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Meddwl Mawr
Meddwl Mawr

Engaging with research can play an important role in helping you develop your own ideas and practice as an education professional. That’s why we’ve started Meddwl Mawr, a book and journal club designed to support you on your professional learning journey.

We’ll be publishing regular recommendations on this page covering a range of interesting topics, pointing you to some of the great content available on your free online library.

Make sure you sign up to our mailing list to hear about recommendations as soon as they’re published.

We’re keen to hear about any books or journal articles you’ve found interesting, enjoyable or useful on EBSCO. If you have a recommendation that you would like to share, then please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Your recommendations

July 2024

How to survive in teaching: without imploding, exploding or walking away by Dr Emma Kell

How to survive in teaching: without imploding, exploding or walking away by Dr Emma Kell book image

As an educational practitioner, you will be aware of the challenges concerning recruitment and retention within education. This book discusses varying perspectives on the challenges and rewards of teaching. It explores successful models and strategies where a combination of support and challenge, accountability, and a sense of being valued have encouraged teachers to enter and remain in the profession. The book reinforces the values held by educational professionals about why they chose a career in education including the fulfilment of working with learners supporting their progress and educational development, whilst also candidly addressing the numerous challenges faced by the workforce. The author draws on their own experience and that of their colleagues, having undertaken a significant amount of research including the evaluation of nearly 4,000 survey responses and interviews with teachers, former teachers and education professionals.

 

Slow teaching: on finding calm, clarity and impact in the classroom by Jamie Thom

Slow teaching: on finding calm, clarity and impact in the classroom by Jamie Thom book image

Slow Teaching is a thoughtful exploration of how slowing down in all aspects of education can lead to improved student outcomes. It explores how this method of reflective practice results in improved feedback, more nuanced and skilled classroom management and relationships, meaningful classroom dialogue and retention of knowledge and school leadership, and ultimately better learning. The ‘slow teaching’ technique aims to deepen the craft of teaching thereby growing expert practitioners who are committed to mastering their practice. The author organises the book into seven sections, all easy to read and drawing upon relevant, recent research and literature interwoven with personal experience. Reflecting on strategies that will enable teachers to feel calm, confident and organised, each chapter ends with several ‘slow’ questions to help the reader consider the content and how it applies to them and their situation.

June 2024

Focusing and Calming Games for Children: Mindfulness Strategies and Activities to Help Children to Relax, Concentrate and Take Control. By Deborah M. Plummer

Focusing and Calming Games for ChildrenThis engaging book offers a practical guide to incorporating mindful play into the classroom, promoting the wellbeing of children and young people by enhancing their awareness of both their inner and outer worlds. The first half of the book provides a theoretical and practical foundation for facilitating mindfulness through play. The latter half focuses more on icebreakers, games and activities.

Ideas and concepts are presented with an open and adaptable approach, encouraging educators to mindfully integrate the games into their practice. The straightforward methodology and emphasis on play mean that the book is accessible for practitioners. The activities are particularly well suited to group settings, making the book an invaluable resource for those interested in fostering mindfulness amongst children and young people.

 

The Early Years Movement Handbook: A Principles-Based Approach to Supporting Young Children’s Physical Development, Health and Wellbeing. By Dr Lala Manners

Early years movement handbookMovement is vital for early learners, and Dr. Manners thoroughly outlines its importance for physical development in a structured and accessible format. This book offers practical, straightforward advice for both experienced practitioners and students, blending theoretical perspectives with practical applications. Dr. Manners uses eight core principles to elucidate the central role of physical activity and play in shaping the development of children and young people. Throughout the book, readers will find practical frameworks, activities, ideas, and rationales that highlight the significance of movement. This handbook is an excellent resource for anyone interested in understanding the crucial role of physical activity in early childhood development.

Previous editions

What did you think of this month’s recommendations? How did they help develop your practice? Tweet your response using #MeddwlMawr

Why not try using the tools in the PLP to reflect on the ideas from this month’s recommendations and how you can apply them to your own practice?

Have you been inspired by our recommendations, and want to share what you’ve learnt with your colleagues?  Read our guide to setting up a journal club.