Teachers' Choice of Texts with Dr. Judith Kneen

WE'RE BACK! It's time to kick off season 4 with a fond farewell to a stalwart friend of the podcast, Dr. Judith Kneen. Judith took early retirement at the end of the academic year 2020-21 so we got her in front of a microphone before she went, and she's delivered us a characteristically interesting discussion.

Judith's here to discuss some research on a topic dear to her heart as programme leader for PGCE secondary English: the set texts chosen by English teachers for their classes. As lead researcher for a project funded by the UKLA, Judith's got some sobering reflections for us about the diet of texts that pupils receive between the ages of 11 and 14. The research covers prose, poetry and plays. Why is it that there are so many male protagonists? Why are so many of the texts so old? What are the impacts of political pressure, stretched budgets and pragmatic decision-making?

Most importantly, what should new English teachers be asking themselves when deciding what set texts to present to their classes?

You can read the full research report here.

Finally, we're sure all our listeners (and past PGCE students) would like to take a moment to send the warmest wishes for a long and happy early retirement to Judith. A podcast legend and an irreplaceable colleague, we do hope to find an excuse to get her back on here soon.

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Recorded in studio C2.05 at Cardiff Metropolitan University's Cyncoed Campus on 8th July 2021