This book is the result of research and teaching over a period of years.  The method used to examine the teaching of History in secondary schools draws on the authors experience as a system analyst where detailed observations of current practice were undertaken and then compared what academic research indicated was best practice for teachers. The author worked as a teacher of History in ten secondary schools in metropolitan, regional, rural and remote schools in the Government, Catholic and Independent school sectors. 

Planning to Teach History is designed to provide pre-service and early career teachers with a bridge that takes them from their academic training to the classroom. It aims to:

·         Examine the links between academic research and what happens in the classroom,

·         Model the teaching of historical knowledge, historical concepts, historical skills in engaging ways integrating technology seamlessly into the classroom ,

·         Provide insights into the professional life of a teacher with emphasis on communicating with parents through student reports, report comments and preparing for parent-teacher interviews, and

·         Provide Heads of Departments with a resource that offers innovative and engaging ideas on teaching and learning, assessment and reporting.

The text covers the classroom environment exploring the characteristics of teachers and students, diversity within the student body and approaches to teaching that cater for this diversity. Content knowledge is a key factor in teaching successfully. The text asks the questions teachers need to be able to answer to teach the options within the curriculum. Productive pedagogy which was based on authentic pedagogy developed by Newman & other is reviewed as is the importance of developing relationships in the classroom. A range of teaching strategies is also examined. Technological knowledge involves knowing what options are available and how they can be used in the classroom. Integrating teacher content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and technological knowledge into their classroom practice is important in producing students who have the work skills and abilities for the knowledge era.