The Epic Classroom: How to Boost Engagement, Make Learning Memorable, and Transform Lives

by Trevor Muir, Sarah DeBaar (Illustrator)

Definition of 1. A story or narrative centered around a hero 2. Spectacular; impressive; memorable. If learning is not memorable, should it even be considered learning? For too long, traditional education has used outdated practices to deliver complex and well-intended content to students with very little hope of that subject matter being retained. It often looks like Lectures are given --->Students write the information down ---> Students take a test on that information ---> Information is discarded from the brain ---> Repeat. In the The Epic Classroom, Trevor Muir presents a project based learning method that uses the power of storytelling and brain science to give educators practical and proven practices to achieve real student engagement. In return, learning that is permanent and memorable. Any teacher, in any subject area, and in any grade level can use the story-centered project based learning framework of The Epic Classroom to transform their classrooms into settings where students are engaged, challenged, and transformed. In this book you will discover - How to increase student engagement - How to plan and execute effective high quality project based learning experiences- Specific strategies for leading engaged students - Outlines and tools to plan, manage, and assess projects - Methods to increase academic performance in students.

Genres: Teaching, Nonfiction, Education, Professional Development

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2017

Reviews

[Kris Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I need to stop being so judgmental and pop a canister of chill pills. Not every book needs to have a thirty page bibliography to have professional merit. Sometimes the purpose of a text is to light a fire and that’s ok. Right? Right?? I’m trying to grow!

[Ayn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Stories are foundational to who we are as people and are at the very core of growth and development [...] Information presented in a story does not just make a brief appearance on the brain and then evaporate once that information was used. Instead, it physically and permanently sears itself to your mind, ready to be accessed and used at any moment." - Trevor Muir

I have had the pleasure of hearing Trevor speak a few times thanks to his involvement with my University and relationship with one of my professors (as I read this book, my brain could hear him reading each word - it was creepy and cool). I have heard "project based learning" thrown around a lot lately and have had some college classes that mention it, but didn't give me the confidence to embark on that journey (although I desperately wanted to try it out).

This book is an excellent resource for teachers interested in making their classroom a rich, engaging environment for learners. In Trevor's presentations, he covered a decent portion of what he wrote in this book. [Basically, if you want to know what he's all about, check out his TedTalk here: https://youtu.be/9ei_HSlUxUQ ]

After hearing him speak, I started treating my classroom a little more like a story (which isn't a huge stretch as an English teacher). I immediately saw my students become more engaged and invested in what they were learning. After reading this book, I feel more confident moving forward into project based learning and adding the projects to the stories.

Each chapter walks through a different component of an epic story and Trevor gives personal examples and examples from colleagues. Every time I hear him talk about projects he has done with his students, my heart warms because his passion for what he does is infectious. Also, as a recent graduate, I have heard so many people try to talk me out of being a teacher because of x, y, and z. But when I hear stories like Trevor's, where he's finding ways to get kids excited about class, learning content and developing skills necessary for life after school, I get excited and I want in on that.

I'm eager to start planning my lessons differently and striving to have an epic classroom. I know it'll take time, even if it's a unit or two to start out with, but I want my students to have the same growth and love of learning in my classroom as his do. Thank you for this excellent resource, Trevor!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. It was a little better than OK, but I know that I didn't always "like it."

First, I have to say that this is not my genre of choice. I have a hard time reading an entire book on something that is going to "help me" or "transform me." I can read an article and love it. But 100's of pages is hard for me to stay engaged. And I think it is hard for most authors to not get repetitive.

I found some good things in here that will help me be a better teacher. Especially as relates to how I think of children and their potential for growth. As far as using his "epic story-telling model" -- I'm not sure I will do that. I can see its value, but it seems unrealistic for the day to day things I teach in math.

Finally, the editing was pretty poor. There were typos in every chapter,which is really distracting and annoying to me.

[Cassie Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This year marked the beginning of my 15th year of teaching. Sometimes a book crosses my path, leaving me more motivated and more enthusiastic about walking back into classroom the next day. This book is one of those books. Although I consider myself a forward-thinking, flexible, innovative teacher, this book served as a mirror, helping to illuminate those things I'm already doing well and uncovering areas in which I need to improve. This is a must-read for all teachers. So many ideas are kicking around my brain that I'm not yet sure exactly what I will do with all of them.

[S.A. Klopfenstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trevor's book is inspirational. It centers on the elements of story and offers ways to make the classroom a setting that takes students on a journey outside themselves, and often outside the classroom. I have been intrigued by project-based learning, and this book is full of epic ideas for projects and teaching strategies to employ in this method of learning. Trevor's enthusiasm and passion for students' transformation as citizens and young people is evident throughout. Even if you don't work at a project-based school, this book will have you thinking about ways you can transform your classroom into a more EPIC place.

At times, the book did seem to oversimplify the applications of this story-centric method of teaching. Story-based lectures felt a little over-the-top. While I can see their place, sometimes information does just need to be transferred. The book also needed a better editor. There were quite a number of typos and odd formatting errors that took away from the reading experience, all of which could have been remedied easily.

However, the book is well worth your time, and it will likely have you brimming with your own ideas as well. Trevor's chapter on Character Development was perhaps my favorite, and doubles down on the potential for the classroom to be a place that transforms students' lives. It will leave you inspired and excited for the potential in your own classroom. The perfect read right before the start of this coming school year.

[Cindy Jacobsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring description of building a classroom based on story - students become part of the story as they solve problems and possibly create real change as they learn. A great way to think about project based learning.

[Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible, and it made the English teacher in me so happy to think of PBL as Story and give it that format. I plan on coming back to this book several times and recommending it to all my teacher friends. It makes so much sense.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It completely changed and inspired my outlook on teaching to encourage student growth and engagement. I've shared it with 5 other teachers already. It is a fairly short, manageable read and if you work with children in any capacity, I highly recommend it.

[Kevin Stumpf · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Middle School World History educator, Mr. Muir has given me much to think about. Not the content, but the delivery. I am glad I read this during the summer so I can begin working on methods to adapt lessons to make them epic.

[jacky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of inspirational ideas and I'm excited to give the structure of a narrative based project a try on a small scale.

[Amy Wieringa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is geared more toward those who teach upper grades. That being said, I gleaned a few pointers I hope to use in my classroom this year.

[Amy Barker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Project-Based Learning

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege of hearing the author speak in person and share some of the stories from his book. Stories are a powerful tool in learning.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because of this book I finally understand what project-based learning is. Well done and easy to understand. I would give this book to any teacher, especially first years. In fact, if I was a principal I would hand this out to any new hire I had.

[Jessica Klap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait to get some of this in my room this year!