The Pedagogy of Confidence: Inspiring High Intellectual Performance in Urban Schools

To arrive at a correct understanding of the foundational principles behind the philosophy of the Pedagogy of Confidence requires that one set aside the prevailing myth that dwelling on weaknesses and isolated test scores will determine levels of student performance. The eager expectation of success for all students is waiting for teachers to put into practice the ideas expounded on in this soul freeing book. The glorious motivational insights that are outlined will put educators interested in liberating the learning potential for all students on the path to higher intellectual stimulation for them as well as their students.To fully grasp the importance of these ideas, one will need to deal with some different assumptions about students and learning. For instance, Debilitating conditions that restrict learning must be dealt with in explicit ways and contextualizing instruction will help to build students' confidence in their ability to learn new content.Clearly, Dr. Jackson's book has raised a sweeping challenge to all those who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. If we take into account the things she shares with us about our power to impact the learning and teaching process the hope of moving all students to higher intellectual performance can be realized.

Yvette Jackson forcefully redirects our attention to nurturing confidence and belief in teachers and their administrators. This "rekindling" , in a time where where the politics surrounding education today seem to diminish these most essential attributes among educators, serves as a welcomed oasis. Confidence and belief in the intellectual performance of educators is naturally transmitted to the intellectual performance of students. These dispositions along with a set of tools and processes outlined in her book creates a learning environment fertile for higher levels of student achievement. These important attributes transcends any new technology, standards movement and accountability system. A must read indeed!

I teach in a rural school but unfortunately this book was written for the inner school audience. The inner school audience with extra money for extraneous staff. It was not applicable for us.

If you want a better understanding of the diversity in your school program this is a must read! The author breaks down the difficulty Afro-American students have with the school systems and why they need to be challenged in their education and not just given simple curriculums to just survive. It is an injustice to all children!

Dr. Jackson holds a mirror up to our faces as educators, and challenges us to not only acknowledge it, but also do something about it...I love how she's not only identified a problem, but offers solutions...the only question is, are we willing to make it happen?

Yvette Jackson has written a profound book on how teachers can rekindle their passion for teaching with a keen eye to building relationship with their students, situating the learning in their lives, and starting everything from the strengths of the students. This is a must read for every courageous educator.

Definitely quality material! From the very first chapter she provides valuable knowledge! It is not an "easy" read, but it will definitely keep you engaged and wanting to read more!

reading group time