What is a sketchbook? What is it for? Who might use one? Why? How can they be used in schools by both pupils and teachers?

Sketchbooks and journals are often a vital tool in the creative process. A space, a playground where ideas, imaginings and observations can be coaxed, teased and worried into existence. They are a site for gathering information, exploring possibilities, making connections, resolving problems through trial and error and, crucially, for thinking. This book provides insights into how sketchbooks are used not only by artists and designers but also architects, choreographers, musicians, teachers and scientists. Sketchbooks are both commonplace and extraordinary: a means of communication and often intensely personal records. The authors argue that the thoughtful use of such documents can be used to make significant changes in attitudes to learning.