If you’re training to teach or studying education a clear understanding of major educational theories and the thinkers behind them is essential in order to appreciate how different practices impact on learning.

This textbook gives you a clear overview of the most influential twentieth and twenty-first century thinkers on education, including established names (including Vygotsky, Bruner, Dewey), more recent writers (such as Freire, Kolb, Claxton) and many other important theorists whose writings have helped shaped our views on teaching and learning.

Each chapter includes:

Practical examples showing how theories can be used to inform classroom teaching
Critiques of each theorist exploring opposing viewpoints and the strengths and weaknesses of different ideas
Reflective tasks inviting you to apply what you’ve read to your own educational experiences
Did you know about the exciting new companion title?
Take students to the next level in learning theories - take a look at companion title Understanding and Using Challenging Educational Theories

Karl Aubrey is a Senior Lecturer on the Applied Studies in Education programmes, as well as a tutor with post graduate students, at Bishop Grosseteste University. Prior to this Karl was the Programme Leader for a range of initial teacher education and professional development programmes at a large city Further Education college. Between 2003 and 2005 he was seconded to the DfES Standards Unit as a learning and teaching practitioner in the East Midlands. Karl has contributed to the Oxford Dictionary of Education and has collaborated with colleagues to publish a number of journal articles. His doctoral thesis explored the reforms in Further Education teacher education from 2000 to 2010, from the viewpoint of teacher educators. Karl’s research interests include inclusion, education policy, pedagogy and work-based learning.