Customer Reviews

Teaching in the Middle School (with MyEducationLab) (3rd Edition)

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3 star:		(2)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is not terrible, but it does not do a particularly good job of explaining what a middle-school teacher needs to know in order to "provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences". There is a lot of jargon, as that quote might indicate, but very little explanation of what that jargon actually means and how it would be implemented. Nor is there a solid defense of some of the claims made in the book, other than to say "research indicates this", and occasionally (frequently?) to cite said research. But I still have some serious questions that have not been adequately addressed:

Yes, having every teacher not just available but "actively seeking to help middle-school students with guidance and advocacy" sounds marvellous, but is it realistic? If there is a teacher who is excellent at conveying curriculum but who does not have a personality that is necessarily effective in the role of advocate, is it really wise to pass them by because they don't fit the "middle school concept" that we're looking for? Is it reasonable to say that curriculam, while important, is not the most important aspect of a school (at any level)? This book makes both of these claims, the first indirectly, the second in so many words. In some subjects, it might be true that understanding concepts and learning to think are more important than the actual subject matter; in others (Mathematics, notably) one MUST master the subject matter, or one will not be able to use that subject matter. Granted, in order to use it effectively, one must then learn to understand the concepts and to think. But if one doesn't have a mastery of the basics, one is NOT going to be able to handle the next level class. And one does students a disservice by attempting to teach them subject matter that they are inadequately prepared for; sometimes, that's what is meant, in the real world, by "acknowledging the diverse needs of your students". Students who cannot perform 4th grade calculations consistently cannot be expected to thrive in a study of Algebra.

There are good concepts here, but I believe that the authors are too married to the current popular beliefs about middle school education to recognize that in some regards, a more traditional approach is, occasionally, what is needed.

Used as a textbook. decent enough, but not worth keeping. not much unique information to refer to later. resold as soon as class ended.

They sent me the wrong book twice and the edition I needed and paid for they did not have, which led them to give me an edition that was torn up and not the one needed. When I wanted my money back they would not contact me, so I would not use them again or ever.

I needed this book for a class to complete my degree in an effort to prepare for my teacher certification examination. The book arrived quickly and in good shape. It was the correct edition of the book as well! I am very pleased. Thanks a lot!