Best Practice: Today's Standards for Teaching and Learning in America's Schools

by Steven Zemelman, Harvey Daniels, Arthur Hyde

Recognizing that the themes of American education have changed dramatically, Steven Zemelman, Harvey Daniels, and Arthur Hyde reconvened, and their new edition provides fresh, inspiring examples of state-of-the-art teaching methods in action.

Genres: Education, Teaching, College

352 pages, Paperback

First published April 27, 2005

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although a lot of the content of this textbook is geared towards reading and writing teachers, the authors purposefully put in chapters for mathematics, social studies, the arts, and science. They even include tips for parents and principals (who also get their own chapter). Covering the bases like this makes their audience much wider and applicable to a district wide change instead of just an individual teacher's ideal classroom.

This particular version is a smidge outdated, but no less relevant and helpful for those struggling in the classroom environment to create an environment and lessons that will help children reach their full potential. Jam packed with case studies, engaging language, and helpful hints this is an easier read than the more traditional texts you see out in the world.

[Alex Valencic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally useful, although my copy (3rd edition) is outdated in terms of its discussion of NCLB (we are now in the age of ESSA), standards (this book was written before CCSS, NGSS, and the C3 Framework), and evaluation (Danielson has taken over teacher evaluation).

I prefer the term "better practices" over "Best Practice," but the points of instructional approaches that are effective still stand.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each section is dedicated to different subjects and has a detailed account of current research as to best practice. At the end of the section there's a two column chart with increase/decrease lists: Ex: Best Practice in teaching reading= increase:teacher reading good literature aloud to students Decrease: Teacher selection of all reading materials for individuals and groups. I find myself going back to the checklists as a monitoring tool for reflecting on my teaching.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource and a wonderful introduction to education in all subjects. Well written, engaging and applicable text. It's obvious the authors are in the field in both research and practice. I find myself referring to this book almost weekly.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sound research for education.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book... especially for referencing ideas that will take your practice from better to best. :)

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book...not a new title but it definitely has important concepts that always imply "good teaching"!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy-reading book about best practices in teaching across the curriculum. Great ideas with real examples about student-centered, active learning. Chapter 2 and Chapter 8 are especially good.

[Tami Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for classroom teachers and principals.

[Jonna Higgins-Freese]

Want to read b/c is research behind Write thing using at R's school