My review of this book has just been published in Teach Secondary magazine. The review there is slightly different from the one I submitted, so I’ve included my original one here as text, and the Teach Secondary one as a scan. There’s not much difference between them, except that my original has slightly more detail.

Review of Tools for Teachers: How to teach, lead, and learn like the world's best educators

(Oliver Lovell, John Catt, £15)

The author draws on his interviews with several well-known educators to produce what is, in effect, a toolbox of techniques in such areas as “explicit instruction”, behaviour management, leadership and evaluating educational research.

The book contains very clear explanations, and these are supplemented throughout by tables and diagrams. I have to say, though, that I found the suggested scripted introductions to a new class dire, and potentially risky because they would take too long. Also, the scripted explanations and instructions to the whole class seem pedestrian. Moreover, the author appears to accept Cognitive Load Theory as fact.

Still, as a hand-holding guide for the inexperienced teacher or new leader, the book contains some very useful suggestions, such as asking the students in a new class to complete a sheet telling you about themselves. There are also some apposite observations on school culture, motivation and curriculum. So overall a good investment.