This book presents an account of the Hillview project, designed to help young teacher trainees to get to know and understand the lives and values of working class children. The children were aged 15 and for the most part on the verge of leaving school. The project involves the student teachers in informal relationships and does not require that they teach the children in any formal sense. Data were gathered primarily from student teacher journals and contributions in discussions. The book, divided into seven areas, reviews: a) the problem, b) the Hillview project, c) the background of five school leavers, d) authority and the young teacher, e) social class, f) language, and g) possible alternatives. As a result of data gathered, new insights were gained concerning: 1) the clash of middle class (teachers) and working class (student) values; 2) the conflicts between the reluctant learner and the young teacher created by the way in which authority is expressed; and 3) the development of an effective, working dialogue between the teacher and child. (MJM)