ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the first part of this book. The first part of the book focuses upon the experience of Helen, an undergraduate who, it is imagined, has just been awarded a place on a teacher training programme. It also focuses on the challenges facing Helen by suggesting how they might be rationalised through the application of specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) target criteria. The book explores formal and informal approaches to the collection and organisation of evidence. It challenges the unhelpful binary which is sometimes used to create a rift between theory and practice. The book encourages readers to let the imagination run free by describing their ideal English curriculum. It concludes with a detailed aide-memoire designed to help trainees and host school staff to organise lesson observations so that they become mutually beneficial and professionally positive experiences.
