Research on Educational Innovations

Great reference on the current topics in education. The book is very easy to read and not too technical. The reader can easily follow the flow of thoughts of the author. The author has explained very well the differences among educational philosophies. He was able to do so by narrating the historical background of the leading contributors to education and how they came up with these various educational practices. I now understand how some statistical methods were developed and used. Statistical books sometimes do not give distinctions on the methods and leave you confused or frustrated. This book gives you clarity, confidence and courage on how to develop your own teaching style and strategies. These traits are important the moment you accept your teaching assignment and encounter your students.

I agree with the publisher's summary of this compact compendium. I particularly appreciate its lucid explanation of what different levels of research are and aren't--helpful to educators and non-educators alike for deciding perhaps what innovations would best serve the community. It is particularly good exposing some of the assumptions that are shared in the press about some 'best practices', and about the background of some ideas that have taken the country by storm and become standard without having any research or theoretical base. I would add that it is a very readable book for being primarily a reference to other works, with a voice that is very conversational without sacrificing any of its scholarly authority. It is even opinionated about forming opinions. The book does not have as slick a look as some, which kind of adds to its authenticity as an earnest effort to get the facts out there so you can make up your own mind. You will, too, for they actually teach you how to consider the evidence and form a conclusion. I would think this will be updated every couple years. It should be a standard reference for school board members as well as all those master of education courses.