Customer Reviews

Learning and Instruction: Theory into Practice

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was impressed with this book, Learning and Instruction: Theory Into Practice. I have just started my grad. degree in education, and used it for my first class. I found it to have rather concise and informative summaries of key educational theorists. The book, while structured chronologically, flows together nicely and shows how these theories build upon and interweave with one another. I am ordinarily not too thrilled, like many, about picking up a textbook; but I found this to be one of the better options. My only criticism is that it is pricy for such a small size.

Gredler lays out a well-constructed text for anyone taking either a graduate course in educational theory or an upper level undergraduate course. Not only are the leading educational and learning theories presented in a concise manner but also the background upon which these theories have been built are examined. The emphasis is on the cognitive approach to learning and rightly so as the cognitive constructionist approaches are the way in which most universities approach educational practices.

One of the things that Gredler does is to end every chapter with educational applications that demonstrate how the differing theories have been put into practice. Gredler also provides the contributions to educational practice in a very easy to read tabular format, which provides the student with a quick summarization for reference purposes.

The book is comprehensive in scope. This book should be considered part of every student of educational theory personal reference library.

Whenever taking a class check with the professor to see if an earlier edition can be substituted for the proscribed text. I saved over $100, in fact the extimate for rental was over $50. Through Amazon I purchased the 5th edition for under $10. Thanks Amazon.

The application part of the text was very useful. If you are new to learning theories, this book is probably not the best choice. No doubt, Gredler is a brilliant person; however, the writing is too complex and overly complicated. I think my comprehension level is on par with my peer grad students, but this book got on my nerves. I had to google a lot of the theories to read in plain English before I could read this book. I am selling it back!

Each chapter has numerous summaries throughout and again at the end of each chapter. The material seems to repaet itself over and over. Read each summary and move on.

This was required reading for my Curriculum and Learning class. As far as text books go, Gredler is not bad. You do not need an advanced degree to decifer her work, though it does get redundant at times. I don't think its something I'll read for pleasure again later, but it will be something I use to explain things to parents/teachers.

I actaully enjoyed reading and using this book. I found it more interesteing than expected

I ordered this product through Amazon and a secondary source called Hardly Used Books. I order it in the beginning of June. They gave me a 3 week shipping period which ended July 3rd. On July 3rd, I did not receive the book and called to inquire. Long story short, Amazon never confirmed with Hardly Used Books that I made the purchase so the seller reposted it an sold it while I was awaiting its arrival. This book was for a graduate course which made my assignment late. I had to order it from another source, accruing another bill that was $60 more. Amazon refused to take responsibility for the extra money I had to spend to have it expedited. They offered to send me another book after I had explained to them that the assignment is passed due. I do not trust Amazon with my educational needs nor fun purchases. This is the last time I will use Amazon. As a grade conscientious, responsible student, I trusted Amazon to deliver. I was wrong, and left with the bill and a bad grade.