An excellent defence - genuflect and buy yourself a copy!, 26 Apr 2008
The author hits the nail on the de-humanised head (or maybe the de-humanised Head, depending on where you work?) with the assessment that terms such as "Satisfactory" or "Good" or even "Outstanding" are about as comfortable for us to have stencilled on our foreheads as "OK" or "Not Bad" or "Will do for now" or "Riding on a high and ready for a fall". The top two everyday most painful things in the human world are standing on a three-pin mains plug in bare feet and then - a close second - being under any kind of scrutiny. You need all the defences you can muster and this book should be in every teacher's backpack right alongside the sharpened stakes and the flask of water nicked from the nearest font. Genuflect by all means but do also buy a copy of Pimp your Lesson.

A first class first, 15 Oct 2007
This is an excellent and very useful book. From first dipping into it, I thought it was a compulsively good read. A superb catalogue of really helpful advice. Accessible and practical. A refreshing look at how to prepare, survive and enjoy inspection / observation.

An excellent defence - genuflect and buy yourself a copy!, 26 Apr 2008
The author hits the nail on the de-humanised head (or maybe the de-humanised Head, depending on where you work?) with the assessment that terms such as "Satisfactory" or "Good" or even "Outstanding" are about as comfortable for us to have stencilled on our foreheads as "OK" or "Not Bad" or "Will do for now" or "Riding on a high and ready for a fall". The top two everyday most painful things in the human world are standing on a three-pin mains plug in bare feet and then - a close second - being under any kind of scrutiny. You need all the defences you can muster and this book should be in every teacher's backpack right alongside the sharpened stakes and the flask of water nicked from the nearest font. Genuflect by all means but do also buy a copy of Pimp your Lesson.

A first class first, 15 Oct 2007
This is an excellent and very useful book. From first dipping into it, I thought it was a compulsively good read. A superb catalogue of really helpful advice. Accessible and practical. A refreshing look at how to prepare, survive and enjoy inspection / observation.

I love this book!, 03 Jun 2008
I'm in my fourth year of secondary teaching and, well, I've always been interested in this self and peer assessment stuff, but never quite got it to work in the classroom as I thought it should. Shirley Clarke's been a big name in primary assessment for years. Having heard her name bandied around I thought that I would give this a go.

This book is terrific. It's easy to read and clearly expressed. It's practical in its focus and it not only explains what the principles are but offers really helpful advice about how to implement it over time. Assessment for Learning seems to come up so often, often in generalised, in-passing references, or unsatisfactory inset days.

This book will tell you how to do it properly and will help you improve your practice. It's brilliant.

Makes me look forward to the end of the summer holiday!, 06 Aug 2007
I recently joined a school where 'assessment for learning' (or A4L, grrr) is the buzz term that is thrown around without any reference to what it is or how it works. So I decided to do some investigating...

Shirley Clarke's book is a well-structured, referenced, informative and inspiring read. It demonstrates that for A4L to work properly, classroom ethos must be modified, pupils must be trained and very common school dogma (always use the school grading system, distribute merits constantly etc) must be dropped.

This book has challenged and inspired me, and I can't wait to get back, roll up my sleeves and give her ideas a go.

An excellent defence - genuflect and buy yourself a copy!, 26 Apr 2008
The author hits the nail on the de-humanised head (or maybe the de-humanised Head, depending on where you work?) with the assessment that terms such as "Satisfactory" or "Good" or even "Outstanding" are about as comfortable for us to have stencilled on our foreheads as "OK" or "Not Bad" or "Will do for now" or "Riding on a high and ready for a fall". The top two everyday most painful things in the human world are standing on a three-pin mains plug in bare feet and then - a close second - being under any kind of scrutiny. You need all the defences you can muster and this book should be in every teacher's backpack right alongside the sharpened stakes and the flask of water nicked from the nearest font. Genuflect by all means but do also buy a copy of Pimp your Lesson.

A first class first, 15 Oct 2007
This is an excellent and very useful book. From first dipping into it, I thought it was a compulsively good read. A superb catalogue of really helpful advice. Accessible and practical. A refreshing look at how to prepare, survive and enjoy inspection / observation.

I love this book!, 03 Jun 2008
I'm in my fourth year of secondary teaching and, well, I've always been interested in this self and peer assessment stuff, but never quite got it to work in the classroom as I thought it should. Shirley Clarke's been a big name in primary assessment for years. Having heard her name bandied around I thought that I would give this a go.

This book is terrific. It's easy to read and clearly expressed. It's practical in its focus and it not only explains what the principles are but offers really helpful advice about how to implement it over time. Assessment for Learning seems to come up so often, often in generalised, in-passing references, or unsatisfactory inset days.

This book will tell you how to do it properly and will help you improve your practice. It's brilliant.

Makes me look forward to the end of the summer holiday!, 06 Aug 2007
I recently joined a school where 'assessment for learning' (or A4L, grrr) is the buzz term that is thrown around without any reference to what it is or how it works. So I decided to do some investigating...

Shirley Clarke's book is a well-structured, referenced, informative and inspiring read. It demonstrates that for A4L to work properly, classroom ethos must be modified, pupils must be trained and very common school dogma (always use the school grading system, distribute merits constantly etc) must be dropped.

This book has challenged and inspired me, and I can't wait to get back, roll up my sleeves and give her ideas a go.

Excellent Reading For Student Teachers, 06 Feb 2003
Being a student teacher of secondary education I found it very difficult to access books on assessment in secondary schools. Val Brooks has written this book as a guide for all teachers on assessment. There are explanations on formative, summative and diagnostic assessment including how assessment helps teachers with their planning and pupils in their learning. An ideal book for students attending the Bed or PGCE course in teacher education to give them an insight into assessment, it's purpose and helping pupils raise attainment. Many other references are quoted in the book for further reading. An excellent read and not over exemplified with large vocabulary. Well Reccommended as an excellent source of reference.

An excellent defence - genuflect and buy yourself a copy!, 26 Apr 2008
The author hits the nail on the de-humanised head (or maybe the de-humanised Head, depending on where you work?) with the assessment that terms such as "Satisfactory" or "Good" or even "Outstanding" are about as comfortable for us to have stencilled on our foreheads as "OK" or "Not Bad" or "Will do for now" or "Riding on a high and ready for a fall". The top two everyday most painful things in the human world are standing on a three-pin mains plug in bare feet and then - a close second - being under any kind of scrutiny. You need all the defences you can muster and this book should be in every teacher's backpack right alongside the sharpened stakes and the flask of water nicked from the nearest font. Genuflect by all means but do also buy a copy of Pimp your Lesson.

A first class first, 15 Oct 2007
This is an excellent and very useful book. From first dipping into it, I thought it was a compulsively good read. A superb catalogue of really helpful advice. Accessible and practical. A refreshing look at how to prepare, survive and enjoy inspection / observation.

I love this book!, 03 Jun 2008
I'm in my fourth year of secondary teaching and, well, I've always been interested in this self and peer assessment stuff, but never quite got it to work in the classroom as I thought it should. Shirley Clarke's been a big name in primary assessment for years. Having heard her name bandied around I thought that I would give this a go.

This book is terrific. It's easy to read and clearly expressed. It's practical in its focus and it not only explains what the principles are but offers really helpful advice about how to implement it over time. Assessment for Learning seems to come up so often, often in generalised, in-passing references, or unsatisfactory inset days.

This book will tell you how to do it properly and will help you improve your practice. It's brilliant.

Makes me look forward to the end of the summer holiday!, 06 Aug 2007
I recently joined a school where 'assessment for learning' (or A4L, grrr) is the buzz term that is thrown around without any reference to what it is or how it works. So I decided to do some investigating...

Shirley Clarke's book is a well-structured, referenced, informative and inspiring read. It demonstrates that for A4L to work properly, classroom ethos must be modified, pupils must be trained and very common school dogma (always use the school grading system, distribute merits constantly etc) must be dropped.

This book has challenged and inspired me, and I can't wait to get back, roll up my sleeves and give her ideas a go.

Excellent Reading For Student Teachers, 06 Feb 2003
Being a student teacher of secondary education I found it very difficult to access books on assessment in secondary schools. Val Brooks has written this book as a guide for all teachers on assessment. There are explanations on formative, summative and diagnostic assessment including how assessment helps teachers with their planning and pupils in their learning. An ideal book for students attending the Bed or PGCE course in teacher education to give them an insight into assessment, it's purpose and helping pupils raise attainment. Many other references are quoted in the book for further reading. An excellent read and not over exemplified with large vocabulary. Well Reccommended as an excellent source of reference.

An excellent, broad-based resource for graduate applicants, 18 Nov 1998
An excellent, broad-based resource no graduate applicant should miss. While clearly useful for individuals seeking admission to law, business and medical schools (which attract the largest numbers), the book lives up to its title by also providing a wealth of valuable information for those of us applying to other types of graduate programs. Included among the excellent essays, for instance, are examples from candidates for public administration, English and American literature, science, dentistry and geology. The author's advice, and that of a multitude of admissions officials, obviously applies to all applicants and offers exceptional direction.

An excellent resource no graduate applicant should miss, 10 Nov 1998
An excellent, broad based resource no graduate should miss. While clearly useful for individuals seeking admission to law, business and medical schools (Which attract the largest numbers), the book lives up to its title by also providing a wealth of valuable information for those of us applying to other types of graduate programs. Included among the excellent essays, for instance, are examples from candidates for public administration, English and American literature, science, dentistry and geology. The author's advice, and that of a multitude of admissions officials, obviously applies to all applicants and offers exceptional direction.

Good for MBA essays not for general graduate essays, 27 Oct 1998
This book seems to be most useful for MBA program essays. It lacks information about general graduate school essays, in particular the sciences and humanities. I was a bit disappointed that it focused so intently on business, law, and medical school essays while touting to be a book for graduate school as well.

no real directions, lots of samples, 07 Oct 1998
I was frustrated that there was only one chapter of very general instructions. It was interesting to read successful applicants personal statements, but a lot of them reflected extreme situations that most people have not experienced in their lives. The last chapter has poorly written letters from admissions reps and Deans of Admission that I did not find useful in the slightest. I would have to say that the samples are a good way to get ideas and are the only redeeming quality of the book.

An excellent defence - genuflect and buy yourself a copy!, 26 Apr 2008
The author hits the nail on the de-humanised head (or maybe the de-humanised Head, depending on where you work?) with the assessment that terms such as "Satisfactory" or "Good" or even "Outstanding" are about as comfortable for us to have stencilled on our foreheads as "OK" or "Not Bad" or "Will do for now" or "Riding on a high and ready for a fall". The top two everyday most painful things in the human world are standing on a three-pin mains plug in bare feet and then - a close second - being under any kind of scrutiny. You need all the defences you can muster and this book should be in every teacher's backpack right alongside the sharpened stakes and the flask of water nicked from the nearest font. Genuflect by all means but do also buy a copy of Pimp your Lesson.

A first class first, 15 Oct 2007
This is an excellent and very useful book. From first dipping into it, I thought it was a compulsively good read. A superb catalogue of really helpful advice. Accessible and practical. A refreshing look at how to prepare, survive and enjoy inspection / observation.

I love this book!, 03 Jun 2008
I'm in my fourth year of secondary teaching and, well, I've always been interested in this self and peer assessment stuff, but never quite got it to work in the classroom as I thought it should. Shirley Clarke's been a big name in primary assessment for years. Having heard her name bandied around I thought that I would give this a go.

This book is terrific. It's easy to read and clearly expressed. It's practical in its focus and it not only explains what the principles are but offers really helpful advice about how to implement it over time. Assessment for Learning seems to come up so often, often in generalised, in-passing references, or unsatisfactory inset days.

This book will tell you how to do it properly and will help you improve your practice. It's brilliant.

Makes me look forward to the end of the summer holiday!, 06 Aug 2007
I recently joined a school where 'assessment for learning' (or A4L, grrr) is the buzz term that is thrown around without any reference to what it is or how it works. So I decided to do some investigating...

Shirley Clarke's book is a well-structured, referenced, informative and inspiring read. It demonstrates that for A4L to work properly, classroom ethos must be modified, pupils must be trained and very common school dogma (always use the school grading system, distribute merits constantly etc) must be dropped.

This book has challenged and inspired me, and I can't wait to get back, roll up my sleeves and give her ideas a go.

Excellent Reading For Student Teachers, 06 Feb 2003
Being a student teacher of secondary education I found it very difficult to access books on assessment in secondary schools. Val Brooks has written this book as a guide for all teachers on assessment. There are explanations on formative, summative and diagnostic assessment including how assessment helps teachers with their planning and pupils in their learning. An ideal book for students attending the Bed or PGCE course in teacher education to give them an insight into assessment, it's purpose and helping pupils raise attainment. Many other references are quoted in the book for further reading. An excellent read and not over exemplified with large vocabulary. Well Reccommended as an excellent source of reference.

An excellent, broad-based resource for graduate applicants, 18 Nov 1998
An excellent, broad-based resource no graduate applicant should miss. While clearly useful for individuals seeking admission to law, business and medical schools (which attract the largest numbers), the book lives up to its title by also providing a wealth of valuable information for those of us applying to other types of graduate programs. Included among the excellent essays, for instance, are examples from candidates for public administration, English and American literature, science, dentistry and geology. The author's advice, and that of a multitude of admissions officials, obviously applies to all applicants and offers exceptional direction.

An excellent resource no graduate applicant should miss, 10 Nov 1998
An excellent, broad based resource no graduate should miss. While clearly useful for individuals seeking admission to law, business and medical schools (Which attract the largest numbers), the book lives up to its title by also providing a wealth of valuable information for those of us applying to other types of graduate programs. Included among the excellent essays, for instance, are examples from candidates for public administration, English and American literature, science, dentistry and geology. The author's advice, and that of a multitude of admissions officials, obviously applies to all applicants and offers exceptional direction.

Good for MBA essays not for general graduate essays, 27 Oct 1998
This book seems to be most useful for MBA program essays. It lacks information about general graduate school essays, in particular the sciences and humanities. I was a bit disappointed that it focused so intently on business, law, and medical school essays while touting to be a book for graduate school as well.

no real directions, lots of samples, 07 Oct 1998
I was frustrated that there was only one chapter of very general instructions. It was interesting to read successful applicants personal statements, but a lot of them reflected extreme situations that most people have not experienced in their lives. The last chapter has poorly written letters from admissions reps and Deans of Admission that I did not find useful in the slightest. I would have to say that the samples are a good way to get ideas and are the only redeeming quality of the book.

An eye opener, 06 Sep 2008
I've just started a PGCE course and got this book our of the library. Its not on the reading list, but i think it should be. I've only got about half way through it, which has taken about a week, but it has already given me a tremendous insight into the environment I will be entering. The book is very open about some of the key issues, and tells it like it is, rather than what some would like it be. A must read for anybody entering the profession, I feel.

A Master Class, 28 Feb 2006
This is an essential resource for any serious beginning teacher, newly qualified teacher, and experienced teacher. Whatever your teaching status, this resource will make you the best teacher. It is not a book to be read cover to cover, it's to be dipped into at the appropriate time and chapter. There are detailed references to all the topics discussed. This book should be an essential tool in your teaching tool box.

Good reference for new teachers - but I never did finish it, 19 Jul 2005
Got about half way through during training and had the urge to cut off my eyelids with nail-clippers, run outside and stare at the sun. I'm now two years into the job and regularly nail my head to the desk by the end of registration.

It is, of course, dull by nature but is a very good reference for new teachers. Could probably do with an update if one hasn't been done already...

So you want to become a teacher?, 05 Sep 2002
The book is aimed at the trainee and newly qualified teacher and it explores a number of key issues for the developing professional. These issues range from educational and social policy making to the role of the form tutor. The introductory chapters seek to make sense of the trainee experience in terms ranging from personal and professional qualities to educational theory and research, urging the new teacher to be experimental and to adopt a life-long approach to learning about their vocation. The main part of the book then provides an overview of recent education policy decisions and current initiatives before investigating some important aspects of teaching and learning. Finally the book examines a number of key cross-curricular issues; including spiritual education, healthy schools, and ICT. Throughout, the book engages with educational research. Links are made to recent findings and the references are valuable.

In an overview such as this there is bound to be generalisation. Without exception, however, all of these pithy summaries provide a useful context for the accounts of research findings.

This book will no doubt find itself on the reading list of countless undergraduate and postgraduate trainee teachers, and quite rightly so as it provides a good starting point for new professionals. It deserves a wider readership, however, as it offers an equally stimulating refresher to the more experienced teacher.

An excellent insight into teaching, 18 Jun 2002
This book is an extremely useful book for anyone going into the teaching profession. Unlike most books on this topic it is very critical of the governments education policies. It disagrees with their definition of what is a good teacher and offers a different perspective. A very good book to read if you do not know what to expect in the first few years of your career as it does not gloss over the negative sides like most; However it does offer advice on how to overcome these. A refreshing insightful outlook at the education system and the role of teachers in todays society.

An excellent defence - genuflect and buy yourself a copy!, 26 Apr 2008
The author hits the nail on the de-humanised head (or maybe the de-humanised Head, depending on where you work?) with the assessment that terms such as "Satisfactory" or "Good" or even "Outstanding" are about as comfortable for us to have stencilled on our foreheads as "OK" or "Not Bad" or "Will do for now" or "Riding on a high and ready for a fall". The top two everyday most painful things in the human world are standing on a three-pin mains plug in bare feet and then - a close second - being under any kind of scrutiny. You need all the defences you can muster and this book should be in every teacher's backpack right alongside the sharpened stakes and the flask of water nicked from the nearest font. Genuflect by all means but do also buy a copy of Pimp your Lesson.

A first class first, 15 Oct 2007
This is an excellent and very useful book. From first dipping into it, I thought it was a compulsively good read. A superb catalogue of really helpful advice. Accessible and practical. A refreshing look at how to prepare, survive and enjoy inspection / observation.

I love this book!, 03 Jun 2008
I'm in my fourth year of secondary teaching and, well, I've always been interested in this self and peer assessment stuff, but never quite got it to work in the classroom as I thought it should. Shirley Clarke's been a big name in primary assessment for years. Having heard her name bandied around I thought that I would give this a go.

This book is terrific. It's easy to read and clearly expressed. It's practical in its focus and it not only explains what the principles are but offers really helpful advice about how to implement it over time. Assessment for Learning seems to come up so often, often in generalised, in-passing references, or unsatisfactory inset days.

This book will tell you how to do it properly and will help you improve your practice. It's brilliant.

Makes me look forward to the end of the summer holiday!, 06 Aug 2007
I recently joined a school where 'assessment for learning' (or A4L, grrr) is the buzz term that is thrown around without any reference to what it is or how it works. So I decided to do some investigating...

Shirley Clarke's book is a well-structured, referenced, informative and inspiring read. It demonstrates that for A4L to work properly, classroom ethos must be modified, pupils must be trained and very common school dogma (always use the school grading system, distribute merits constantly etc) must be dropped.

This book has challenged and inspired me, and I can't wait to get back, roll up my sleeves and give her ideas a go.

Excellent Reading For Student Teachers, 06 Feb 2003
Being a student teacher of secondary education I found it very difficult to access books on assessment in secondary schools. Val Brooks has written this book as a guide for all teachers on assessment. There are explanations on formative, summative and diagnostic assessment including how assessment helps teachers with their planning and pupils in their learning. An ideal book for students attending the Bed or PGCE course in teacher education to give them an insight into assessment, it's purpose and helping pupils raise attainment. Many other references are quoted in the book for further reading. An excellent read and not over exemplified with large vocabulary. Well Reccommended as an excellent source of reference.

An excellent, broad-based resource for graduate applicants, 18 Nov 1998
An excellent, broad-based resource no graduate applicant should miss. While clearly useful for individuals seeking admission to law, business and medical schools (which attract the largest numbers), the book lives up to its title by also providing a wealth of valuable information for those of us applying to other types of graduate programs. Included among the excellent essays, for instance, are examples from candidates for public administration, English and American literature, science, dentistry and geology. The author's advice, and that of a multitude of admissions officials, obviously applies to all applicants and offers exceptional direction.

An excellent resource no graduate applicant should miss, 10 Nov 1998
An excellent, broad based resource no graduate should miss. While clearly useful for individuals seeking admission to law, business and medical schools (Which attract the largest numbers), the book lives up to its title by also providing a wealth of valuable information for those of us applying to other types of graduate programs. Included among the excellent essays, for instance, are examples from candidates for public administration, English and American literature, science, dentistry and geology. The author's advice, and that of a multitude of admissions officials, obviously applies to all applicants and offers exceptional direction.

Good for MBA essays not for general graduate essays, 27 Oct 1998
This book seems to be most useful for MBA program essays. It lacks information about general graduate school essays, in particular the sciences and humanities. I was a bit disappointed that it focused so intently on business, law, and medical school essays while touting to be a book for graduate school as well.

no real directions, lots of samples, 07 Oct 1998
I was frustrated that there was only one chapter of very general instructions. It was interesting to read successful applicants personal statements, but a lot of them reflected extreme situations that most people have not experienced in their lives. The last chapter has poorly written letters from admissions reps and Deans of Admission that I did not find useful in the slightest. I would have to say that the samples are a good way to get ideas and are the only redeeming quality of the book.

An eye opener, 06 Sep 2008
I've just started a PGCE course and got this book our of the library. Its not on the reading list, but i think it should be. I've only got about half way through it, which has taken about a week, but it has already given me a tremendous insight into the environment I will be entering. The book is very open about some of the key issues, and tells it like it is, rather than what some would like it be. A must read for anybody entering the profession, I feel.

A Master Class, 28 Feb 2006
This is an essential resource for any serious beginning teacher, newly qualified teacher, and experienced teacher. Whatever your teaching status, this resource will make you the best teacher. It is not a book to be read cover to cover, it's to be dipped into at the appropriate time and chapter. There are detailed references to all the topics discussed. This book should be an essential tool in your teaching tool box.

Good reference for new teachers - but I never did finish it, 19 Jul 2005
Got about half way through during training and had the urge to cut off my eyelids with nail-clippers, run outside and stare at the sun. I'm now two years into the job and regularly nail my head to the desk by the end of registration.

It is, of course, dull by nature but is a very good reference for new teachers. Could probably do with an update if one hasn't been done already...

So you want to become a teacher?, 05 Sep 2002
The book is aimed at the trainee and newly qualified teacher and it explores a number of key issues for the developing professional. These issues range from educational and social policy making to the role of the form tutor. The introductory chapters seek to make sense of the trainee experience in terms ranging from personal and professional qualities to educational theory and research, urging the new teacher to be experimental and to adopt a life-long approach to learning about their vocation. The main part of the book then provides an overview of recent education policy decisions and current initiatives before investigating some important aspects of teaching and learning. Finally the book examines a number of key cross-curricular issues; including spiritual education, healthy schools, and ICT. Throughout, the book engages with educational research. Links are made to recent findings and the references are valuable.

In an overview such as this there is bound to be generalisation. Without exception, however, all of these pithy summaries provide a useful context for the accounts of research findings.

This book will no doubt find itself on the reading list of countless undergraduate and postgraduate trainee teachers, and quite rightly so as it provides a good starting point for new professionals. It deserves a wider readership, however, as it offers an equally stimulating refresher to the more experienced teacher.

An excellent insight into teaching, 18 Jun 2002
This book is an extremely useful book for anyone going into the teaching profession. Unlike most books on this topic it is very critical of the governments education policies. It disagrees with their definition of what is a good teacher and offers a different perspective. A very good book to read if you do not know what to expect in the first few years of your career as it does not gloss over the negative sides like most; However it does offer advice on how to overcome these. A refreshing insightful outlook at the education system and the role of teachers in todays society.

You will remember reading this book, 10 Nov 2007
This book is a classic in its own right. Although written several years ago, its message remains relevant to those in education management. It is packed full of soundbites and useful quotes so well worth purchasing for any education management course. I've had a copy on my bookshelf for more than four years and it's not gathering dust!

This is the fundamental book for understanding headship, 01 Apr 2001
This book is essential reading for all those who wish to understand modern teaching and leadership. It analyses in very concise language the problems of overload and growing helplessness in headship, backing up its critique with current and wide-ranging research, some of it from Fullan himself, who is without equal in the field of the study of educational change. But this is not just another diagnosis of big problems: Fullan gives clear and memorably cogent guidelines for action for headteachers to improve themselves. There is also advice for LEAs and politicians. Teachers might find some of Fullan's denser analysis hard work but anyone in education or passionate about learning will profit from this well-crafted thoughtpiece. There are barely seventy A5 pages of text and many good summary boxes and diagrams. Each sentence is as it were sculpted.

If you want to know why leadership is in trouble in our schools and how leaders can lead themselves into improvement that is sustaining, if you want to be part of a sea-change in educational and humanistic ideas that recognises the nobility and fundamental importance of learning, buy this minor classic from the seriously wise and hope-giving Canadian thinker. This is a work of great courage but it is also of real practical application.