How To Explain Absolutely Anything to Absolutely Anyone: The art and science of teacher explanation - Softcover

Andy Tharby

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1785833677 ISBN 13: 9781785833670

Publisher: Crown House Publishing, 2018

Synopsis

In 'How to Explain Absolutely Anything to Absolutely Anyone: The art and science of teacher explanation', Andy Tharby talks teachers through a set of remarkably simple techniques that will help revolutionise the precision and clarity of their message.

Explanation is an art form, albeit a slightly mysterious one. We know a great explanation when we see or hear one, yet nevertheless we struggle to pin down the intricacies of the craft ...

Just how exactly is it done?

In 'How to Explain Absolutely Anything to Absolutely Anyone', Andy Tharby eloquently explores the art and science of this undervalued skill and illustrates how improving the quality of explanation can improve the quality of learning. Delving into the wonder of metaphor, the brilliance of repetition and the timeless benefits of storytelling, Andy sets out an evidence-informed approach that will enable teachers to explain tricky concepts so well that their students will not only understand them perfectly, but remember them forever too.

By bringing together evidence and ideas from a wide range of sources including cognitive science, educational research and the study of linguistics the book examines how the most effective writers and speakers manage to transform even the most messy, complicated idea into a thing of wondrous, crystalline clarity. Then, by provoking greater thought and contemplation around language choices in the classroom, Andy spells out how the practical tools and techniques discussed can be put into practice.

Andy also puts the important role of learner autonomy in context, recognising that there is a time for teachers to talk and a time for pupils to lead their own learning and contends that, in most cases, teachers should first lay out the premise before opening the space for interrogation. Ultimately, 'How to Explain Absolutely Anything to Absolutely Anyone' argues that good teaching is not about talking more or less, but about talking better.

Brimming with sensible advice applicable to a range of settings and subjects, this book is suitable for teachers and educators of learners aged 7-16.

About this title

Review:

Andy Tharby’s 'How to Explain Absolutely Anything to Absolutely Anyone' tackles a fundamental aspect of teaching that has been taken for granted by far too many for far too long. The book not only enquires into explanation, but also ventures further and deeper – offering a wise and compelling exploration of curriculum, knowledge, memory, human psychology, and much more.

In an age of superficial media and bombastic TED Talks, Tharby brings evidence and intelligence to bear in order to reveal, in intricate detail, what makes for powerful teacher explanations. I’d happily recommend this book to absolutely every teacher.

- Alex Quigley, Senior Associate, Education Endowment Foundation and author of 'Closing the Vocabulary Gap'

In 'Explain Absolutely Anything to Absolutely Anyone', Andy Tharby skilfully explores the importance of high-quality explanation and offers teachers clear guidance on what they can do better in order to achieve it.

By starting with the significance of subject knowledge and teacher credibility, Andy opens up various frameworks for consideration before going on to suggest effective classroom strategies to put into practice. He has filled this practical, evidence-informed book with a range of clear illustrations and examples, and does not shy away from difficult questions surrounding teaching and learning.

'Explain Absolutely Anything to Absolutely Anyone' will be of great value to all teachers of all subjects.

- Dr Brian Marsh, Principal Lecturer in Science Education, School of Education, University of Brighton

In this excellent and beautifully written book, Andy Tharby addresses the topic of how teachers across all subjects of the curriculum can develop their capacity to explain with clarity, precision, flair and agility.

Rooted in research, Andy’s captivating and persuasive arguments are bolstered by his practical experience and carefully considered reflections (as a learner as well as a teacher) as he explores the importance of subject knowledge and debates the key principles underpinning effective explanations. He then goes on to outline practical tips and guidance, helpfully punctuated with specific examples, for mastering the art yourself.

Andy cleverly presents his ideas by using the very strategies he suggests, helping us to understand the significance of clear and compelling explanation. And he does so in such a clear and compelling way!

- Jill Berry, leadership consultant and former head teacher

'How to Explain Absolutely Anything to Absolutely Anyone' fills a considerable gap – as while the importance of explanation has long been recognised, nowhere has its role, application and impact been so clearly articulated as in this book.

In his beautifully crafted prose, Andy Tharby hones in on the significance of a teacher conveying the purpose of their subject and shares important ideas which will inform current conversations around the curriculum.

All great books provide new insights into old dilemmas, and 'How to Explain Absolutely Anything to Absolutely Anyone' does exactly that. It is both scholarly and accessible, and should be essential reading for all involved in education. I shall be referring to it on a daily basis.

- Mary Myatt, education adviser, writer and author of Curriculum: Gallimaufry to Coherence

If you’re like me, you may already think you are pretty deft at explaining tricky concepts with clarity, and even with a bit of panache. Upon reading this wonderful book, however, you realise that you still have a great deal more to learn about the science and craft of explanation, as Andy Tharby shares all there is to know on the subject.

Offering well-researched, practical guidance on how to plan and execute sharper explanations, 'How to Explain Absolutely Anything to Absolutely Anyone' should be required reading for all teachers. A simply superb read.

- Phil Stock, Deputy Head Teacher, Greenshaw High School

In 'How to Explain Absolutely Anything to Absolutely Anyone', Andy Tharby guides teachers to the point of peak performance: offering clear guidance on how they can boost the credibility of their subject knowledge in order to support pupils’ long-term learning.

When it’s done well, a curriculum can unlock a world of opportunity – for both the pupils and the teacher – but only when delivered by those teachers who bring the content to life. Tharby delves into what lies beneath the surface of subject knowledge and reveals a set of complicated building blocks, such as the use of modelling and the application of concrete examples, which combine to form great classroom teaching.

'How to Explain Absolutely Anything to Absolutely Anyone' arrives at the perfect time for the teaching profession and is full of super strategies to use in your own professional development.

- Ross Morrison McGill @TeacherToolkit – the UK’s most followed educator on Twitter, who writes at TeacherToolkit.co.uk

About the Author:

Andy Tharby is a practising English teacher with over a decade's classroom experience at a secondary school in West Sussex. He is co-author of the award winning 'Making Every Lesson Count' and the author of 'Making Every English Lesson Count'. Andy is also interested in helping fellow teachers enhance their practice through engagement with research evidence.

About this edition

• Publisher: Crown House Publishing
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1785833677
• ISBN 13: 9781785833670
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 184