Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #166654 in Books
• Published on: 2000-10-24
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 460 pages

Customer Reviews

A meatier read than most - helpful with PGCE assignments
For those of you who have just embarked on a PGCE course, you will doubtless be overwhelmed with a bewilderment of reading lists. Curzon's work, although a lot more difficult to read than, say, Reece and Walker or Armitage, is an excellent supplement to these works. Its utility lies in its in-depth analysis of PGCE FAHE subject areas - cognitivism/ behaviourism / gestalt are treated less superficially than other FAHE course books. Similarly, areas such as curriculum implementation and design are examined in a well-structured and lucid way; their analysis providing a sound basis on which to structure any dissertation you may be called upon to write. The section on assessment and evaluation is likewise treated with circumspection. For these reasons, this book is indispensible for PGCE - FAHE students who need something meatier than the average fare. A word of advice; Reece and Walker is more approachable, so novices are advised to read their sections first - however, once you have digested the constructs and concepts on, say, cognitivism, then Curzon affords a much deeper insight into these.

A small dissenting voice
Whilst I would agree with the author that an in-depth discussion of theories of teaching and learning is essential for the beginning teacher, I would suggest choosing a more balanced one than that provided in this book. I found Curzon opinionated, arrogant, rude and irritating, even where I agreed with him. Debate about teaching and learning theory will thankfully never end, and I feel that there is a certain validity to most sides of the argument. The way Curzon dismisses and insults anyone who dares to take an alternative view to his is an insult to the intelligence of most teachers. I bought this book to learn how to teach, not to be told how to think. I found it impossible to persist to the point where any useful practical advice was imparted, and am now sorry I wasted my money.

Conservative & Traditional
Curzon is a traditional and conservative (with a small c) writer who has a refreshing simple but accurate style of prose when compared to the multitude of modern writers on this subject. Without the gimmicks, fancy theories and hype associated with teaching today, Curzon stands out as a reliable reference work.