Teacher education in the United Kingdom, especially in England, has changed considerably over the past 20 years or so. The main purpose of this article is to analyse the direction and nature of these changes, using primary English work as a focus. The article uses snapshots of the provision in three institutions, each at a different time point, as…

One of the key requirements of the Common Core State Standards for Reading is that all students must be able to comprehend texts of steadily increasing complexity as they progress through school. By the time they complete the core, students must be able to read and comprehend independently and proficiently the kinds of complex texts commonly found…

Explores some of the important aspects of language learning in the teaching of English in the United Kingdom. (RB)

A report on the origin, planning, and conclusions of the Anglo-American Seminar on Teaching English to the Linguistically Deprived (Walsall, England, June 1968); appeared originally in Impact" (Journal of the New York State Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development). (Editor/RD)

Argues the need for additional experience in language for social action in contexts where English teachers can provide scaffolding, monitoring and intervention. Concludes that students must have experiences in real writing contexts that lead them to face the linguistic and other demands which will enable them to develop the competencies they need.…

This article examines the causes and consequences of the increasing control of English education and training (E&T) by central government and its agencies. It poses three questions--what are the reasons for national government becoming the dominant player in this area of policy, why is the English system so statist in design and operation, and…

The teaching of English in the United Kingdom has undergone change during the last decade and is presently in a state of flux. Current language concerns, mainly involving students 11-18 years old, may be viewed in three ways. Students' use of language should be encouraged in the classroom through expressive talk but with teacher guidance and…

Reflects on teaching Shakespeare in secondary school. Finds it is possible to see in a set of classroom practices an alternative model of reading, a notion of collaborative, negotiated making of meaning. Gives student responses as to why they would be studying Shakespeare. Reflects on their comments. (PA)

One hundred and eighty British secondary school pupils aged 11-12 and their six trainee teachers in five schools participated in an action research project, designed to improve the quality of children's group talk in English lessons, particularly their engagement in higher-order thinking through "exploratory" talk. The programme,…

This study considers the influence on British education (particularly schools) of Alan Bullock, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University from 1969 to 1973 and distinguished contemporary historian. It quotes extensively from Bullock's own writings, including his developing personal views on education, and reflections on his own experiences. Following a…

Interviews with British employers, employees, and teachers indicate that employers and employees find much of what is taught in General Certificate of Secondary Education math and English is not relevant. They desire practical mathematics, oral communication, and interpersonal skills. Teachers feel that education has a broader role than…

Lists and discusses the ways in which the author sees the "Initial Teacher Training National Curriculum for Primary English 1997" as unnecessary. Examines the document's language and finds many omissions as to what exactly is the "core curriculum." (PA)

An English grammar course for preservice teachers in Britain, focusing on speech, morphology, and syntax was analyzed using pre/posttest data. All students improved knowledge and expressed satisfaction, but one-third failed to reach the required standard. (SK)

This article explores the potential of using camcorders when studying poetry in secondary school English teaching. Drawing on the work of trainee teachers on a Secondary English and Drama Postgraduate Certificate in Education course in the UK, it argues that the process of representing poetry as moving image enables learners to deepen their…

Includes a list of some of the assignments made and poems written by several students. (RD)