This paper reports a study into the development of staff understanding of assessment and assessment practice. Eight teachers from two universities constructed an initial concept map about assessment that was discussed in a one-to-one semi-structured interview. A year later, a new map was created and the interview focused on change in thinking and…

Background: A number of neurogenetic syndromes have a high association with special educational needs including fragile X syndrome (FXS), Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), Williams syndrome (WS) and Velo-Cardio-Facial syndrome (VCFS). There is a paucity of research on educational provision for children affected by these syndromes. Method: Parents…

We investigate whether and how personal mathematical knowledge at an advanced level impacts on teaching at a lower school level. We study this in the context of functions because understanding them permeates secondary and advanced mathematics. Textbook treatment of these can be patchy, implying a need for knowledgeable teachers to rectify…

Against a background which recognises pedagogical content knowledge as the distinctive element of teacher competence/expertise, this theoretical essay argues for its central construct--that of transformation--to be understood by teachers and teacher educators in psychological terms (as was originally proposed by Dewey). Transformation requires…

Teachers' subject matter knowledge (SMK) is one factor contributing to teaching 'successfully', as this provides a basis from which pedagogical content knowledge develops. UK-based trainee science teachers teach all sciences to age 14 and often up to age 16. Trainees have specialist science knowledge in chemistry, physics, or biology from their…

In the U.K., a current government health strategy indicates that school nurses should be key contributors to sexual health education because they have access to the school-age population. However, there appears to be little research that investigates whether school nurses are the most appropriate health care professionals or indeed have sufficient…

In the international context of concerns about standards in writing, this article addresses the role of grammar in the teaching of writing. It considers both current and historical perspectives on the teaching of grammar and offers a critique of research which attempts to determine the impact of grammar teaching on writing, but which does not…

Summarizes the results of an experiment that asks 363 postgraduate student teachers in England to draw a sketch map of the British Isles. The maps were scored in terms of the number and definition of coastal features drawn and the relative area of the constituent political units. (MJP)

Describes the findings of a questionnaire and interviews to determine the level of understanding, attitudes, and involvement in environmental education and action. Also measured environmental teaching experience, explored perceived needs and demand for future environmental courses, and the involvement of management in responsible decision-making…