Log in or Sign up
chalkface love

chalkface

Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun geology A cliff or quarry exposing chalk, e.g. the White Cliffs of Dover
  • noun The environment where teaching is carried out, specifically a school (a metaphor for coalface, after the chalk used on school blackboards).
  • noun uncountable A musical concept or genre in which music is completely improvised and never played twice. Most often mixing elements of hip-hop, metal, punk and avant-garde jazz.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

This term is believed to have been coined by Prof. Ted Wragg, for his Times Educational Supplement column. At the time the term was coined, coal mining was still seen as the hardest, dirtiest, most dangerous job there was. The term must have resonated strongly with a put-upon teaching profession as it quickly came into general use.

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word chalkface.

Examples

  • The last category in particular leads us into areas which we may not always be aware of at the chalkface/in the classroom, but which underline the strategic significance of the work which goes on there.

    C is for Curriculum « An A-Z of ELT 2010

  • Teaching awards winners offer a view from the chalkface for the benefit of politicians and colleagues

    The government's academies bill was a hot topic at the latest Teaching awards ceremony 2010

  • As I said, I think we need to celebrate the strengths of both, whilst working towards our profession reflecting the majority of teachers in the world working at the chalkface, who are, I think we would all agree, Non-NEST teachers of English.

    Guest blog: More on the NEST/non-NEST divide (or does it exist at all?) « Ken Wilson's Blog 2009

  • Day to day here on the chalkface, almost every grammar explanation is a compromise between being accurate assuming it is even a point that the experts agree on and being easy to understand, use and remember.

    On postpositions DC 2009

  • Developing educational screencasts – practical tips and pedagogical issues from the chalkface

    EdTech 2008 Dr. Eugene F.M. O'Loughlin 2008

  • This is particularly so in the case of teachers who have been at the chalkface for many years and whose sense of vocation is under strain.

    curriculum reform will not improve education without quality teachers Bill Kerr 2008

  • This is particularly so in the case of teachers who have been at the chalkface for many years and whose sense of vocation is under strain.

    Archive 2008-02-01 Bill Kerr 2008

  • This is because it has all gone on extra National Insurance contributions and pensions - very little has been seen at the chalkface.

    Archive 2004-07-01 2004

  • It has been a good day at the chalkface for me and, I hope, for my students and nary a piece of chalk in sight. posted by Jo McLeay @ 2:39 PM

    A good day at the chalkface Jo McLeay 2005

  • The Cape Teachers 'Professional Association on Monday urged Asmal to ensure that "educators at the chalkface", especially those with some experience of the system, were included on the review committee.

    ANC Daily News Briefing 2000

Log in or sign up to add your own related words.

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.