JOSSEY-BASS Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning

What I take away from this book are useful strategies to use to enhance student learning. I think I have probably been doing some of these things already, but the book puts these practices into words and defines them clearly. Some reviews are unfairly harsh, I think, and place too much emphasis on "evidence" to support the strategies outlined. As an experienced teacher, I used my own experiences/anecdotes in the classroom to make sense of the ideas put forward and can very much see the logic in them. I look forward to trying them out and seeing how well they work for my students this year.

The authors, one a classroom teacher and the other a cognitive scientist and college professor, present an easy-to-read yet thorough examination of four very powerful tools to help students learn: retrieval practice, interleaving, spacing, and feedback-driven metacognition. They provide summaries of research studies for each tool in a way that is understandable to the average reader, describe numerous ways in which the techniques can be used in a classroom setting, and provide reflections and anecdotes of how they have helped their students become engaged as they take ownership of their learning. They "practice as they preach" by putting in review questions throughout the book that employ all four tools. The reader will discover first-hand how effective these techniques are in developing long-lasting and durable memories. This book is not the first to delve into what cognitive psychology has to offer to education, but this is one of the best books I have read to really offer concrete pedagogical techniques that require little to no advanced planning or additional grading. The authors make a compelling and convincing case that the nominal additional time and energy devoted to using these techniques during instruction results in more material being learned *and* remembered over a longer timeframe. Many teacher training programs lack coverage of these useful techniques. The veteran teacher, who may be jaded by years of unfulfilling inservices and professional development programs, is often skeptical of "new" ways of teaching (though, ironically, the efficacy of these techniques have been known for decades). Such skeptics who are willing to read this book, however, should find something intriguing enough that they may want to try in a future lesson. I recommend this book unequivocally to anyone in teaching profession, from student teacher to seasoned educator, from vice-principal to superintendent, and from teaching assistant to emeritus professor. The approaches and strategies provide the potential for improved test scores and grades and a better attitude towards learning among students in schools that are seriously willing to make a paradigm shift in their instruction.

Powerful teaching is a delightful read, sharing practical techniques that are grounded in evidence. From communication with student and parents about the science of learning to tools that ‘tackle challenges’ rather than ‘adding to them’, Pooja and Patrice walk us through how to harness what they call the power tools; Retrieval Practice, Spacing, Interleaving and Feedback-Driven Metacognition. Sharing practical techniques to try in the classroom and offering the reader regular ‘power up’ summaries, distilling complex ideas into simple and easy to follow actions and reflection for the classroom, this book is useful for teachers of all experiences. We highly recommend having a look at this book if you want to improve your teaching practice. Dave Tushingham and Rhiannon Rainbow- Authors of The Edu-Book Club

Book condition when received is not great. There are blotches on the cover.

Ottimo libro, basato su esperimenti scientifici, su studi di neuroscienze, mostra come applicare le conoscenze teoriche nella pratica della classe, a qualunque livello scolastico o universitario.

First, it is important to note that this is not an "end-all-be-all" book. As an educator new information and up-to-date ideas are always being thrown at you. This book reaffirms information that you as an educator probably already do, but in a different way (or a different name). I recently "saw" one of the authors during a virtual conference this summer. During this conference I really fell in love with the information that was being presented. I usually try to stay away from the "new fads" that come out because they; 1) come and go quickly 2) are not a long running application that you would stay accountable with using. This book is not that! This book is taking information that educators already know and looking at it in a different way. There are also personal stories, research, and many other studies identified within the reading. As an educator, after reading this book, I have come to the realization that there are things that I'm doing that I know are working. This book confirms that same things. There are ideas that I have used, that are mentioned under a different name. There are new strategies that I plan to incorporate within the new school year. Overall, its a great book to start with as a new educator or even a veteran. It's an easy read, informative, and somewhat conversations with personal stories. Don't buy this book thinking it will "solve everything" or "this is exactly what I'm going to do". I definitely will be adding this information to what I already do. As an individual that isn't fond of reading professional development books and more of a hands on/application individual. I approve of this and enjoyed it a lot.