Product reviews for Impact Techniques in the Classroom

Impact Techniques in the Classroom is written by a Canadian psychologist, though I suspect psychotherapist might be a more accurate description. The introduction to the book explains that teachers spend a lot of their time attempting to engage, motivate and focus children in addition to actually teaching them. A few simple techniques can do all these things effectively, freeing up the teacher to concentrate on teaching rather than class management.

The ideas presented are rather good. They are all based on the notion of giving shape and form to children's inner thoughts and feelings, through using objects as metaphors for experience. The book is in four sections, each consisting a series of activities with intriguing titles like 'Paper Clips' 'X-ray' and 'Sponge'. In 'Paper Clips' the students are invited to attach some pieces of paper together securely, using paper clips and then use the experience to symbolise 'attaching' concentration, attention, interest and enjoyment to each piece of work they do. Once the association is made, the teacher can use the paper clip to remind the students in future. We consistently fail to develop and build on children's ability to visualise and use symbol and metaphor to give shape to their inner experiences ; this book goes a long way toward redressing the balance.

If you think this sounds a little like Jungian psychology you would be right, which is why I think the worst thing about this book is the title. Rather it should be 'Impact ideas for the Disaffected Child' because the majority of English teachers will run a mile from implementing in the classroom the kinds of things Beaulieu is suggesting.. It would be better targeted at learning assistants or teachers working in the alternative education field as the ideas are powerful and certainly have more than a place in contemporary education. It should also have a prominent place on the shelf of each LEA Educational Psychology Service office.