Teaching in Question - Vera Candau

Teaching in Question: A Guide to Reflective Teaching

In her book, "Teaching in Question: A Guide to Reflective Teaching," Vera Candau argues that teaching is not simply a matter of transmitting knowledge from teacher to student. Rather, it is a complex process that involves a great deal of reflection and questioning. Candau draws on her own experiences as a teacher and researcher to offer a framework for reflective teaching that can help teachers improve their practice.

Key Concepts

Candau identifies several key concepts that are essential for reflective teaching. These include:

• Questioning: Teachers should constantly be asking themselves questions about their teaching, such as: What are my goals for this lesson? What strategies am I using to achieve these goals? How are my students responding to my teaching?
• Reflection: Teachers should take time to reflect on their teaching, both during and after lessons. This reflection can help them to identify areas where they can improve their practice.
• Collaboration: Teachers should collaborate with other teachers to share ideas and learn from each other. This collaboration can help teachers to develop new and innovative teaching strategies.
• Action: Teachers should take action to improve their teaching based on their reflection and collaboration. This action can involve changing their teaching strategies, seeking out professional development opportunities, or conducting research on teaching and learning.

Benefits of Reflective Teaching

Candau argues that reflective teaching has a number of benefits for teachers and students. These benefits include:

• Improved student learning: Reflective teaching can help teachers to identify and address the needs of their students. This can lead to improved student learning outcomes.
• Increased teacher satisfaction: Reflective teaching can help teachers to feel more confident and satisfied in their work. This can lead to a longer and more productive teaching career.
• A more positive learning environment: Reflective teaching can create a more positive learning environment for students. This can lead to increased student motivation and engagement.

Conclusion

"Teaching in Question: A Guide to Reflective Teaching" is an essential resource for teachers who want to improve their practice. Candau's framework for reflective teaching is based on sound research and her own experiences as a teacher and researcher. This book is a must-read for any teacher who wants to become more effective in the classroom.

Call to Action

If you are a teacher, I encourage you to read "Teaching in Question: A Guide to Reflective Teaching." This book will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a more effective teacher. You will learn how to question your teaching, reflect on your practice, collaborate with other teachers, and take action to improve your teaching. This book is an investment in your future as a teacher.