Open University Press Mentoring and Developing Practice in Primary Schools: Supporting Student Teacher Learning in Schools

Is school-based initial teacher training just another burden to be imposed on primary school teachers or is it an exciting new initiative which could be the key to the development of primary education? This book will be of interest to anyone who wants student teachers to make the most of their time in primary schools. Its central theme is that students learn best when supported by active mentors. Active mentors are learning teachers who are able to develop as professionals in the schools in which they work. These schools may in turn have much to gain from closer relationships with Higher Education. Throughout the book primary education is described as a community of practice to which all primary education specialists, wherever they are based, have contributions to make. The book is designed as a key text for modular staff development programmes in either schools or universities. Evidence from classroom mentoring is provided as starting points for the development of mentor practices through action research. In addition each chapter is followed by suggestions for further reading and most end with ideas for professional development activities for mentors and their students. The text pulls no punches on how demanding mentoring is but provides a wealth of advice on the development of students, mentors and ultimately of schools. It will be invaluable reading for mentors in schools and tutors in higher education institutions.