Book Reviews

By Thomas L. Friedman & Michael Mandelbaum c. 2011

There is an outstanding overview of dynamics contributing to current economic, political and social dynamics in U.S. This will help voters in their decisions in the November 2012 elections. Part IV also addresses the significant difficulties in bipartisan cooperation in the current Congress, and its serious ramifications.

In the div on THE EDUCATION CHALLENGE, there is a well-supported rationale for improvements needed in U.S. education. Chapter 6 also refers to PISA – International Test Scores, and aligns very well with the research presented on the INSTEAD web-site. There is strong support for the value in advancement of STEM -Science, Technology, Engineering, Math.

A must-read for all Americans!

By Linda Darling-Hammond c. 2010

Diane Ravitch is a former Assistant Secretary of Education and was a leader in the drive to create a national curriculum. She now repudiates positions that she once advocated. She critiques popular ideas like the business model, privatization, standardized testing, punitive accountability, charter schools. A great deal of common sense!

I especially like her recommendation to encourage family involvement in education from an early age. It is an example of the educational wisdom found in this book.

By Linda Darling-Hammond c. 2010

This is an excellent explanation of how the opportunity gap is constructed, and new standards and testing can lead to narrowing of the gap for the disadvantaged while expanding the opportunities for the more advantaged in our society.

Chapter 6 is especially strong in explaining how countries build strong teaching & learning systems, with clear understanding of the factors leading to the high PISA international test scores for Finland, Korea, and Singapore. One comes away with a more pragmatic understanding of international standards, curriculum and assessments.

There is an emphasis on the position of doing what matters most, which is developing competent teaching and infusing collaboration, planning and professional development into the school day. Darling-Hammond has been a resource for educational policy and reform in the Obama administration, and her perspective is a significant read.

By Tony Wagner c. 2008

Tony Wagner does an outstanding job of explaining the seven survival skills needed for future workers, and how current education methods are outdated. The Seven Survival Skills are discussed in detail with examples:

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Collaboration Across Networks & Leading by Influence
• Agility & Adaptability
• Initiative & Entrepreneurialism
• Effective Oral & Written Communication
• Accessing & Analyzing Information
• Curiosity & Imagination

Chapter 5 gives an enlightening explanation addressing the lack of motivation seen in today’s students who are growing up digital, multitasking, and constantly connected. A must read for teachers & parents!!!

By Tom Loveless, Editor c.2007

Chapter 2 provides a historical review of TIMSS in Perspective, and Chapter 9 provides a thorough comparison between TIMSS and PISA Mathematics in terms of goals and test items. The question is addressed as to whether the lack of focus in current Mathematics Curriculum is a symptom or cause, and provides thoughtful considerations related to curriculum. Chapter 5 addresses the important issue of U.S. Algebra Performance in International Context. This is a must read for math teachers and those revising mathematics curriculum. A must for more complete understanding of International Testing!

By: Helen Abadzi c.2006

This is a masterful overview addressing the understanding of cognitive processing and its direct applicability to the most effective pedagogy. divs on memory and basic skills are extremely thorough. The chapters on literacy acquisition, reading, mother-tongue instruction can readily applied to teaching reading to underprivileged populations in any country and instructional environment. Likewise there are very practical strategies for the teaching of numeracy. Pragmatic recommendations relate to cognitive effects of time-on-task, lecturing, seatwork, projects and non-instructional activities. Each chapter has policy implications and indicates research needs. An extremely valuable methodology resource contributing to education for all!

By David A. Sousa c. 2006 (3rd Edition)

This is a valuable, newly revised and updated edition of a powerful and practical bestseller! Sousa’s work examines the ongoing research and developments in brain functioning. Pragmatic research is presented in a clear, well-organized format, and each div is followed by a Practitioner’s Corner providing a wealth of direct strategies that can be immediately transferred to classroom practice.

This book is part of a series of several books on how the brain learns in Reading, Mathematics, and special books addressing the brain research related to Special Needs, Gifted, ELL, Females, and Leadership. These are outstanding resources for classroom application in improving student engagement!

By Jeanne S. Chall c. 2002

The APPENDIX is extremely pragmatic in addressing key differences Between Teacher-Centered and Student-Centered Instruction.

• What Should be Learned/Emphasized
• Specific V/S Integrated Content
• Curriculum, Standards & Assessment
• Attitudes , Discipline, Individual Differences
• Optimum Level of Difficulty for Learning
• Grading/Report Cards – Promotion
• Textbooks & Other Teaching Materials
• How Students Difficulties Are Treated
• Teacher’s Educational Background

The author’s recommendation is for more traditional, teacher-centered instruction as a strategy better suited to academic achievement that really works in the classroom. A thought-provoking, well-supported contemporary viewpoint worth reviewing.

By William Strauss and Neil Howe c.1997

When we start to wonder and reflect on how “times have changed,” this book provides insight into the current, approximate two decade period, of the Fourth Turning within the 80-100 year repeating cycles of history. It traces back centuries, and provides historical evidence of the cyclical nature of history, and helps to explain how our current global crisis is an evolving winter in the Fourth Turning of the complete historical cycle that follows the seasonal rhythm of growth, maturation, entropy, and destruction. Along with this historical interpretation, is the tremendous insight of Generational Theory, which helps to explain the differences in the Boomer, Generation-X, and Millennial generations that are currently parents who are raising and influencing n entire new generation of children never before experienced in schools. This is truly profound, “big picture” insight!!!