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Summary: Five New Reviews of Ask the Teacher (April 2001)
Review: ... delightful and informative. ... used at National University and at the University of California at San Diego. ... students regularly use it as a guidebook and reference book. ... should be in the personal library of every K-18 educator!Cynthia Schubert-Irastorza, Ed.D., United States International University ... a must for all beginning teachers. Its clear question and answer format answers the questions all new teacher want to know. ...any teacher could easily incorporate it ideas and philosophies into their daily curriculum. Lisa Haydt, M.A. United States International University ...an excellent mix of philosophy and practice. ...shows new eduators how to incorporate what they have been taught into everyday practices. Kathlyn Roberts, Ed.M., Prairie View A&M University ...a thorough, practical, easy to read guide to the field of education for any teacher - not just the beginning teacher. A must for a teacher's reference shelf. Theresa Punzalan, M.A., San Diego State University ...a breath of fresh air. I recommend this book to all teachers regardless of their years of teaching. Melvin Zeddies, Ph.D., United States International University
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Summary: Christine Marshall, McGraw-Hill Higher Education
Review: ... makes and excellent reference ... the material is respectful of diverse learners and communicates this perspective throughout the work. Gwen Parry-Stowers, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, National University ... an excellent "desk reference" for new teachers - it is very comprehensive and addresses many issues. Gordon Schott, Core Adjunct Faculty, National University ... written in an interesting, informative and current manner. This is a textbook that students will keep, reference and apply in their classroom. Lorraine S. Leavitt, Ed.D., Plavan School Principal Plainly written without the "eduspeak" so common in many publications, all readers will take with them a comprehensive knowledge of schooling. Richard Walsh, Faculty Member, Intercollegiate Studies Institute, Washington D.C. ... rich in practical ideas, full of critical advice and applicable instructional strategies. Paul Johnson, Ed.D., Assistant Professor, National University at Fresno ... appears to contain many of the questions that teachers new to teaching may have! ... an excellent text.... Lois Lytle, Adjunct Faculty, National University ... students enjoy your book cover to cover! ... offers the practicing teacher a quick reference resource, which explains and answers questions in a down-to-earth way. Manuel R. Roman Jr. Ed.D., National University at Sacramento ... an excellent resource for teachers. It is concise and to the point, and can even be used in the special needs environment. Kwame Seku, Adjunct Faculty, National University It's accessible and usable by parents, teachers and students alike, because of the straightforward language. Yet, make no mistake about it -- it's chock-full of theory. ... expanding our horizons while inviting us to coffee table talk about the most pressing issues in education today. It will help you change the way you teach. Gary Jimenez, Teacher, Clairemont High School, San Diego ... a well-written, highly readable and beautifully organized ... provides information to help educators keep up with the changing needs of a diverse student population. The contents ... promote informed dialogue, reflection and discussion that raise the level of awareness to improve accountability in teaching and learning. Anita Canul, Adjunct Faculty, National University at San Jose ... should be required reading for all teacher training programs. Dr. Ryan has created a synthesis of education research and 30 years of teaching experience that proves to be a valuable asset for teachers facing today's education challenges. Patrick McElhaney, Teacher, Clairemont High School, San Diego
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Summary: An Essential Book For New Teachers
Review: As a new teacher, I found this book to be incredibly helpful. The way that it is written is in bite-able chunks, which makes it easier to understand the different dynamics that are happening in the classroom. I appreciate the letters from parents and children in this book - because it gives me, as a professional, insight to the people I serve. I found this book to be an essential tool for my foundation in both aspects of teaching and psychological approaches with students. I actually had the opportunity to take this class with Dr. Mark Ryan, and found his teaching style and techniques to be extremely helpful. I am glad that I have this book. I always go back to it even though I got it over a year ago, and I probably will reflect on it for years to come.
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Summary: Useful information for today's diverse classroom...
Review: Ask The Teacher's hands on approach, as well as its added commentaries, could serve as the basis for reflecting on issues of change and school reform for pre-and-in-service teachers especially in today's diverse classroom. This comprehensive, yet easy to read book, should be a part of every new teachers library.
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Summary: Buy this "Book" only if forced to by National University!
Review: Could this be yet another example of National University choosing the worst available text simply because it is written by one of their "professors"? If you buy it you WILL know and, yes, you do have my pity since the 1 Star rating may be a hyperbolic overzealous estimation of the quality & relevance of this text!
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Summary: A college textbook you'll want to keep!
Review: Excellent book for the beginning or experienced teacher. This is a book you will want to keep for your professional library!
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Summary: Excerpts from 24 Book Reviews of Ask the Teacher
Review: Excerpts from Reviews of Ask the Teacher ...fills a need for a manual of teaching tips, based on a combination of current educational research and years of experience.... John Luster, Educational Consultant, California State Department of Education ... borders on the edge of genius. ...an understandable description of how teaching should be done. Roger Axford, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Arizona State University ... fills a void and captures the imagination of those of us who are involved in improving instruction and learning.... Thomas MacCalla, Ed.D. Vice President, Multicultural Affairs, National University and Jacqueline Caesar, Ph.D., Associate Professor, School of Arts and Sciences, National University. ... what an absolutely innovative idea! ... articulates in clear, lucid language his thoughtful and dialogic responses.... Engages you to consider the theoretical within its practical relevant applications in the cognitive process. Idrenne Lim-Alparaque, Ph.D., San Diego State University ...promotes critical thinking, a love for the teaching profession, and the type of enthusiasm and idealism that is needed in order to make a difference in the lives of the children that we have in our classrooms. Professor Luz M. Salazar, Program Coordinator, California Teachers Association Rather than lose its reader in detail and "ivory tower" language, Ask the Teacher offers a format of brilliant simplicity that teachers find easy-to-read and understand. This is a book for every teacher's classroom desk. James Mitchell, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, California State University, Dominguez Hills ...truly a practical practitioner's guide to teaching and learning in the diverse classroom. ...addresses major educational foundations beginning with the celebration of ethnic diversity in our schools. James Mbuva, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, National University ...a wonderful resource, integrating the "best practices" and current educational research in an "easy to understand" format. Maxine Stewart-Carlson, Adjunct Faculty, School of Education, National University ...a "hands on" manual, which is applicable to any academic grade level as well as serving as a useful educational tool to any teacher. Lauren Birney Ed.D, Science Department Chairperson, Hoover High School, San Diego City Schools It is an amazing work that covers virtually every relevant question and educator might have. Celia Kelly, Adjunct Online Faculty, School of Education, National University ...assists in bringing the new teacher candidate to the realization that there are academic and researched relevantly solutions to the challenges faced in this wonderful profession of teaching. James L. Hutcherson, Teacher, Bonsall Union School District ...most certainly a book by a practitioner for practitioners and as such it is a valuable addition to any teacher's library. Jacquelyn Spacek, Ed.D., Associate Regional Dean, San Jose, National University Every future teacher needs to be armed with theory, compassion, and idealism. The book manages to convey all of that. Lana Sherman, Teacher, San Diego Unified School District ... "user friendly"...addressed key issues in education that all students entering the teaching profession should know.... Mary Anne Weegar, Director, Sweetwater Union High School District ...highly informative on teaching in the diverse classroom.... Katie Klinger, Ed.D, Assistant Professor, School of Education, National University ... practical and succinct in addressing a multitude of topics on teaching and learning. Barbara Salice, Ed.D., Associate Faculty, School of Education, National University ... very readable and stimulating.... ...a superb teaching tool.... Ralph L. Kimo Sanchez Jr., Core Adjunct Faculty, School of Education, National University ... key component to engaging students in a very stimulating interactive course. ... affording students a keen insight into today's educational issues. Thomas J Syage, Teacher, Ocean Beach Elementary School, San Diego ...informative and articulate answers to questions about most areas of education.... Carolyn H. Brannon, Adjunct Faculty, School of Education, National University ...covers tremendous ground.... Full of teaching tips, hints, and discussions of current educational topics. Lance Larson, Teacher, Hoover High School, San Diego As a veteran teacher and teacher-of-teachers, I have referred to pertinent questions and answers to share with my university students, parents of my classroom students and colleagues. Eloise M. Cole, Teacher, Ocean Beach Elementary School, San Diego I finally found a source that has put in writing what I have been teaching my students in the classroom about teaching and learning. The Question-Answer format is stimulating and begs to be read. Jack L. Housden, Ed.D., Core Adjunct Faculty, National University ...full of useful information that new teachers should have at their fingertips. It is easy to read, the format is such that you can easily access answers to your questions. In thirty- one years of teaching I have not read another better. Carol Matthews, Core Adjunct Faculty, National University
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Summary: Ask the Teacher is Wonderful!
Review: Here are some excerpts of recent book reviews about Ask the Teacher - a book I will keep as a resource throughout my teaching career: ... fills a need for a manual of teaching tips, based on a combination of current educational research and years of experience.... John Luster, M.A., Educational Consultant, California State Department of Education ... borders on the edge of genius. ...an understandable description of how teaching should be done. Roger Axford, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Arizona State University ... fills a void and captures the imagination of those of us who are involved in improving instruction and learning.... Thomas MacCalla, Ed.D., Vice President, Multicultural Affairs, National University and Jacqueline Caesar, Ph.D., Associate Professor, School of Arts and Sciences, National University. ... what an absolutely innovative idea! ... articulates in clear, lucid language his thoughtful and dialogic responses.... Engages you to consider the theoretical within its practical relevant applications in the cognitive process. Idrenne Lim-Alparaque, Ph.D., San Diego State University ... promotes critical thinking, a love for the teaching profession, and the type of enthusiasm and idealism that is needed in order to make a difference in the lives of the children that we have in our classrooms. Professor Luz M. Salazar, M.A., Program Coordinator, California Teachers Association Rather than lose its reader in detail and "ivory tower" language, Ask the Teacher offers a format of brilliant simplicity that teachers find easy-to-read and understand. This is a book for every teacher's classroom desk. James Mitchell, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, California State University, Dominguez Hills ... truly a practical practitioner's guide to teaching and learning in the diverse classroom. ... addresses major educational foundations beginning with the celebration of ethnic diversity in our schools. James Mbuva, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, National University ... a wonderful resource, integrating the "best practices" and current educational research in an "easy to understand" format. Maxine Stewart-Carlson, M.S., Adjunct Faculty, School of Education, National University ... a "hands on" manual, which is applicable to any academic grade level as well as serving as a useful educational tool to any teacher. Lauren Birney Ed.D., Science Department Chairperson, Hoover High School, San Diego City Schools It is an amazing work that covers virtually every relevant question and educator might have. Celia Kelly, M.A., Adjunct Online Faculty, School of Education, National University ... assists in bringing the new teacher candidate to the realization that there are academic and researched relevantly solutions to the challenges faced in this wonderful profession of teaching. James L. Hutcherson, M.A., Teacher, Bonsall Union School District ... most certainly a book by a practitioner for practitioners and as such it is a valuable addition to any teacher's library. Jacquelyn Spacek, Ed.D., Associate Regional Dean, San Jose, National University Every future teacher needs to be armed with theory, compassion, and idealism. The book manages to convey all of that. Lana Sherman, M.A., San Diego Unified School District ... "user friendly"...addressed key issues in education that all students entering the teaching profession should know.... Mary Anne Weegar, M.A., Sweetwater Union High School District ... highly informative on teaching in the diverse classroom.... Katie Klinger, Ed.D., Assistant Professor, School of Education, National University ... practical and succinct in addressing a multitude of topics on teaching and learning. Barbara Salice, Ed.D., Associate Faculty, School of Education, National University ... very readable and stimulating.... ... a superb teaching tool.... Ralph L. Kimo Sanchez Jr., M.A., Core Adjunct Faculty, School of Education, National University ... key component to engaging students in a very stimulating interactive course. ... affording students a keen insight into today's educational issues. Thomas J Syage, M.A., Ocean Beach Elementary School, San Diego ... informative and articulate answers to questions about most areas of education.... Carolyn H. Brannon, M.A., Adjunct Faculty, School of Education, National University ... covers tremendous ground.... Full of teaching tips, hints, and discussions of current educational topics. Lance Larson, M.A., Hoover High School, San Diego As a veteran teacher and teacher-of-teachers, I have referred to pertinent questions and answers to share with my university students, parents of my classroom students and colleagues. Eloise M. Cole, M.A., Ocean Beach Elementary School, San Diego I finally found a source that has put in writing what I have been teaching my students in the classroom about teaching and learning. The Question-Answer format is stimulating and begs to be read. Jack L. Housden, Ed.D., Core Adjunct Faculty, National University ... full of useful information that new teachers should have at their fingertips. It is easy to read, the format is such that you can easily access answers to your questions. In thirty- one years of teaching I have not read another better. Carol Matthews, M.A., Core Adjunct Faculty, National University
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Summary: Ask the Teacher
Review: I am writing this review to discuss my experiences using the textbook, "Ask the Teacher: A Practitioner's Guide to Teaching and Learning in the Diverse Classroom." As a university instructor, I have used the text for two online courses and found student response to the text to be very enthusiastic. I have received comments from students that are appreciative of a textbook that contains practical ways to introduce and apply educational theory to the classroom. Students also relate that they appreciate the question and answer format of the textbook and that it is the first practitioner's guide for the classroom that any University instructor has used in their courses. My online class felt that the practitioner's guide for the classroom was the type of text that they needed to provide a focus for discussing teaching strategies. Students relate that the question and answer format allows them an opportunity to review sections of the textbook for immediate classroom application. Many students tell me that they intend to keep the textbook as a manual that they can refer to repeatedly in their teaching experiences. I have had many positive comments on part five entitled, "Parent and/or Family Involvement". Students appreciate a detailed section on procedures to activate parent involvement in their classroom. Student's comments include: "The section on parent involvement gave me a usable format for involving parents in my classroom. This is the first textbook, I have read, that contained such usable material." and, "One of the best sections of the textbook was the section on parent involvement." My students repeatedly thank me for using, "Ask the Teacher". They especially appreciate Dr. Ryan's practical tips that can be immediately applied to their own classrooms." I am a veteran university instructor of both online and onsite courses, and really appreciate the practitioner format providing students with ready to use tips on successful classroom management, raising student test scores, parent involvement, the use of technology in the classroom, and a lot of just-in-time tips for beginning and sustaining teacher communication with students, parents and school administration. I feel that "Ask the Teacher," fills a need for a manual of teaching tips, based on a combination of current educational research and years of experience that has been missing from the university curriculum. "Ask the Teacher" is a valuable companion textbook for online or onsite courses which will provide the basis for lively discussions on the foundations of teaching today's diverse population of students. I intend to place a copy of, "Ask the Teacher: A Practitioner's Guide to Teaching and Learning in the Diverse Classroom," on reference for all of my methodology courses. It is without hesitation that I recommend "Ask the Teacher" for both online and onsite courses.
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Summary: Buy it only if you ned to
Review: I had to buy this book for National University's online course. I really like national University and wish they would have chosen another textbook.
I was not impressed with the information inside. Ryan does a question and answer format that briefly synopsis very important topics in education. Sometimes when I read a topic, I am really disappointed that a topic that has had a great deal of reseacrh is presented by Ryan in a half page. He wholeheartedly attempts to sell the reader on bilingual education which I disagree. There are other topics that he discusses with what I feel is a liberal point of view. The main point that I was taken back by is the fact that Ryan's end-of-chapter bibliographies include research that is sometimes dated. His sources are sometime 6-8 years old or older.
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