It Was All Just Words, Really, for Forty Years - Wasn't It?

The series of recollections in this book reflect many episodes from throughout my life and career. When I initially began teaching in schools in England, in English and Theology, I had no particular expectations of where my teaching experiences would lead me. As my teaching career unfolded, it gradually became apparent to me that, regardless of the subject matter ostensibly under review, it was the communication of that subject matter that was of paramount importance. The style and tone of that communication, and the way the students were treated, would make all the difference to whether a connection could be made with those students - and thus whether the subject matter would be transmitted at all.These recollections will hopefully illustrate this principle - whether as an Adviser within the Sydney Teachers' College English department, or lecturing at the Nurses' Communication Course. Most particularly, my many teaching and learning experiences led me to the field within which good communication is both fundamental and indispensable ... English for Special Education.