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Primary Humanities
Learning Through Enquiry



March 2013 | 200 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
'This book brings together the traditions of historical enquiry and geographical enquiry. At its heart is the belief in children's capacities to be enquiring historians and geographers, enabling them to develop a sound base of historical and geographical knowledge and understanding'

- Lynne Dixon, Senior Lecturer in Primary Humanities, University of Greenwich

'This book successfully combines theory and practice: it helps the reader to make sense of different perspectives of theories of learning related to these subject areas. It is therefore useful to both classroom practitioners and students alike. Readers will certainly be able to identify elements useful to their needs'

- Emily Rotchell, Senior Lecturer in Primary Geography, University of Roehampton

Providing a broad and balanced overview of the teaching of history and geography, Primary Humanities: Learning through Enquiry is indispensable reading for all primary teacher education students wishing to develop their understanding of teaching humanities subjects.

Using an enquiry-based approach that encourages children to learn through questioning and investigating , it combines theoretical coverage with practical examples to provide an informed, engaging guide to humanities teaching in the primary classroom. Key issues covered include planning and assessment in history and geography, using resources in teaching, and exploring creative and cross-curricular approaches in humanities.

This is essential reading for all students studying primary history and geography on primary initial teacher education courses including undergraduate (BEd, BA with QTS), postgraduate (PGCE, SCITT, School Direct), and employment-based routes into teaching, and NQTs.

Tony Pickford and Wendy Garner are Senior Lecturers at the University of Chester.

Elaine Jackson is formerly Chief Adviser (Primary) Trafford BC and Primary Headteacher.

 
Why Do Enquiry-Led Learning?
 
What Is Enquiry-Led Learning in Primary History and Geography?
 
Enquiry outside the Classroom
 
Resources for Enquiry
 
Enquiry in Practice in History and Geography
 
Planning for Progression
 
Assessing Enquiry
 
Creative and Cross-Curricular Approaches in Teaching Enquiry-Based Humanities
 
Ideas and Examples

'This book brings together the traditions of historical enquiry and geographical enquiry. It helps to clarify the role and application of these essential skills within each subject and helps to demonstrate the strengths of the enquiry approach in both teaching and learning. It goes on to explore most helpfully and clearly the place of enquiry in primary pedagogy in relation to thinking skills, creativity, philosophy for children, learning outside the classroom and cross curricular links. Case studies are used throughout to illustrate and exemplify, and websites for resources are indicated. It is both reflective and practical and will support the more experienced classroom teacher as well as student and the newly qualified teacher in planning, teaching and assessing these significant humanities subjects through an approach which has a central place within both subjects. At its heart is the belief in children's capacities to be enquiring historians and geographers, enabling them to develop a sound base of historical and geographical knowledge and understanding'
-Lynne Dixon, Senior Lecturer in Primary Humanities


'This book successfully outlines the fundamental process of enquiry led learning in History and geography. In recognising the distinctive elements of primary geography and history, it also highlights elements where these subjects can be brought together. As well as exploring possible enquiries that can take place both inside and outside the classroom, very useful advice is given on resourcing enquiry based learning. This book successfully combines theory and practice; it helps the reader to make sense of different perspectives on theories of learning related to these subject areas. It is therefore useful to both classroom practitioners and students alike, whether it is useful reading for a masters assignment or for refining enquiry based learning in class, readers will certainly be able to identify elements useful to their needs'
-Emily Rotchell, Senior Lecturer in Primary Geography, University of Roehampton


The book successfully combines theory and practice: it helps the reader to make sense of different perspectives of theories of learning related to these subject areas.  It is therefore useful to both classroom practitioners and education studies students alike.  Whether you are a trainee or a practitioner, this book will develop your knowledge of how young children's understanding of place, time and community can be fostered through an enquiry-based curriculum. It will also benefit, perhaps, teachers of older children looking to encourage more independent learning in their schools.

Andy Reynolds
Educationalfutures

Very helpful book - some of the ideas fed into our Humanities sessions and was a recommended text for our Whole Curriculum Studies module.

Miss Julie Taylor
Centre for Professional Education, Warwick University
June 8, 2015

Highly recommended to our trainees. Good balance of theory and practice. Accessible and easy to navigate and relevant with its focus on cross curricular and enquiry based learning.

Ms Louise Lambert
Faculty of Education, Birmingham City University
August 4, 2014

An essential text that adds new insight into the enquiry process in primary education. Something that can be nebulous is made clear, progressive and easy to apply. A must for primary geographers.

Mr ANTHONY BARLOW
School of Education, Roehampton Univ.
July 9, 2014

Delighted with this book, fits in well with our cross curricular module and is now stocked in library

Emily Rotchell
School of Education, Roehampton Univ.
July 9, 2014

A useful addition to the range of books we suggest our trainees look at.

Ms Sally Howard
Warwick Institute of Education, Warwick University
April 22, 2014

An excellent book. Very suitable for a course I will be teaching in the autumn on primary geography/ history enquiry/ thinking skills.

Dr Richard Greenwood
Primary Education, Stranmillis University College
July 16, 2013

An excellent resource for primary Humanities undergraduate trainees. It provides reflective opportunities for intending subject leaders.

Mrs Marion Hobbs
Education, Edge Hill University
May 18, 2013

An excellent book, this should be required reading for trainee and practising teachers. Also very useful for secondary trainees to develop understanding of progression through learning in the Humanities .

Shaaron Sanderson
Faculty of Education, College of St Mark and St John
May 14, 2013

Sample Materials & Chapters

Sample chapter (Chapter 1)


For instructors

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