The professional beliefs of teachers in teaching between scientific facts and myths

Author: Khaled Rashid Mohammed Al-Nuwasir The Professional Beliefs of Educators in Teaching Between Scientific Facts and Myths The book sheds light on the hidden world of the teaching process, or the professional beliefs of educators; in an attempt to interpret the causes of their professional behavior, and to understand the impact of their beliefs on education and learners in shaping their teaching practices. The book takes the reader on an intellectual journey passing through five stations, drawing the attention of educational policymakers and practitioners to the importance of professional beliefs in the identity of teachers; and the requirements of professionalizing the teaching process by presenting real-life experiences in facing the challenges of developing it. It introduces the reader to types of professional beliefs, mechanisms of acquiring them, tools for measuring them, and the difficulties of changing them. It also discusses the concept of "educational myths," reasons for believing in them, and their potential risks. Then it presents examples of common educational myths such as: the myth of learning styles, the myth of classroom size, and myths about the brain; revealing their origins, how widespread they are, and discussing scientific evidence disproving them. In its final section, the book offers preventive and remedial suggestions that contribute to transforming teaching into a profession with social status, where its members are deservedly appreciated.