Frank Hardman

Bio: Frank Hardman is an academic researcher from University of York. The author has contributed to research in topics: Literacy & Discourse analysis. The author has an hindex of 21, co-authored 63 publications receiving 2342 citations. Previous affiliations of Frank Hardman include Newcastle University & University of Newcastle.

Teacher education in sub-Saharan Africa: closer perspectives. Edited by Rosarii Griffin

Abstract: While many countries in sub-Saharan countries are on track for meeting the Education for All target, an estimated 32 million children in the region remain out of school and around 40% of children a...

The Relevance of GCSE mathematics and english as preparation for employment

Abstract: In order to investigate the relevance of GCSE mathematics and English as preparation for employment in small to medium-sized companies, qualitative data from interviews with supervisors/managers, employees and teachers were gathered. It was found that employers and employees regard much of what is taught in GCSE English and mathematics as not directly relevant to the workplace, and that their concerns with respect to literacy and numeracy are specific and limited. There were calls for more practical mathematics and a greater emphasis on the development of oral communication and interpersonal skills. Although teachers were supportive of these developments, they warned of the dangers of the curriculum becoming too narrow, emphasising that education has a much broader role than preparing young people for narrowly defined workplace skills. The implications of the findings for the development of a more work-related curriculum are also considered.

Developing a theory of formative assessment

Abstract: Whilst many definitions of formative assessment have been offered, there is no clear rationale to define and delimit it within broader theories of pedagogy. This paper aims to offer such a rationale, within a framework which can also unify the diverse set of practices which have been described as formative. The analysis is used to relate formative assessment both to other pedagogic initiatives, notably cognitive acceleration and dynamic assessment, and to some of the existing literature on models of self-regulated learning and on classroom discourse. This framework should indicate potentially fruitful lines for further enquiry, whilst at the same time opening up new ways of helping teachers to implement formative practices more effectively.

Teacher cognition in language teaching: A review of research on what language teachers think, know, believe, and do

Abstract: This paper reviews a selection of research from the field of foreign and second language teaching into what is referred to here as teacher cognition – what teachers think, know, and believe and the relationships of these mental constructs to what teachers do in the language teaching classroom. Within a framework suggested by more general mainstream educational research on teacher cognition, language teacher cognition is here discussed with reference to three main themes: (1) cognition and prior language learning experience, (2) cognition and teacher education, and (3) cognition and classroom practice. In addition, the findings of studies into two specific curricular areas in language teaching which have been examined by teacher cognition – grammar teaching and literacy – are discussed. This review indicates that, while the study of teacher cognition has established itself on the research agenda in the field of language teaching and provided valuable insight into the mental lives of language teachers, a clear sense of unity is lacking in the work and there are several major issues in language teaching which have yet to be explored from the perspective of teacher cognition.

Developing the theory of formative assessment

Abstract: Whilst many definitions of formative assessment have been offered, there is no clear rationale to define and delimit it within broader theories of pedagogy. This paper aims to offer such a rationale, within a framework which can also unify the diverse set of practices which have been described as formative. The analysis is used to relate formative assessment both to other pedagogic initiatives, notably cognitive acceleration and dynamic assessment, and to some of the existing literature on models of self-regulated learning and on classroom discourse. This framework should indicate potentially fruitful lines for further enquiry, whilst at the same time opening up new ways of helping teachers to implement formative practices more effectively.

A Critical Analysis of the Research on Learning to Teach: Making the Case for an Ecological Perspective on Inquiry

Abstract: 93 empirical studies on learning to teach were reviewed in order to establish what is currently known about how people learn to teach and to critique the quality of the reporting of that research. Among other observations concerning teacher education, the review highlights the tensions between the hopes and expectations of teacher educators and the expectations and experiences of beginning teachers. While this review supports the findings of others that many traditional programs of teacher education have little effect upon the firmly held beliefs of the beginning teachers, it also provides examples of successful programs. Such programs typically build upon the beliefs of pre service teachers and feature systematic and consistent long-term support in a collaborative setting. It is concluded that this body of research has advanced the field in significant ways, offering new directions for research and program reform. The critique of the papers themselves reveals that authors need to pay more careful attenti...