Dr Lyn Haynes, Senior Lecturer, Canterbury Christ Church University, Programme Director, INSPIRE STEM PGCE 24th May 2017
Shaun Allison shares the insights of an experienced classroom practitioner who takes tried-and-tested teaching and learning strategies, known to and used by experienced teachers of science, and adds pedagogical significance to them.
The underpinning concept of providing ways to become a great science teacher permeates every page, while the reflective questions at the end of each chapter are a useful way for the reader to encapsulate the key points therein. The foreword and acknowledgements highlight the need to value practitioners whilst promoting the need for, and value of, creativity in science teaching and learning. The passion for science held by the author is evident such passion is a way to guide learners towards becoming effective and independent students.
Making Every Science Lesson Count will be useful for trainee teachers preparing for PGCE assignments as it requires deep reading to appreciate the plethora of valuable guidance and advice shared. Any teacher undertaking a science subject knowledge development programme will most definitely benefit from the book's pedagogical guidance to supplement their course, while experienced teachers working on postgraduate theses will also find this work of value and will appreciate the teacher-led ideas.
David Weston, CEO, Teacher Development Trust 24th May 2017
Every science teacher should get hold of a copy of this fantastic book.
Shaun has a brilliant way of synthesising complex research on pedagogy and cognitive science, with each chapter presenting clear ideas with a theoretical underpinning which is bang up to date. His writing is accessible and is brought to life with inspirational anecdotes and stories.
This book would be excellent as a key source of expertise in high-quality CPD I only wish I'd had a copy when I started out teaching physics.
Dr Brian Marsh, Principal Lecturer, University of Brighton 24th May 2017
Making Every Science Lesson Count is a high-quality book written by an experienced and highly effective science teacher. Drawing on evidence-informed practice, Shaun Allison discusses the principles underpinning great teaching and learning. The principles of challenge, explanation, modelling, deliberate practice, feedback and questioning are carefully and richly illustrated with examples drawn from teaching all three sciences. In doing so, Shaun Allison is making an important contribution to the pedagogy of science education.
This is a book for all science teachers, no matter whether they are very experienced heads of science or science teachers starting out in their careers. It prompts all of us to think about the way we create opportunities for our students to learn about science.
I will use this book to shape CPD with science teachers and it will be on the essential reading list for my PGCE science trainees.