to work towards achieving “outstanding” results in this role.
The Foster Carer’s Handbook on Education Getting the Best For Your Child S. Alix with E. Fursland and N. Hill
Although this book is aimed at foster carers, its appeal is wider than that, as it is packed full of advice and support and provides insight into the challenges faced by all those involved. Sarah Alix has worked in various roles associated with fostering and looked-after children –spanning practical and academic contexts –including doctoral work on the perceptions and experiences of trainee teachers and their mentors.
The book opens with some concerning statistics regarding the levels of academic achievement for looked-after children, and highlights the raised levels of emotional, behavioural and health problems they face. Chapters cover: trauma and how early experiences can affect children’s learning; planning and the team around the child; the school system and learning support assistants; supporting children in school; sensory issues; encouraging friendships; and special needs, exclusion and alternative provision.
Throughout the book, personal accounts drawing on the experiences of foster carers, professionals and young people help to bring the topic alive for the reader. The message is positive and supportive and provides an excellent insight into the challenges facing foster carers and the children they are responsible for.
