Introduction

This book invites primary and secondary teachers of English to engage in debates about key issues in subject teaching. It is intended to stimulate student teachers, NQTs, language and literacy co-ordinators, classroom English teachers and aspiring or practising Heads of English, to reflect on the identity of the subject, the principles and policies, which, in the past, have determined, and now determine practice, and those that should influence future practice. Its editors do not claim coverage of all the issues that could be considered, but they do hope that readers will be encouraged by the book to develop or maintain the habit of mind that asks and attempts to answer important ‘why’ and ‘what if questions about subject teaching. Each chapter consequently concludes with some questions for discussion and suggestions for further reading.