Classroom Instruction That Works: Research-Based Strategies for Increasing Student Achievement

I've studied education for over 20 years and I still learned new approaches in my field. The book should be scanned in some places and read and re-read in others. Yes, some of the best practices are familiar because they are, well, best practices. This is what teachers have begged for, a book of techniques back by data.

I've yet to read such a well-written, succinct overview of the most popular current teaching methods. Marzano and company are the great synthesizers of educational methods these days. While it's true that no chapter is completely detailed, the authors provide ample notations to enable those interested in pursuing a method to further enhance their teaching. Very well put together, highly accessible, and very plain-spoken, this is a fantastic overview for the novice and a great refresher for the veteran educator. PS. A reply to "Chock full of the Obvious," the reviewer from Maine who didn't bother to leave a name. What Marzano does is provide a jumping-off point. He and his co-authors don't expect their text to be biblical. If they do, well, then I'll apologize. However, for thumbnail sketches of the big methods that work, it's a damn fine book. And that's how I reviewed it. Not only that, but keeping this book on your desk gives you a pretty high CYA quotient if you're ever questioned on your methods by an overzealous administrator.

I'll keep this short and sweet, and not summarize the contents of the book. Such can be found in other reviews, as well as the editorial synopsis. Instead, let me just suggest that "Classroom Instruction that Works??? is a long overdue work that can be used in a three-fold manner. First, it should be required reading for every new teacher. It clearly details for them what is effective in the classroom, regardless of grade level. There is little philosophy here. This is ???meat and potatoes??? practicality.Secondly, the research in this book should become an integral part of every teacher-evaluation process. It provides a model paradigm of excellence in teaching above and beyond the subjectivity extant in most evaluations today.Finally, this book should be a personal read of every experienced teacher. I cannot express my feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment when I realized--I already do many of these things! While I know I can improve in many areas because of reading this work, much of my teaching was validated by sound research, and that felt good! It is my hope that this material will be presented at many of the national education conferences I attend each year--in fact, I plan on using much of this in my own presentations. The book is nicely organized, backed by solid research, and utilizes illustrative scenarios which make complex methodology very understandable. And isn't this the goal of every classroom teacher?HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!Dr. J.L. ParksGeorgetown Middle SchoolGeorgetown, KY

Teachers, this book spells out in plain language what works. It explains each strategy in detail, gives examples, and summarizes the research on how effectively that strategy works. The strategies are in order of effectiveness. It doesn't matter what subject you teach; it does matter HOW your teach it. The book is beautifully written, just 178 pages, and POWER PACKED! A crucial read for educators.