Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Educational Issues

by James William Noll

Taking Sides volumes present current controversial issues in a debate-style format designed to stimulate student interest and develop critical thinking skills. Each issue is thoughtfully framed with "Learning Outcomes, " an "Issue Summary, " an "Introduction, " and an "Exploring the Issue" section featuring "Critical Thinking and Reflection, Is There Common Ground?, " and "Additional Resources." Taking Sides readers also offer a "Topic Guide" and an annotated listing of "Internet References" for further consideration of the issues. An online Instructor's Resource Guide with testing material is available for each volume. "Using Taking Sides in the Classroom" is also an excellent instructor resource. Visit www.mhhe.com/takingsides for more details.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Reference, Textbooks, School

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Tena Edlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't decide if it's the book or the assignments that went with it that I just did not get into. Probably a mixture of both. This book presents opposite sides of different educational issues, but I found that the sides presented were so polarizing. I think most people would be somewhere in the middle of all the issues when getting all the information. But, I am a shades of gray person... I rarely see anything in black & white.

[Lorrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides pros and cons to several educational issues. The topics can easily be used in the classroom for debate--either by the students in small groups or for the class as a whole. I would recommend it as a really good supplement for any educational leadership class.

[Evalyn]

Intriguing title, for a class I'm about to begin.

[Brittnee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the section on constructivism very informative.

[Erik]

Interesting in that it provides multiple viewpoints for contemplation.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the format of this book. They take an issue and give both sides of the issue.

[Camille Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe I haven't written a review about this before! I was assigned to read this in my master's of education courses, but it's one I would have been pleased to read even if I wasn't required to. It presents an issue that's a topic of dispute then has a person from each side present a quality argument as to their view of it. Some of the topics aren't as interesting as others, but it's easy to skip around. After reading this book, I bought Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Political Issues because I wanted to get a more balanced idea of politics.