Essential Teaching Skills - Chris Kyriacou

This book would make a great introduction for anyone considering taking up a career in teaching, or interested in acquiring skills that would help them in their Teacher Training coursework. In fact, I suspect it may already be a set work, if not, it should be.

The chapters cover the following topics:

Developing your teaching skills
Planning and preparation
Lesson presentation
Lesson management
...Reflection and Evaluation.

It is all presented in a no-nonsense way, with the emphasis on developing and evaluating practical skills acquired during teaching practice. This is firmly backed up with constant reference to other textbooks and teaching theory.

For example, lesson management is considered from the point of view of the experienced teacher who knows from past experience how to control and encourage a class; ... more

This book would make a great introduction for anyone considering taking up a career in teaching, or interested in acquiring skills that would help them in their Teacher Training coursework. In fact, I suspect it may already be a set work, if not, it should be.

The chapters cover the following topics:

Developing your teaching skills
Planning and preparation
Lesson presentation
Lesson management
Classroom climate
Discipline
Assessing pupil's progress
Reflection and Evaluation.

It is all presented in a no-nonsense way, with the emphasis on developing and evaluating practical skills acquired during teaching practice. This is firmly backed up with constant reference to other textbooks and teaching theory.

For example, lesson management is considered from the point of view of the experienced teacher who knows from past experience how to control and encourage a class; from the point of a new trainee who might be afraid to put into practice what they know, and someone who is in the mid point between these two areas.

The skills are constantly under revision and the reader gains an understanding of how personal self evaluation, critical theory and actual practice can all contribute to effective teaching.

Indeed, some aspects of this book draw on experience and practice outside of the strict realm of classroom teaching and could be applied to other professions: how to communicate effectively or encourage rather than discourage someone, for example.

The skills covered form the basis of continuing professional assessment, which also of course includes formal appraisal (eg OfSted) and personal career development. There are plenty of reference sources for further reading at the end of each chapter, and also lists of key questions and points to consider.

There are practical suggestions as well as an analysis of teaching theory - what teaching aids may be useful in particular circumstances, how to create a viable learning environment, and how to tackle problems you may come across during your time in the classroom.

The illustrations tend towards the lighthearted, black and white drawings, neatly bringing out points from the text. If a little dated in appearance, they are apt and amusing.

There is an extensive bibliography in additon to the individual chapter resources, plus a useful subject and author cross- referenced index.

133 pages, 2nd Edition, published 1998, nelson thornes. 

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