education-theory

A modern look back at the life of one of history's most influential educational theorists, Friedrich Froebel -- inventor of kindergarten. Author Joachim Liebschner is a former librarian/archivist of the Froebel archive at Roehampton College in Surrey, London, England. Liebschner discovered new sources during his own travels to Froebel's home land (in what was then still communist East Germany). This book provides new insights into Froebel's motivations and his efforts to establish early childhood education for the world.

This biography also features modern translations of Froebel's original German text. A well-written and valuable resource for those studying the origins of preschool education.

While I am not a "mainstream " childbirth educator, there are many aspects of this book that I have found myself referring back to during my teaching career. It was very helpful in learning about the adult learner and thier particular physical, emotional , sociocultural and cognitive needs. The chapter on the "the basis of relaxation" was very interesting as it helped me understand the history of using relaxation in childbirth and the different philosphies behind each technique. Biofeedback, therapeutic touch and acupressure were presented in an extremely informative manner. The basics of the childbirth education business arepresented( something that can be overlooked in most teachers passion for their "Cause"). A very mainstreamm textbook that can be of great value to both hospital and independent educators alike.

I find circuit analysis very boring.

But using a decent book makes the task of learning the material that much easier.

The book is quite clear and does a good job of explaining all concepts. I did however have trouble with the flow of the chapters - the examples we're jutted into the middle of the reading space which annoyed me when trying to read about something fully before delving into the examples.

I also found the problems in the back were somewhat harder than examples given in chapters... but its still a worthwhile book.

The thing I love about this text is that it has quite different perspective, not only on the classification (typology) of educational theory/ pedagogy, but also it has notes on researchers who are rarely mentioned in the Anglo- American educational theory hegemony.

After one gets past the "Popov invented the electric light" feeling, one can appreciate the dimension that Bertrand has provided.

Take for example "constructivism" - one will not find mention Grennon- Brooks and Brooks, "In search of understanding: The case for constructivist classrooms" (ASCD) which is now considered a classic text on constructivism in classrooms.

The only other texts that I can find discussing similar themes is Joyce an Weil's, "Models of teaching" and Laurie Brady's book, "Models and methods of teaching." For this reason alone Betrand's book is worthwhile purchasing.

Neil MacNeill

I bought this book several years ago and was amazed at the point the author made. Simply put, emotioanl and other reactions are really and truly concious responses. We've just trained ourselves to rely on those "reactions" as the default. Thought is still required even if for a split-second.

This makes the phrase "He made me mad" illogical.

At least that's what I remember.

This book is really so interesting, I could not put it down! I have shared the book with some of my students and they all agree that it is worth having your own copy. I also agree on many of the points that are stressed in the book. Cognitive & learning in doing are the key words here. I found this book very useful to aid in my lecturing.

There are two primary themes running through this book, both of which are well developed and explained by Mr Jacoby in his usual incisive manner. They are: (1) Multiculturalism is a marketing ploy of corporate America (2) Regardless of which side of the culture war you choose, the only winners are the stakeholders of professional academic life. Mr Jacoby thus places himself firmly in the middle and tweaks the intellectual noses of both the left and the right, pronouncing their positions as DOGMATIC WISDOM. He recognizes that his views are not palatable to either side, but instead of being apologetic, rightly sees this as one of the problems with the debate. "Only in the current ideological climate [are these views] news or heresy".

MULTICULTURALISM AS A CORPORATE MARKETING PLOY. Mr Jacoby sees multiculturalism as a 'way-station' on the road to monoculturalism. He argues that our multiple ethnic groups are not different cultures at all, because we all "partake of a larger industrial society". Partake and become homogeneous. Higher education, pop culture (t.v., movies, music), professional sports, name brand clothes and consumerism in general are making us all alike no matter our ethnic origins. Jacoby says "inexorable loss calls forth proud declarations of identity". It is in recognition of this fact that corporations have latched onto multiculturalism, using it as a marketing tool to draw in minorities here, and attract new consumers abroad. While Jacoby is convincing in arguing that marketing is an important element of multiculturalism he does not mention a critical issue. Namely, we can share traits as mentioned above but this is acculturation, not integration. Acculturation is simply conformity to the superficial cultural traits of a society. It is not synonymous with assimilation, and assimilation is what is needed.

MULTICULTURALISM, AN ACADEMIC PURSUIT. Mr Jacoby makes the connection with consumerism by stating that the elective system of our universities is the equivalent of the free market; choices beyond reason. "This makes passionate arguments about the curriculum seem like shadowboxing; at least in higher education no punches can be landed, because the object, a liberal education, has vanished". The 'professionalizers', he says, have triumphed - "a coherent curriculum has disappeared". Remaining in the middle, he sees no need to join those carping about the radical professors because he sees them as anything but revolutionary. They remain insiders and Jacoby cuts right through their bluster. "They encounter the world as secure employees of mainstream institutions". Hardly the definition of a radical! This dismissing of the multiculturalizing professors is not only a criticism of the left as Jacoby includes 'right' thinking critics as well, lumping all together and pronouncing on their collective hypocrisy. He sees "a celebration of academic hierarchy, professions and success. Never has so much criticism yielded so much affirmation". To which I can only add never has one book added so much new and fresh insight into the culture wars.

The fullest source book presently available on an important and controversial educational concept.

I ordered this text for college students who want to become teachers, but it would be equally applicable to my freshman "English class" students. The cross-cultural and multi-generational excerpts provide the opportunity to sample sociological, historical, philosophical, and psychological writings. Economics is included. Frederick Douglass and Claude Brown provide input from the African-American community. Bell Kaufman and Sylvia Ashton-Warner explore their experiences with students from backgrounds unlike their own. Tom Lehrer and Russell Baker provide insight from a lighter, humorous standpoint. I am looking forward to using this book.

In this book you learn that the students in school today face many issues that are often to over there heads. But students like myself that read this book are able to find the steps it takes towards a more safe enviroment.