Transforming Schools ─ Creativity, Critical Reflection, Communication, Collaboration

Changes in society have resulted in an increased need within schools to focus on developing transferable skills: collaboration, critical reflection, communication and creativity (the 4Cs). The 4Cs have long been embedded within arts education, but Transforming Schools draws on pedagogical innovations to explore ways in which all schools can focus on the 4Cs to transform teaching and learning.

Miranda Jefferson and Michael Anderson demonstrate how a renewed approach to teaching that integrates the 4Cs can better equip today's learners. They draw on their own international research looking at ongoing school reform process in a variety of school settings, working in partnership with practitioners, researchers, students and the community. The authors consider how schools might restructure to bring the 4Cs to the fore.

Key ideas at the end of each chapter support the reader, along with annotated further reading suggestions and a glossary of key terms. A companion website offers a wide range of additional resources, including case studies, expanded audio/video interviews and activities.The essential reading for those looking to transform schools and more effectively meet the needs of today's learners.

Miranda Jefferson is a Teaching Educator in Challenging Pedagogy with the Catholic Education Office, Parramatta, Australia. She is Chief Examiner Drama for the New South Wales Board of Studies, Australia, and Vice-President of Australian Teachers of Media New South Wales. Previously, Miranda was Lecturer in Drama and Screen Learning at the University of Sydney, Australia, and has been on the Arts Curriculum advisory board for the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).

Michael Anderson is Professor of Education at the University of Sydney, Australia. Previously, Michael was a drama a teacher and Creative Arts Consultant with the New South Wales Department of Education, Australia, and holds senior positions in drama curriculum development and assessment with the New South Wales Board of Studies, Australia.