Teachers Know–How: A Philosophical Investigation

What are the specific types of knowledge and personal characteristics that define good teachers and make for good teaching practices? And what is the broader role of teachers within a society? Teachers Know–How: A Philosophical Investigation presents a comprehensive and up to date philosophical treatment of the kinds of knowledge and know–how that educators should possess in order to meet the demands of education in contemporary societies where high–performance is an expectation of both governments and the public. Initial chapters provide a conceptual survey of professional know–how and proceed to consider the specific nature of teachers know–how and its relationship with teachers professional knowledge. Several differing and contesting conceptions of teachers and their know–how the craft–worker, the executive technician, and the professional are then comprehensively described and discussed. This is followed by an extended defense of the professional conception of teachers know–how, with acclaimed educator Christopher Winch arguing that craft elements and theoretically based know–how are far from incompatible they are in fact complementary and necessary elements of teachers know–how in high performing educational systems. Winch goes on to demonstrate the inadequacy of purely craft based and protocol driven conceptions of teachers know–how while also discussing its relationship with such issues as teachers careers, teacher education, and the teacher in contemporary society. Timely and thought–provoking, Teachers Know–How offers illuminating philosophical  insights into some of the most pressing concerns relating to the quality of contemporary education in the minds of policymakers, parent, and educators alike.  

Christopher Winch is Professor of Educational Philosophy and Policy, School of Education, Communication and Society, King s College London. He is the author of numerous books and articles in the philosophy of education and on professional and vocational education.