Not a fast read, but provides great resources and tips for new science teachers. I completely redesigned my unit plan and lesson templates based on Ub...moreNot a fast read, but provides great resources and tips for new science teachers. I completely redesigned my unit plan and lesson templates based on UbD and tips from this book. It takes a lot more work up front, but It makes it easier to align standards, objectives, instruction and assessment. I definitely would recommend for new science teachers.(less)
I meant to read this a long time ago (2011) but life and work got in the way. I finally had time to read it this winter break (2012) and D'oh! I shoul...moreI meant to read this a long time ago (2011) but life and work got in the way. I finally had time to read it this winter break (2012) and D'oh! I shouldn't have pushed it for so long. I could've used the material! Well, at least I can implement some of the strategies right away when I come back from break.
The first few chapters are essentially long numbered lists of tips. They vary from classroom management and behavior management to cultivating healthy social environments. Many of the tips, I found, were things I was already doing either intuitively or through "Teach Like A Champion" training. What I found most helpful were the last 2-3 chapters. These chapters included samples of modified labs, activities and assessments. The footnotes explained the changes, such as grouping and chunking similar steps and questions together. These are things they don't teach you in college--or grad school for that matter. I'm going to use these modifications, and see if they work with my kids.(less)
I bought this as an ebook on Kindle Fire so I can't attest for its layout, but I did appreciate the video links to several experiments in action. As...more I bought this as an ebook on Kindle Fire so I can't attest for its layout, but I did appreciate the video links to several experiments in action. As a middle school science teacher, I wanted a resource I could use for inquiry activities in the science laboratory, but this was more for "edu-tainment". It was more about the fun, and didn't delve deeper in the how's and whys of science. Not that I'm against having fun in science class, but there wasn't enough for me personally in this book.
Great for hooks, short demos, or fillers for a younger audience. Easy and entertaining to read. If I bought the hard copy though, it would have just been a coffee table book.(less)
My current professional development training is based entirely on this book. My first year of teaching was a nightmare. When the new administration to...moreMy current professional development training is based entirely on this book. My first year of teaching was a nightmare. When the new administration took over and asked us to attend their training, I learned more about classroom management in those two weeks of in service than I did in both undergrad and graduate college. I'm in my second year now, and these techniques, paired with active practice, have turned me into a more confident and effective teacher. I had people observe who thought I was teaching for years.
The main point about TLAC is that effective champion teachers have a variety of tools at their disposal. These techniques give me confidence in that I know what I can do next if Tool A, or Tool B, or even Tool C doesn't work. This is a big book, and you obviously won't get through it all. It's one of those books you work through. I bought the ebook, which is great because I can just click on the links for the clips and watch right from my Kindle or iPad.
This is definitely one of those books I would recommend to new struggling teachers. Forget Harry Wong. If you're struggling with behavior, if you're in an inner city school, or if you're just running out of options because of a stressful teaching environment... this is the book you need.(less)
Very informative. Lots of useful ideas and strategies to use in the science classroom. Wish I opted for the paper copy instead of the Kindle edition t...moreVery informative. Lots of useful ideas and strategies to use in the science classroom. Wish I opted for the paper copy instead of the Kindle edition though.(less)
If this book was a color, it'd be yellow. It was relatively a quick read, but only because I was so engrossed with it. The book was an enjoyable and e...moreIf this book was a color, it'd be yellow. It was relatively a quick read, but only because I was so engrossed with it. The book was an enjoyable and enlightening read. The author has an easy anecdotal writing style; I liked the way he wove in different life stories to drive home many of the characteristics of his main subject, the "Element." I wanted to read more about what he had to say about creativity and public education. It was disappointing that I didn't find it until the second to last chapter and he dedicated only a few pages to it. I guess, with my teacher background, I wanted more concrete advice as to how I could take what I read into my profession, but nevertheless it was still a good book. Maybe I'll just have to get creative on my own! (less)
Easy refresher for those more familiar with scientific ideas, and works well as a general introduction for the curious individual who wants to gain a...moreEasy refresher for those more familiar with scientific ideas, and works well as a general introduction for the curious individual who wants to gain a better understanding. As a science teacher, I like the case laid out by the authors on science literacy. I also like how the focus was on holistic concept-based instruction, teaching the core concepts of science, rather than spoon-feeding trivia. The chapters were broken down into select principles of science everyone should be familiar with. The explanations were easy, authentic, and I came away with new ideas on how to approach difficult concepts with students. (less)
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