On Wednesday the 16th of March, Raymond Soltysek, on behalf of The School of Education, and The Scottish Association for the Teaching of English co-hosted a seminar led by Dr Simon Gibbons and Dr Bethan Marshall of King’s College London in the Technology and Innovation Centre at the University of Strathclyde.

Dr Gibbons outlined the recent history of standardised testing in England, and persuasively analysed evidence from national studies which suggests that standardised testing does little to enhance overall attainment in literacy or close the attainment gap between children of different social classes.  Dr Marshall gave a passionate appeal for a philosophy of teaching which is pupil-centred, dialogic and explorative, rather than focussed on the narrow range of skills required by tests. A lively discussion took place afterwards about the nature of English teaching.  The Scottish Association for the Teaching of English is the professional association of English teachers in Scotland, and is a partner of the National Association for the Teaching of English (NATE).

SATE can be followed on Twitter (@SATEfeed) and at the SATE blog

Information on how to join NATE / SATE. or by contact Raymond Soltysek

Dr Simon Gibbons, Dr Bethan Marshall and Raymond Soltysek