Learning: a sense-maker’s guide is a timely publication and an essential contribution to the debate about teaching and learning. As the title suggests, this book is not merely about making sense of learning. Importantly, it aims to help the reader to make critical sense of the plethora of new ideas about learning and to use what is available selectively and intelligently.
When Chris Watkins was commissioned to write this publication, we chose an author who we knew to have extensive knowledge about learning and about learning to learn; the writing skills to communicate effectively with his audience; and the energy and enthusiasm to do the job really well. He was asked to:
• summarise the ‘best’ of what is known about learning
• look at ways in which what we know about learning may inform what teachers do about learning
• take a critical view of current offerings which claim to be about learning (for example brainfriendly learning, learning styles, brain gym, emotional intelligence, assessment for learning)
• provide signposts for readers who want to find out more.
We are delighted with the result.
Although written with practising teachers and lecturers in mind, Learning: a sense-maker’s guide is a book which a wide range of readers will find of value: teaching assistants and others who work to support pupils’ learning in schools and colleges; headteachers and governors; students of education and lecturers in higher education; and administrators and managers in local authorities. Politicians and policy-makers might learn a lesson or two as well.