This Issue's Problem: Steve Cloye is over half way through his first main teaching placement and has been struggling with the PGCE. His degree was in American Studies, and although this included American history he lacks confidence in his subject knowledge, and particularly in his understanding of the nature of the discipline. His good humour, interest and enthusiasm mean that he has made a very positive contribution to work in the university and he is very well liked by his peers, but he has encountered significant difficulties in school.