Every year, a multitude of books are published on the subject of teaching and learning, but only a few are designed to be used by educators in the classroom.
Now, a collaboration between a school leader and an educational consultant hopes to change that.
Headteacher and author Bruce Robertson has teamed up with Finola Wilson of Impact Wales to publish a new handbook that aims to transform teaching practice.
Their book, Power Up Your Pedagogy: The Illustrated Handbook of Teaching, is a one-stop professional development resource for teachers.
The handbook starts with a crash course in the science of learning for teachers and goes on to explore 12 elements of learning, covering everything from learning intentions to assessment and behaviour.
Through a detailed exploration of how real teaching and learning works in the classroom and beyond, there is something in it for everyone.
It includes clear, step-by-step instructions, real-life examples and reflective tasks. The key messages from within each chapter have been brought to life in a superb set of sketchnotes by Finola Wilson.
Bruce Robertson said the idea for the book came from feedback he’d had about his previous book, The Teaching Delusion 3.
“People were excited because it was something really accessible and practical, an easy-to-use resource focused on classroom practice.
“I follow Impact on Twitter and was familiar with the sketchnotes they used and I thought that a new edition of the book would lend itself to illustrations that captured and summarised the key messages.
“So I sent Impact an email about helping me produce an expanded visual edition, but after lots of discussion it eventually became its own unique book.”
Finola Wilson said: “It was a surprise when Bruce got in touch but I thought it was a really exciting opportunity. It’s been quite the journey from providing illustrations to co-creating a new practical resource for teachers.
“I think we’ve created an amazing resource between us and I can’t wait to see how it’s used by teachers in the classroom.”
Bruce Robertson said the book can be used by teachers individually or with colleagues.
“Teachers can use it on their own as a self-improvement resource, or even better it can be used in collaboration as a coaching resource. It’s designed to promote reflection and discussion and the sorts of conversations we’re trying to help teachers get into with colleagues about lessons. Basically, it’s there to help everyone make teaching better.”
Finola Wilson added: “It really is the only book you’ll ever need to improve your practice in the classroom.”
Order your copy of Power Up Your Pedagogy: The Illustrated Handbook of Teaching on Amazon now:
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Listen to Finola, Jane and Bruce chat about Power Up Your Pedagogy on the Impact Podcast:
Praise for Power Up Your Pedagogy
“A compelling description of what we know about how learning happens and what to do about it in the classroom, ably supported by excellent illustrations. It’s clear, practical, easy to apply and highly likely to improve your teaching practice.”
Doug Lemov, author of Teach Like a Champion
“So much powered into one book and covering all the hot topics using the best evidence from classrooms and the research literature. Beautifully illustrated, great examples, and provocations aplenty.”
Professor John Hattie, Director of the Melbourne Educational Research Institute and author of Visible Learning and Visible Learning for Teachers
“Power Up Your Pedagogy is a truly superb book. The 12 elements are brilliantly chosen – every teacher will recognise them as core aspects of their craft. And to my mind, the Crash Course in Learning could stand alone as one of best, punchiest, best-illustrated round-ups of our current understanding of learning that you’ll find anywhere.”
Tom Sherrington, education Consultant and Author of Teaching Walkthrus
“Bruce Robertson and Finola Wilson have teamed up to create a resource for teachers which expertly weaves together the latest research in cognitive science with advice borne from years of practical experience of teaching. It takes some powerful and complex ideas, and makes them accessible for busy teachers, without dumbing down the content. It is very clearly laid out, making it easy to dip into, and is accompanied by beautiful and effective sketch notes. This is a book I wish I’d had when I was teaching.”
Lucy Crehan, author of Cleverlands: The secrets behind the success of the world’s education superpowers