What's the Point of School? takes the reader beyond the sterile debates about City Academies and dumbed-down exams in order to reveal the key responsibility of education today: to create students who enjoy learning. With their emphasis on stressful exams and regurgitation of information, Guy Claxton claims that schools are currently doing more harm than good, primarily making students fear failure. Instead, schools must encourage students to develop their curiosity, ask stupid questions, and think for themselves. He explains scientists latest theories about how the human brain learns, and reveals some of the core habits needed to create a strong, supple mind. He then goes on to explain how these are already being successfully implemented into some schools - all without chucking out Shakespeare or the Periodic Table.
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Why is our current school system failing so many children? How can we best educate the next generation to face the challenges of the 21st century? Professor Claxton provides a masterly analysis of what's wrong with education and how we can put it right. Every parent, teacher, and politician should read this book. --Sue Palmer - Author of Toxic Childhood
With a focus on the demands of a new century, the information revolution, and the need to help young people find their own learning powers and passions, Guy Claxton reveals the true essence of education. Enjoy the book and remember the point of school: to open hearts and unlock minds. --Mick Waters - Director of Curriculum, UK Qualification and Curriculum Authority
A highly readable and provocative book, which both confronts and challenges us to seriously re-think current assumptions about educational practice. Claxton is one of the most relevant educational writers for our time. --Clarissa Williams - President of the National Association of Head Teachers
With a focus on the demands of a new century, the information revolution, and the need to help young people find their own learning powers and passions, Guy Claxton reveals the true essence of education. Enjoy the book and remember the point of school: to open hearts and unlock minds. --Mick Waters - Director of Curriculum, UK Qualification and Curriculum Authority
A highly readable and provocative book, which both confronts and challenges us to seriously re-think current assumptions about educational practice. Claxton is one of the most relevant educational writers for our time. --Clarissa Williams - President of the National Association of Head Teachers
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"The book has much worth, not least for its eloquent and powerful critique of today's educational malaise."
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By D. J. Price
Format:Paperback
Everyone has an opinion about education. But, for years it seems, as a nation, we've been arguing about standards, structures, performance tables - the debate is about instruments, (how we can 'reform' schools) and it's about increments (how much we can change). Guy Claxton has dared to question the whole purpose of compulsory schooling, and in a way which is not only authoritative (he undoubtedly knows his stuff) but also humane (not surprising for anyone who has heard him speak, or shares his philosophical and spiritual interests). We need this fundamental debate now, as more kids find their learning outside school, and this is a brilliant summation of the issues which - because of its accessibility -could finally bring into the discussion the people who've been largely excluded: parents.
If you care about how we make schools the kind of places our kids actually want to be in, buy this book!
If you care about how we make schools the kind of places our kids actually want to be in, buy this book!
23 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book was the basis of one of our best ever INSET sessions. The book not only sets out what has long been wrong in the way we learn in our schools but gives a clear outline what all of us in schools can do about it. It does not matter if you are the Head or a classroom teacher. The book will inspire and make you think about what you are doing and reflect how you are teaching.
This is the best book on learning that I have read for many years and I recommend it to all those who want to rethink the way they work. It is a book free of jargon and full of thoughtful and thought provoking ideas.
This is the best book on learning that I have read for many years and I recommend it to all those who want to rethink the way they work. It is a book free of jargon and full of thoughtful and thought provoking ideas.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Having run the gauntlet of teaching in response to initiative and inspections, for some years now, I thought I was the only teacher left willing to say, 'What's in it for the children?' How very wrong I was. This book shows that learning is a skill to be developed and is very candid in its explanations. It is well written , easy to follow and I found myself nodding and agreeing with many of its arguments. Professor Claxton's ability to identify the cycle of repetitious bad judgment from successive governments is to be applauded. A book which needs to be read by ALL school leaders,teachers, LEA decision makers and government policy designers. An essential read for ALL parents. Well done , Professor Claxton , learning is fun , learning is power - building learning power - brilliant!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
He is part of the problem
Claxton's book is good and is welcome in its critique of the schooling system. However, it is no good banging on about how the system doesn't allow students to learn habits of... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Ads
5.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I also feel as a teacher, that it sums up the negative points of being a teacher in this day and age. Read more
Published 9 months ago by SJSmith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great.
This book covers many areas and really makes you think about our current school system and why it doesn't work. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Helena Vukoja
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good ideas
I enjoyed this book, particularly as I'm planning to go into teaching. Claxton has great ideas that I agree with, i.e. Read more
Published on 6 Jan 2011 by C. L. Dixon
3.0 out of 5 stars
It took me a while but...
I hated this book at first due to its highly negative and critical viewpoint against schooling and the education system. Read more
Published on 28 Jun 2010 by HB
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must-read for anyone with an opinion about school (and who can say...
This book is amazing, and the most amazing thing about it is that these ideas are not found all over the place! Read more
Published on 18 Oct 2009 by Eirin Mikalsen Orum
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent read -
A very relevant text. Talks a lot of common sense. Clarifys alot current education thinking. Hopefully encouraging a move away from a destructive target driven system.
Published on 21 Jun 2009 by Mr. D. Porter
4.0 out of 5 stars
What's the point of school?
What's the Point of School?: Rediscovering the Heart of EducationGuy Claxton offers a compelling critique of the schooling system and opens the way for returning to educational... Read more
Published on 30 May 2009 by M. Huxtable
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspirational
This is required reading for anybody working in education today . Our young people are being let down by the current limited curriculum on offer and lack of support in making them... Read more
Published on 1 May 2009 by G. Andersen
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