Living Contradiction

A teacher's examination of tension and disruption in schools, in classrooms and in self

By: Sean Warren , Stephen Bigger


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Products specifications
Attribute nameAttribute value
Size234 x 156mm
Pages336
ISBN9781785831775
FormatPaperback
PublishedAugust 2017

Describes how one teacher lost himself in his rigid commitment to upholding standards, and charts his research-led journey to find a better way.

Co-authored by Sean Warren and Stephen Bigger, Living Contradiction: A teacher's examination of tension and disruption in schools, in classrooms and in self charts Warren's journey as an experienced and successful teacher who lost himself in his rigid commitment to upholding standards, and documents his research to find a better way.

Values are in vogue in education: they are stated in school policies across the land. They are a list of what the school wants people to think about them and their educational aims – that they are caring, effective, and ethical in rooting pedagogy and all educational processes in positive relationships between teachers and pupils. Amidst the reality of classroom life, however, the very best of intentions can be compromised as the insidious influences of power, pressure, and responsibility come to bear.

In this candid account, presented in the form of a dual narrative, Warren describes how he adopted a persona infused with control and intolerance as his authoritarian approach to suppressing conflict in the secondary school classroom became increasingly incongruent with his personal values and aspirations as an educator. Then, through undertaking his action research project and engaging in a process of reconceptualisation under co-author Bigger's mentorship, Warren began to explore how he could redefine his classroom leadership and authenticate his teaching practice – without compromising standards or authority. Living Contradiction investigates the efficacy of Warren's modified approach and tells the story of how he overcame the incessant demands of tension and disruption by becoming 'confident in uncertainty'.

Grappling with both the philosophical and the pragmatic, the authors offer two distinct perspectives in their commentary on Warren's journey – supporting their interspersed critical reflections with thought-provoking insights into the methodology and outcomes of Warren's research project. The book is split into five parts and is punctuated throughout with expert surveying of a wide range of related research that challenges the status quo on the effectiveness of punishment and authoritarianism as approaches to behaviour management. Furthermore, in exploring how schooling should be as much about developing motivated citizens as encouraging qualifications, Living Contradiction goes in search of answers to the question that all educationalists must ask: 'What do we want our education system to do for our children?'

Suitable for teachers, NQTs, and policy makers, Living Contradiction is a resonatory self-examination of teacher identity and a significant contribution to the debate about how schools and classrooms are run.

Contents include:

Part I – Power Over

Part II – Methodological Considerations

Part III – Degrees of Resistance: Low Level Disruptions

Part IV – Power With

Part V – Working with Colleagues

Click here to read blog posts regarding The Living Contradiction, such as review comments, as well as a breakdown of the different stages involved up until the publication of the book.


Picture for author Sean Warren

Sean Warren

Sean Warren PhD began his career in education in 1988. He proceeded to work with young people in Papua New Guinea, Romania and the United States. Back in the UK, his diverse experience incorporated many roles in education. Seans current interest involves the use of technology to inform classroom observation and professional development.


Picture for author Stephen Bigger

Stephen Bigger

Stephen Bigger PhD began his career as a secondary teacher and from 1981 was a lecturer in education in teacher training institutes, in Scarborough, Oxford and Worcester, ending as head of department and head of research in education.

Over that period he produced three books in collaboration with colleagues, made chapter contributions to others and wrote many articles and book reviews.

Click here to read Stephen Bigger’s blog.


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