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Imitation and Education: A Philosophical Inquiry into Learning by Example
Brings together current research in philosophy, cognitive science, and education to uncover and criticize the traditional assumptions of how and why we should learn through imitation.
178 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2008
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February 28, 2009
"Imitation and Education" is a compact but thorough examination of current and historical thought on the topic of imitation and education. This book is dense with well referenced information and rich examples that take the reader through a deep inquiry into learning by example.
The flow of the book is logical and well organized with each chapter building on the points and research presented earlier to draw substantive conclusions about the human effects of examplarity and imitation. I enjoyed that throughout the book counter points were not hidden, rather, they were openly discussed and examined. This book is kept from being a dry academic exercise through the strategic use of examples, pictures, and stories that are simultaneously interesting and supportive of the arguments being made.
However, be aware that this is not a "light read". It took me much longer to traverse its 167 pages than I had originally planned. In large part this is due to the author's concise writing style where every paragraph, sentence, and word is made to count. There is no fluff or filler that can be easily skimmed over.
My only criticism of the book is the lack of a discussion about the learning by example that can be observed in primates (or other animals) and its potential relevance to human learning. While this may be beyond the scope of the author's focus for this book, it still seems as though it is an avenue that was left unexplored.
Overall, I give the book 5/5 stars for the many hours of thoughtful enjoyment! I particularly enjoyed the discussions of negative role models and media violence. It will make some interesting fodder for future conversations!
The flow of the book is logical and well organized with each chapter building on the points and research presented earlier to draw substantive conclusions about the human effects of examplarity and imitation. I enjoyed that throughout the book counter points were not hidden, rather, they were openly discussed and examined. This book is kept from being a dry academic exercise through the strategic use of examples, pictures, and stories that are simultaneously interesting and supportive of the arguments being made.
However, be aware that this is not a "light read". It took me much longer to traverse its 167 pages than I had originally planned. In large part this is due to the author's concise writing style where every paragraph, sentence, and word is made to count. There is no fluff or filler that can be easily skimmed over.
My only criticism of the book is the lack of a discussion about the learning by example that can be observed in primates (or other animals) and its potential relevance to human learning. While this may be beyond the scope of the author's focus for this book, it still seems as though it is an avenue that was left unexplored.
Overall, I give the book 5/5 stars for the many hours of thoughtful enjoyment! I particularly enjoyed the discussions of negative role models and media violence. It will make some interesting fodder for future conversations!
Displaying 1 of 1 review