Looking in Classrooms

This is undoubtedly one of the most popular college texts on teaching; at least, it certainly should be. The authors are leading experts on educational research, and their book is a comprehensive summary of what is known about teaching. Those preparing to be teachers should study it the same way medical students pore over The Merck Manual. The book speaks with authority on nearly all important areas of instruction. For instance, whereas many popular books and articles repeat the myth that classroom rewards undermine student interest, G & B note that the research consistently shows that praise and other rewards are very beneficial when used properly. And while many teachers believe that high expectations magically transform students, G & B make it clear that it is what teachers do, not what they expect, that helps students learn. College texts are seldom the sort of book that people turn to for a quick, entertaining read during vacation. However, as college texts go this one is well written and interesting, and it should be read by all teachers and kept on their shelves and referred to frequently.

...a book on effective classroom teaching that mixes classroom management with a constructivist and classroom community approach. Wonderful. Dewey would be so satisfied by this. Everything else you could need is included from theory to practical vignettes to handling specific classroom issues (not just behavioral). It could have used pictures--it didn't have any--,but we can't always have what we want. The information is wonderful sans the pics. Please check it out!

I have used this book both as a college lecturer and as a public school principal/administrator. It ties research directly into classroom practice and provides numerous methods and ideas for having instructional conversations with teachers.

This book is a comprehensive and instructive review of the major literature regarding effective classroom instructional practice. A helpful source book for all educators concerned about encouraging educators to use the research that shapes effective teaching and classroom practice.