Teach Like a Champion 2.0 : 62 Techniques That Put Students on the Path to College

by Doug Lemov

Includes DVD

Paperback

Published January 1, 2014

About the author

Doug Lemov is an American educator and author. He is currently Managing Director of Uncommon Schools, a non-profit charter management organisation that manages 42 charter schools across New York, New Jersey and Boston.

Reviews

[Graham Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teach Like a Champion 2.0 is an excellent - if not the best - how-to for inexperienced teachers. Lemov's purpose for the book is why, "it starts with and is justified by the results it helps teachers achieve , not by its fealty to some ideological principle. The result to aim for is not the loyal adoption of these techniques for their own sake, but their application in the service of increased student achievement" (p. 452). What's inside is a treasure-trove of ideas, encouragements, and warnings that cover most aspects of the in-person classroom. It masterfully straddles the lines between what is awesome and what is doable (as a comparison to, not a complaint against, Ron Clark and Kim Bearden).

This book, like any book, does have its drawbacks. Most of the ideas would work best for an elementary or middle school. Also, they work best when the students are in front of you. Teaching at an online high school, I'm not certain many of the ideas translate well. But that doesn't detract from the book as much as defines its scope and limit. Any teacher should read this book.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every teacher (or prospective teacher) needs to read this book! I've studied this book for a year, taking notes along the way. My only regret is that I wish I had read it in its entirety last summer before I started teaching art to large classrooms of students.

I plan on applying these great tools this year. One of the most basic is the epiphany to "Check for Understanding." So many teachers believe or assume a student "gets it" the first time a concept is taught.
Without realizing it, my school already uses the "I, We, You" principle of lesson planning; this is basically a shift of the teacher modeling something through the student practicing it until they master the concept.
My biggest takeaway for the grades I'm teaching is the "Five Principles of Classroom Culture." I can readily see the errors and successes I had last year and how I will focus more on procedures this coming year. Specifically I will make my directions clear and concise and focus on positive framing.

[Aiwendil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has some useful tips and tricks, so I'd recommend reading or scanning this book if you're a teacher. However I didn't enjoy reading it that much. This has mostly to do with the writing, which I didn't really enjoy. It also lacks examples and explanations in some areas, while being overly long in other places. I think there are better, more effective books about the subject out there (such as Formatief handelen: Van instrument naar ontwerp), but nonetheless I did learn a couple of things and it does have a number of good techniques. So recommended, but possibly only to scan through.

[Katrina Mast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished after reading it for the past three years or so. 😁
Honestly, I could probably start back at the beginning and read it again.
My main goal is to prepare students for life, not for college, so at times I disagree with the points. But overall this book contains tons of helpful techniques for teachers.

[Ben Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous resource

I teach adult Sunday school classes and work classes. This book has been an invaluable resource. It has also given great insight I use when teaching my children. Highly recommended.

[Timothy Riley · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were definitely some cringy techniques explained in this book, but overall new teachers should probably read it. Having been around for a long time, I didnt get much out of it. I valued some of the math advice. It has the vibe of weird charter school philosophy.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas and suggestions!

Not a perfect book but so many great techniques to try when facing challenges in the classroom. Going to be very helpful!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it for a class, found some parts helpful. Definitely take it with a grain of salt and use what works for you.

[Temple · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and work through it with my student teachers.

[Stephanie Conner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.

[Katie Rose Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful and well presented may only some explanations and expectations of students came off as a bit classiest