How to Turn Learners On...Without Turning Them Off: Ways to Ignite Interest in Learning

Reading this work on the creation of effective learning is really a journey back in time to the classroom we all experienced. Dr. Mager has uncovered and openly displayed every bad practice, subversive method, and counterproductive initiative that teachers have inflicted on learners. In doing so, he is reminding us all that teaching has an impact on learners. Dr. Mager states, " Unless students are changed in some way by the instruction, the instruction cannot be regarded as successful." Dr. Mager is pointing out that the initial purpose of instruction is to teach students. He demonstrates that many of the practices found in teaching are used to control students and to manage classrooms rather than to positively change behaviors and interest learners. The influence teaching has on behavior can be positive or negative, and the actions of the instructor and/or the instruction determine which result occurs. His book is another common sense visit to the fundamental issues of instruction and a refreshing reminder that it is not necessary to be fancy in order to be successful.