Professional Capital:
Transforming Teaching in Every School
By Andy Hargreaves and Michael Fullan, New York: Teachers College Press, Abingdon: Routledge, 2012
Reviewed by: Alexis Whitehorn, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND
“Teaching today is complicated, not simple” a simple sentence from Hargreaves and Fullan’s book Professional Capital: Transforming Teaching in Every School that summarizes what education is about in today’s world (79). The book takes readers into the realm of teaching and the expectations of today’s educational standards. The authors provide examples of how education has changed and challenge educational leaders to help lead the way through building what they call “professional capitalism.” Unlike the business world that focuses on quick returns, professional capital in education recognizes that education is a long-term investment. One cannot simply invest in new technology, new curriculum, new teachers and expect an increase in student achievement overnight. The process of creating an education that focuses on student achievement takes time and relies on the professional capital of teachers. That means investing in the future by investing in human capital - from preschool to high school to the teachers and all staff that work within the schools. Throughout this book, Hargreaves and Fullan deliver compelling evidence that education in the United States and England are failing their students by not allowing teachers to have the professional
In the book Professional Capital: Transforming Teaching in Every School renowned educators Andy Hargreaves and Michael Fullan set out to transform the future of teaching and public education by proposing the idea and importance of investing in Professional Capital. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, capital is defined as “Relating to or being assets that add to long-term net worth.” The notion of Professional Capital lies upon the integration of three kinds of capital – human, social, and decisional. This book provides powerful and evidence-based action guidelines for classroom teachers, administrators, schools and districts, and state and federal leaders on how Professional Capital can transform the future of teaching and public education.
Many states across the country are experiencing teacher shortages. Without enough teachers, we can not successfully educate our children. According to Glori Chaika “Forty-two states issue emergency credentials to people who have taken no education courses and have not taught a day in their lives. Many teachers are hired based solely on their experience leading church or camping groups.” (Chaika) Due to the shortages, States are allowing those who are not even qualified to teach. One can not believe that children are being educated as best as they can be, if those teaching them have no experience or training before hand. Another problem is that teachers are not being place in the fields were they can perform at their best, Glori Chaika also states that “One-fourth of new teachers -- if they are licensed -- are not licensed to teach in the field they are teaching.” (Chaika) Many teachers have very little knowledge on the subject they are teaching, “About 55 percent of students taking physics in the United States, for example, are taught by someone who never majored or minored in the subject.” ( Asimov) As a result of the current teacher shortage, the quality of America’s educational system has gone down. People are being hired with no teaching experience and teachers are being forced to teacher subjects that they are not familiar with. Adding to the current teacher shortage is the problem of teacher
In the book Professional Capital: Transforming Teaching in Every School renowned educators Andy Hargreaves and Michael Fullan set out to transform the future of teaching and public education by proposing the idea and importance of investing in Professional Capital. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, capital is defined as “Relating to or being assets that add to long-term net worth.” The autho 's notion of Professional Capital lies upon the integration of three kinds of capital – human, social, and decisional. This book provides powerful and evidence-based action guidelines for classroom teachers, administrators, schools and districts, and policital leaders on how Professional Capital can transform the future of teaching and public education.
Teaching theories are as much part of the classroom as the student and the teacher. The effect individual theories have on an environment depends how they are incorporated within the classroom in addition to the influence they have had on the curriculum construction. This essay will briefly look at how motivation theory, cognitive and social cognitive theory along with constructivism have impacted on education and the classroom.
The differences were connected with a teacher’s original preparation for the teaching profession, licensing in the particular subject area to be taught, strength of the educational experience, and the degree of experience in teaching along with the demonstration of abilities through the National Board Certification, in which all of these facets can be addressed through policy (Darling-Hammond, 2010).America has not produced a national method containing supports and reasons to guarantee that teachers’ are adequately prepared and equipped to teach all children effectively when they first enter into the career of teaching. America also does not have a vast collection of methods available that will maintain the evaluation and continuing development of a teacher’s effectiveness in the classroom, or support decisions about entry into the field of teaching and the continuance in the profession of teaching (Darling-Hammond, 2010). n order to reach the belief that all students will be taught and learn to high standards calls for a makeover in the methods our system of education in order to be a magnet for, train, support or uphold, and cultivate effective teachers in more efficient ways. A makeover that is contingent in a certain degree of how the abilities or skills are comprehended (Darling-Hammond, 2010).In the last few years there has been increasing
Having to read road signs and speed limits at 14, may not be first on your priority list, but when it comes to reading assignments, texting, or even learning the lyrics to your favourite song, these essentials go hand in hand. Unknowingly, we go about our days not noticing all the little things we read along the way, so are they all that different from each other? In my opinion, the answer to this is no. Especially now, returning to school from a flexible summer, once again we are getting more familiar with the habit of finishing homework, projects, and reading the questions on our ‘so called’ favourite tests. Sometimes, it may be something you don’t like doing, but it’s not avoidable. With doing our school work comes reading time; learning
There are many theories that are relevant to classroom teaching today. Marsh (2008, p. 17) states that “each theory is nothing more than a set of reasonable suggestions”. A teacher should look at the information available to them and take what is necessary to achieve a positive learning environment in their classroom. This may mean taking a little part of one theory and combining in with another part of a different theory, there is no singular theory or theorist that encompasses everything that is required in a modern classroom. Some of the most important theories of learning are motivation, constructivism and behaviourism. Teachers choose their teaching style and strategy to complement their students, to arrive at their own personal
Education is something that every person should be given the chance to attain. It is vital for all people young, old, mentally impaired, ADHD, or whatever characteristic they may encompass. I believe everyone has the right to learn and be taught in an school environment. The law passed in 1975, P.L. 94-142, made numerous changes in the way certain children with special needs was being treated in the public school system. With the update in 1991, IDEA (Individuals With Disabilities act) added to the progress to end discrimination towards all exceptionalities. I hope in the future more changes will be accomplished to fully benefit those with exceptionalities. Education is a gift that needs to be
This assignment will critically reflect and analyse a microteaching session I presented to my peers in a clinical placement regarding Nursing management of chest drains. I will define reflection; teaching, learning and the rationale for choosing this topic will be clearly outlined in this paper. The preparation, planning, implementation and evaluation will also be incorporated. This assignment will be structured using Gibbs (1988) reflective model cited in Modular Training Course, 2003 because of its simplicity. Analysis will permeate through each stage of the Gibbs reflective model. Finally I will conclude by reflecting on my role as a joint practitioner outlining areas of personal, professional growth, identifying my strength, weakness
Engaging students in the classroom can be a difficult task. Understanding the process of how students learn can help a teacher adapt the lesson to meet the needs of all students. I will encounter students that are not intrinsically motivated so I will need to find different ways to motivate each and every student. Understanding how my students learn can provide me with insights as to how to help each student learn which will minimize classroom management problems.
Every teacher has a different method of teaching. The teachers that I have had in my school career have been no exception. In this way, each teacher has set an example for me, as a future teacher, to follow or not to follow as I see fit. With the examples from my teachers and in continuing my education, I am developing my own method of teaching. I plan to use a combination of teaching methods in my own classroom. My method will be an eclectic approach because I will be using components of more than one philosophy. I will be using essentialism, behaviorism, progressivism, and existentialism.
I believe that education extends far beyond the classroom walls, and involves many more people than students and teachers. People should be learning wherever they go, and should continue learning long after they’ve graduated from high school or college. Education isn’t something that can be quantified with tests or report cards, but is instead something that people carry with them. It’s a survival pack for life, and some people are better equipped in certain areas than in others. People with a solid education are prepared for nearly anything, as they will be able to provide for their own physical, emotional, and aesthetic needs.
In the field of education there could arise many philosophical ideas of each individual teacher. Many of the past philosophies have been and still are used in today’s education programs, such as the Socratic method. My philosophy will also contain some of the many philosophies of the past and possibly the future. I will state the nature of students, the nature of knowledge, the purpose of public education, method, and curriculum according to my own philosophies, which also may be based the philosophical ideas of previous individuals.
I believe that teaching is one of the most important professions in the world today. From the very beginning, until present time, teaching has been around. The book of Genesis speaks of God walking and talking with Adam in The Garden of Eden, God was teaching Adam. I will be proud to, one day, be a part of this great calling.
I think that teaching requires both art and science. They both play a role on each other, because if a teacher only demonstrates one of these types of teaching, their classroom will most likely be very boring.