Page 94 - Issue 112 May-June 2021

Book reviews Book reviews Engagement (Part of The Best of The Best series) I. Wallace and L. Kirkman This series of books brings together some of the most influential voices in education, providing information about the latest and best ideas. In this third volume, the theme of teacher and learner engagement is explored and the Teacher Development Trust has also outlined ideas for embedding these insights into practical CPD. This organisation is an independent charity, founded by teachers and dedicated to improving the educational outcomes of children through advocating radical improvement in the quality of on-going training. With eminent contributors, including Sir Tim Brighouse, Sue Cowley, Dr Bill Rogers and professor Susan Wallace, this small book packs a mighty punch. Three key themes emerge: • That teachers engagement and positive examples are an essential prerequisite for establishing learner motivation. • That an expectation of appropriate behaviour must precede expectations of engagement. In order to achieve this, boredom must be banished. The chapters are short and condense years of expertise, research and classroom practice into nuggets of wisdom and links to further reading. This is a thought provoking book that would form a useful part of teacher discussion groups, exploring attitudes and beliefs about what it means to be an effective teacher. Crown House Publishing Ltd ISBN: 978-178583247-5 £9.99 Love Teaching, Keep Teaching: The Essential Guide to Improving Wellbeing at All Levels in Schools P. Radford 94 Peter Radford is a teacher, trainer and public speaker who has held roles in middle and senior leadership. He began his career in youth work and now specialises in leadership, management and personal development. In this book, he paints a picture of a truly ‘healthy school where the value of each staff member and student is central to the ethos. He encourages leaders to rethink common practices and to consider people focused approaches. The book is aimed at teachers and leaders in both primary and secondary settings and it is written from a personal perspective that acknowledges the stresses that teachers face on a daily basis. The book is divided into three parts, with the first focusing on achieving balance, the second on leadership and leading people, and the final part looks at schools in the broader perspective of global changes in the years ahead.. In the appendix there is a whole-school strategic plan to transform well-being, which can be used as a checklist as staff engage in discussions about changing the school’s culture. This is an excellent book that sets out the author’s vision with clarity and conviction. Crown House Publishing Limited ISBN: 978-178583503-1 £16.99 SEN112 senmagazine.co.uk