A Handbook for Classroom Instruction that Works

by Robert J. Marzano, Jennifer S. Norford, Diane E. Paynter

Designed as a self-study resource, this handbook guides readers through nine categories of instructional strategies proven to improve student achievement. Sections 1-9 address the nine categories of instructional strategies that can be applied to all types of content, at all grade levels, and with all types of Identifying similarities and differences; Summarizing and note taking; Reinforcing effort and providing recognition; Homework and practice; Representing knowledge; Learning groups; Setting objectives and providing feedback; Generating and testing hypotheses; and Cues, questions, and advance organizers. For each of the nine categories, exercises, brief questionnaires, tips and recommendations, samples, worksheets, rubrics, and other tools are provided. For elementary and middle school teachers, counselors, evaluators, and administrators.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Professional Development, School

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is great for a new teacher, or an experienced teacher needing a refresher course on instruction. While there is nothing, I mean, NOTHING, new in this book, it does bring together instructional strategies for an effective teacher to use in the classroom.

[Jason Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think one of the reasons why most of the reviews for this book are poor is because many school districts around the country have pushed these strategies down teachers throats. When this book was first distributed through our district, I was impressed because I was a fairly new teacher. The book includes many different strategies and even master copies of handouts and graphic organizers for use in the classroom. As a newer teacher, this is one of the things that makes a book of educational strategies appealing.

That being said, I can understand the frustration of veteran teachers when their school districts forced these strategies onto them, some making them mandatory. Marzano and his team of education-experts have not presented the education world with anything new. They have simply researched and pointed out the strategies used by thousands of teachers world wide that seem to work best with all types of students from all types of backgrounds.

Personally, I think the book is good reference material, though not groundbreaking in any way. If our district had not provided teachers with free copies, I'm not sure I would have purchased it. If you are a new teacher and looking for some strategy books for your collection, cross your fingers and hope your district gives you this one for free because you can find better use of your teacher funds.

[Rick Christiansen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had just finished Marzano's Classroom Instruction that Works so this handbook was redundant. I actually preferred the research stats and format of Classroom Instruction that Works compared to this one. This handbook has the same ideas presented in the other book, but in more of a self-study workshop type format. I did not go through and fill out each Module as the book was intended, so it was not that useful to me. New teachers may benefit more from this book (i.e. its graphic organizers, the reflection tools, and planning worksheets).
I was able to fly through this book in one day however because each chapter has the same structure, which makes it an easy read. The only section that I may refer back to is the last chapter "Putting it all Together" because it has a good planning worksheet for a unit of instruction. Other than that, I would not really recommended this for anyone who has taught 3 or more years (you have probably seen it all before).
Ideally, it would be nice if you could implement all of these strategies for every unit but the truth is you have to pick and choose what works best for you (your own style and preferences, as well as time constraints and school's choice of designated curriculum) and your students (ability and age).

[Vwteach02 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this along with our districts continuous improvement movement. This book works perfectly by creating a student-centered classroom and growth mindset. Definitely should be a read for every year!

[Clickety · Rating 5 out of 5]

Details on several (six, I think) instructional strategies shown to be particularly effective in increasing student achievement.

[Diana Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nicely laid out and well-organized book on classroom management. It is full of useful ideas, classroom layouts, rules and procedures guidelines, as well as solid advice on how to manage specific problems and transitions. I love that it is concisely written with lots of examples. Great tool for new teachers!

[Nhu Khue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the book in order to have the right attitude, dealing with students is a different "story"

[J.M. Brister · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great resource for teachers and review the following teaching strategies:
-Similarities & Differences
-Summarizing & Note Taking
-Reinforcing Effort & Providing Recognition
-Homework & Practice
-Representing Knowledge
-Learning Groups
-Setting Objectives & Providing Feedback
-Generating & Testing Hypotheses
-Cues, Questions, & Advance Organizers
-Specific Types of Knowledge

[Kristle Pipgras · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book with helpful classroom management strategies for every grade.