Book Description

Learn More. Study Less.

The 4th Edition of the PMP Exam Prep is a Course in a Book and is used in 43 countries to help project managers pass PMI's PMP Exam. It contains not only sample exams but detailed review materials, games and exercises based on accelerated learning theory and insider tips. PMP Exam Prep was developed to help you learn more and study less - up to 70% less than using conventional study guides. It contains information about core concepts of project management, information on the PMP exam that is not in the PMBOK and helps you understand how the PMP exam is constructed.

The 4th edition has over 100 pages more than the 3rd edition, 300 changes and much more information about the new area of professional responsibility. It focuses on the areas of the PMP exam where students score the lowest and contains tips about how to study and what to study. ... Read more

Reviews (78)

PMP Exam Prep
I used this book along with the PMBOK as my primary study references. I found the following to be true concerning this text:

1) Great Layout: Each section is layed out according to the PMBOK's organization. This greatly assists the reader when referring from area to area.

2) Solid Information: Rita provides information you need to know to be a solid Project Manager. In addition, she provides enough information to the level of granularity needed to pass the test. A key diagram I felt very helpful is her overview of the steps (in order) needed to go through the Project Lifecycle from Initiating to Closing. And at times, she lets you smile as you read :-).

3) Practice Tests: I concur with a previous reader. The questions are more difficult in Rita's books than they are on the actual test. However, Rita's questions make you think through the process and promote a deeper level of understanding that is needed to answer the "simpler" questions on the PMP test.

The only drawback of Rita's books are the lack of additional questions. A CD is provided that is sold seperately (Fast Track). I would have preferred a few more questions that the 24 demo questions for the price of the book.

The bottom line--I passed the test. My recommendation. Read the PMBOK and understand inputs, tools, outputs, and flow. Buy Rita's book to greatly enhance understanding. Then buy another book with additional practice questions as well.

Surprisingly effective!
First things first, I passed the PMP certification exam! I did not take any classes or workshops, I relied exclusively on the PMBOK, the 'PMP Exam Prep' by Rita Mulcahy, her practice CD, and the thick and not-so-effective 'Project management - a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling' by Harold Kernzer. I have to admit that when I first received the pricey 'Exam Prep' I was disappointed by its format (amateurish) and what seems to be, at the time, shallow content. I also felt that the sample questions were scarce and essentially designed to lure you into buying the practice CD. However as I started to study for the PMP exam I felt that the book was very effective and a much needed complement to the PMBOK. It went straight to the point, told you what was important to memorize and what was not, and gave you tricks. It rapidly became my 'cliff notes' for the PMBOK and was instrumental in helping me pass the exam. Bottom line it found that the book was surprisingly effective and despite its high price tag, it ended up being worth every penny. I would stronly recommend it to anyone who is preparing for the PMP exam.

Good book but not complete!
A good project manager will take a balanced view of IT, learn the business and gain mastery of software development disciplines. Would recommend that project managers also consider reading books on enterprise architecture.

Highly overrated
This book does present some material well. But it is more of an advertising teaser so you'll buy the whole kaboodle paying several hundred dollars. Or worse you'll be motivated to take her course paying thousands of dollars.
PMP exam prep has definitely been a growing industry. The certification is by itself overly hyped up. Sometimes it all seems like a scam. One can pass PMP by just reading a bunch of prep books. Just because someone is a PMP doesn't mean a squat.

overhyped
This is a good list but far overpriced considering the alternatives. Try Phillips! ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

This is a 5 volume set of the newest editions of the now famous ExamKrackers MCAT Manuals. You'll find everything that you need to know to score your best on the MCAT. For the first time, these books are sold as a five volume set with a top quality, full length practice MCAT included as a bonus. 980 pages of color and black and white illustrations on text book quality paper. 31 thirty minute topical exams in MCAT format. Over 1400 MCAT questions in all. This 5 volume set is certain to become the top selling MCAT study set this year. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Just got my scores!
As a non-science major, I used these books and the AAMC practice exams and scored a 13V 10P 10B S on the April 2002 MCAT. These are wonderful books, especially if you're self-studying (if you haven't considered this option, DO IT! It is possible to study on your own, do well, and save HUNDREDS of dollars in the process!!) The books are easy to understand and emphasize important information you need to know for the MCAT rather than getting bogged down in tons of facts that won't be on the exam anyway. Best of all, there are mini-exams and quiz-type questions throughout the book, so you can constantly assess how you're doing and know which areas you need more work on. The message boards on the examkrackers website are also a GREAT help for any self-studier because you can post questions and the writers of the materials respond in less than 24 hours. I strongly support these books! USE THEM AND MAKE STUDYING FOR THE MCAT AS PAINLESS AS POSSIBLE! :)

Everything you need is here
I cannot recommend this set highly enough. I used these books and virtually nothing else to study for the MCAT. In fact, I recommend that you NOT use anything other than the ExamKrackers books (backed up by your textbooks as necessary when you need a particular topic clarified). They present absolutely everything you need to know -- and, more importantly, they tell you what you DON'T need to know. The MCAT covers an overwhelming amount of material as is, and these books tell you what not to waste your time studying. Every time I picked up a different company's study guide, I was sorry almost immediately due to their wealth of irrelevant content and confusing organization.

The ExamKrackers books present their information with full-color drawings on glossy pages, written in colloquial language that holds your attention. Formulas that must be memorized are written in bold red centered font and compiled at the end of each chapter. If a topic is particularly important, it tells you so; if a topic is background and won't be tested directly, it tells you so. Helpful mnemonics and diagrams abound. The book on general math skills and verbal reasoning provides real, very helpful strategies. Even if you don't find their mascot, Salty the Kracker, amusing, his presence helps lighten the mood, which in turn helps you maintain your concentration.

The ExamKrackers books were absolutely indispensable for my MCAT preparation. When I bought the set one month before the MCAT, I felt completely overwhelmed by the task of studying for the MCAT. Using these books (and devoting my entire spring break to them), I was able to wrap my brain around all of the necessary subject matter. I'm not a science major and I started taking the premed classes less than a year before I took the MCAT. Do these books work? Judge for yourself: I scored 14P 13V 13B S.

Must Have
I awarded this book a 4 since nothing I believe can be perfect and this book comes quite close to that distinction. It's well organized and I never felt my study plans confused while going through this book. Secondly it cuts the stuff and extra details the MCAT would never test. This is the major point where all other prep company's falter. Just remember to keep steady over your study schedule and over all the info presented in the book. Everything is presented in an easily comprehensible manner and can be grasped with comfort.

Good Luck.

Great review materials
Having graduated from college in 2000, I was a little rusty in my science knowledge. This study package was just the key to bring me back up to speed. All the material is presented in a simple yet effective manner, so even people with little technical background can grasp it quickly. Concepts are also emphasized according to "must know" and "recommended." That way, you know where to distribute your studying time. I would even go as far to say that this package is better than the materials that Kaplan and Princeton Review provide because it's concise and straight forward rather than a huge, discouraging phonebook. As far as the practice problems go, they're good for review and brush up as well as introductory learning, but if you're weak in any area, I'd suggest you go for the supplementary "1001 questions" books also available from examkrackers. Beyond confidence in one's mastery of the material, practice is the only way to ensure a high score. That's what I did to compensate for my shortcomings in the verbal section - I bought "101 passages." In terms of time commitment, I studied one chapter a day in two subjects with verbal and a break interspersed every couple of days (which took a total of about a month). After completing the examkrackers stuff, I just did some practice tests that I ordered from aamc.org (along with two kaplan tests). I took the April 2004 MCAT, and I'm hoping for a score in the high 30's.

ExamKrackers or Kaplan?
If you're a pre-med student you've likely heard rants and raves (and maybe a few jeers) about both ExamKrackers and Kaplan. Is ExamKrackers better than Kaplan? Not necessarily, just a bit different in the approach to teaching the material and methods. ExamKrackers books provide a bit of humor. As such, ExamKrackers books tend to do a great job at maintaining student interest. On the other hand, some students may get nervous that the relaxed, joking attitude may affect their scores negatively. What's your personality type and learning style? Like a bit of humor? Go for ExamKrackers. More the serious type? Go for Kaplan.

ExamKrackers also has a great website at which you can ask the author questions. A great resource. Yet another benefit of ExamKrackers is that you can purchase books for separate sections. Are you a science whiz and only need work on the Verbal and Writing sections? Or, did you major in English and are weak in Bio? No problem. You only need to purchase the ExamKrackers books on those subjects which you require. ... Read more

Book Description

You will score higher. We guarantee it.

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Prepare with hundreds of practice questions to build your skills in the critical content areas of the GRE®.

Practice with 3 computer-adaptive practice tests with explanations for every answer and complete score analysis -- plus a paper-and-pencil exam for even more practice.

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Book Description

This reader-friendly book presents the fundamental principles of physics in a clear and concise manner. Emphasizing conceptual understanding as the basis for mastering a variety of problem-solving tools, it provides a wide range of relevant applications and illustrative examples.This book discusses mechanics, thermodynamics, oscillations and wave motion, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics.For anyone wishing to learn more about the fundamentals of physics and how physical principles apply to a variety of real-world situations, devices, and topics. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Best Algebra Based Physics Text
Physics is a difficult subject. This text does an admirable job of making a difficult subject easier.

There are advantages and disadvantages to disallowing the writer to use calculus in writing the material. Some formulas require calculus to derive and so must be either taken on faith as true, or the derivations looked up in a calculus based test. Fortunately the times when this issue comes up are few enough to not seriously hamper the flow of the book.

This book may be read as a first book on Physics. I strongly recommend the book Conceptual Physics by Hewitt for a running start at the subject.

Members of the lay public interested in physics may read both of these texts, as they are at introductory level and contains material on classical as well as modern physics.

The units are in SI ( metric ) which simplifies the math.

The Wilson and Buffa text has Color photos of natural phenomenon and situations that illustrate the physics under discussion. There examples are intermixed throughout showing how to work problems involving the principles involved.

I believe this book is an important part of a well rounded education. Physics is NOT an easy topic. If it were, then Newton would have developed theories on relativity and gravity waves. This book does what it was designed to do, that is assist beginners in starting their journey.

I read the book. I found it to be fun.

Katherine Rogers
Yes, Real girls do physics.

Not Bad, Not Great
While I haven't had the pleasure of having Buffa for a professor (and by all accounts I'm planning on avoiding it), the book really isn't that bad. The sample problems are helpful and the escalating difficulty is appreaciated.

The downside is that he tends to get bogged down in little details that aren't really as important as he makes them out to be--especially considering that the book is for people who don't need calc-based Physics (read life science majors, and all non-science related majors who need a GE), and occasionally the problems seem totally unrelated to what has been presented in the text.

Still, as far as text books go, this one isn't bad and if you have a good teacher to go along, it'll serve you just fine.

Pretty Easy to Understand
One of this book's authors is a professor at my university. While he himself did not teach my physics class, he definitely conveyed our school's philosophy of "learn by doing" through the use of numerous pictures, diagrams, and straightforward exercises at the end of each chapter. I thought the book explains the general ideas and concepts of physics very well, without requiring a calculus background to understand the material.

Good start for studying physics
For someone looking to get an overview of basic physics, this book is great. The problems in the back of each chapter start out easy then become more and more challenging. In several chapters there are photos of some physics instructors doing experiments we all want to do; one of the best is an experiment where someone is sitting in a chair holding a very large CO2 fire extinguisher and... rockets off! It does a very good job of explaining Newton's laws. (every action has an equal and opposite reaction) If you purchase this text, make sure to get the associated study guide. It not only provides a review of each chapter, it goes through step by step problem solving on slected odd numbered problems. The only caveat is that some of the wording is vague; there was an attempt to explain physics without calculus. As a result, some subjects must be taken on faith. If life sciences is your major then this text does a great job of explaining physics. ... Read more

Book Description

Foreword by John I. Goodlad

"Fullan shows how moral leadership can reinvent the principalship and bring about large-scale school improvement. This is a masterfully crafted and accessible book by North America's foremost expert on change."
Thomas J. Sergiovanni, Lillian Radford Professor of Education
Trinity University, San Antonio, TX

"Fullan challenges all who work in education to rethink the critical role of the principal as school leader in the current era of accountability.  With clarity and insight, he offers a series of strategies to reshape the culture and context of leadership in schools to create learning communities where both students and teachers can excel."
Paul D. Houston, Executive Director
American Association of School Administrators

"Once again, the writing of Michael Fullan is a tour de force. The Moral Imperative of School Leadership is a must read for those who want to make a difference!"
Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive Director
National Association of Secondary School Principals

The time has come to change the context of school leadership!

The role of the principal is pivotal to systemic school change. This is the fundamental message in Michael Fullan's new book, The Moral Imperative of School Leadership, which extends the discussion that began in his earlier publication, What’s Worth Fighting for in the Principalship? The author examines the moral purpose of school leadership and its critical role in "changing the context" in which the role is embedded. In this bold step forward, Fullan calls for principals to become agents as well as beneficiaries of the processes of school change. In an effort to make the position more rewarding and exciting, he shifts the principal’s role from one of a site-based superman or superwoman, and recasts it as one in which principals figure prominently both within their school and within the larger school system that surrounds them.

Concepts explored in-depth include:

• Why "changing the context" should be the main agenda for the principalship
• Why barriers to the principalship exist
• Why the principal should be seen as the COO (chief operating officer) of a school
• Why the role of the principal should figure more prominently within the system
• What individuals and the system can do to transform school leadership to a powerful new force

The challenge, and moral imperative, for today's principal is to lead system transformations to resolve the top-down/bottom-up dilemma that exists in systemic change. To end the exodus from the principalship, and for great school leaders to evolve in large numbers, the time to redefine the position is now!

Reviews (1)

Fullan a True Guru on School Leadership
Fullan does an excellent job of organizing school leadership into achievable levels of success. He starts with making a difference within individuals, then the school/district, followed by making a difference regionally and finally the greatest impact on school leadership and the society as a whole. Fullan discusses barriers to these accomplishments and challenges, and portrays the principalship as the key to this moral imperative.

This book serves as an outstanding resource to any leader that is trying to bring about large-scale improvement in their organization. It is the school leaders role to change the context within schools and Fullan outlines a process to do just that. ... Read more

Book Description

Upon completion of study with Beginnings & Beyond, students will have an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of early childhood educationfrom its history to present issues and future trends. They will appreciate the emphasis on multiculturalism and NAEYCs developmentally appropriate practice. This approach promotes a both/and viewpoint, maintaining that there is more than one correct way to care for and educate young children. The text focuses on this viewpoint in discussions of early literacy, spiritual development, discipline, diversity and anti-bias strategies and family relationships. Beginnings & Beyond also stresses the importance of maintaining an awareness of each childs needs and interests by featuring such concepts as multiple intelligence, ecological theory and NAEYCs Code of Ethical Conduct. The use of a variety of sidebars, chapter activities, integrated technology and other extras enhance the students interest in and retention of the material. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Wonderful, Refreshing Child Development Book
Finally, a book that offers sensible and realistic approaches to child development which departs from "mythical" ideas of past and archaic culture. Luckily, this volume isn't afraid to address the homogenous fallacies that have plagued our society and discusses significantly the exploration of truly modern theories embraced around the world. People of all walks of life, education, and backgrounds will rejoice in an important concept that this book teaches: genuinely nurturing children as opposed to treating them like pets.

Still the Best
Beginnings and Beyond is still the best Early Childhood Education text out there.

Moral people beware
If you have a conservative, moral or Christian bone in your body, this book will sicken you beyond your wildest imagination. If you fall into any of the above described categories, then this book will classify you as a "European male," or of "European Ancestory". This book preaches strongly a so called "diversity" but if you are a white male the "diversity" of opinions stops. (unless of course you decide to agree with the author.) And if you are a Catholic, you have even more to digest, as the book reaks of anti-Catholicism.

Reader, University Student and Early Childhood Educator
A great book! Is very helpful for create a developmentally appropriate enviroment in early childhood classroom. The information is very easy to understand and apply in real world. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

If you have to take Statistics, at least get this book!
I've said it before, and I will say it again. I hate Statistics! It is not just that statistics originated as a means to classify and rank people according to their perceived social worth. Statistics is still used that way as evidenced by the publication and use of the book The Bell Curve. In comparision to a pure science like Neuroscience and also to mathematics, statistics is a subjective science. Everyone knows that statistics can be manipulated and used to show whatever the researcher wants to show...and it is more prone to abuse then most other hard sciences and math.

Ok, having said that...I had to take a statistics course at the last minute (read that last year) while working on my dissertation, because it was determined I did not have enough measurements classes. This book was required, but it really has not been used as much as the other textbook which is equation-based, but I quickly found that I preferred this book!

This textbook explains how and why statistics are used in all sciences, social sciences, etc. and how they are to be interpreted when seen in a journal. It is very concise...the authors for once are not writing for their peers, they are writing for their audience (which are going to be students, grad students, patient/consumers, etc). The book is written with an eye towards helping the reader understand the reasoning and logic behind using statistics. It is done with minimal decorative writing, and with a sense of humor. It makes use of good examples of both good and bad statistic use in papers and journals, it lambasts those who need lambasting, and it has a sense of humor.

If you have to understand statistics so you can read medical journals, sociology, educational journals, etc. this is the book to get. It is immensely helpful. I will rid my library of all other statistical books, but this one I will keep (since my statistics outside of class will be either on computers or I will do qualitative research!)
Karen Sadler,

Science Education,
University of PIttsburgh

the poor statistics students guide to understanding
This book not only assist the researcher in reading and understanding sometimes difficult statistical topics but it also is a excellent guide to decision making when writing your own research. ... Read more

Book Description

This accessible, step-by-step guide to mastering the skills taught in America's top business schools has been a backlist perennial since publication. It dispenses MBA skills at one percent of the cost, in all the major topics taught at America's "top ten" business schools. MBA applicants and students use it to prepare for entrance interviews and tests; businesspeople, lawyers, and doctors use it to gain the MBA advantage without the time or the expense.

This revised edition includes updated sales, salary, and company information throughout. It also discusses areas such as the Internet, game theory, activity-based accounting, and advances in information technology. For the 300,000 budding MBAs annually and for anyone else who wants to "walk the walk and talk the talk" of the MBA, this is the ultimate MBA book of knowledge. ... Read more

Reviews (38)

A Great Refreshing Course
I have read the "Ten Day MBA" and found it a great refresher on many, many of the topics that I covered years ago at the Now-How Foundation Business Course. It was very easy and fun to read, and brought back a lot of valuable information to me. There were also many new topics that I had never covered back in Business Course. All the important areas are covered here: marketing, accounting, organizational behaviour, quantitative analysis, finance, operations, economics, strategy, research, public speaking, negotiating, international business, business law. The book covers a whole MBA course. Each topic was clearly presented, had real world examples, and didn't overcomplicate the subject. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn quickly what it takes two or more years to learn at business school. I can recommend that book to everyone, who has a business or economics background.

Ten Days, Ten Weeks, Ten Months...Whatever
There is a major development now underway in the publishing world (eg "Chicken Soup for Dummies Who Want to Make Billions in E-Commerce") which explains my apprehension as I began to read Steven Silbiger's book. In fact, it is an excellent piece of work. He organizes most of the material within ten "daily" segments. For those unwilling and/or unable to earn an MBA degree but who wish to strengthen their business knowledge and skills, I highly recommend this book. From my perspective, it provides at least three major benefits:

First, the quality of writing is quite high: Silbiger does NOT "talk down" to his reader. Dim-wits and knuckle-draggers will derive little (if any) benefit from this book.

Second, as thoroughly as time and space allow, the material is presented (exactly as promised) as a "step-by-step guide to mastering the skills taught in America's top business schools."

Third, however long it takes to absorb and digest the information provided (ten days, ten weeks, or ten months), the reader will gain a sound working knowledge of subjects which include marketing, ethics, accounting, organizational behavior, quantitative analysis, finance, operations, economics, and strategy. Silbiger also includes several "MBA Mini-Courses" and then brief discussions of research, public speaking, negotiating, international business, and business law. In his Introduction, Silbiger observes: "My goal is make you familiar with the significant MBA tools and theories currently being taught at the leading business schools and to help you understand and develop the MBA mind-set." He achieves his goal. Can this book take the place of an MBA degree? Of course not. Can this book increase substantially a reader's business knowledge and skills? You bet. It has already done so for more than 200,000 readers and it will continue to do so for many others in years to come.

If you decide to purchase this book, take very seriously the learning opportunities it offers. (Why else buy it?) Proceed with rigor and focus. Highlight key points and take notes along the way, then review them at the conclusion of each "Day." Stick to the study schedule you deem most appropriate for you. Maintain a journal in which you record your reactions and reflections as you learn. Perhaps one day Silbiger will write a "Fieldbook" to accompany this one. Meanwhile, let a journal become your own "Fieldbook." Record in it your experiences when applying what you have learned. In doing so, you may well create for yourself a decisive advantage when competing with those who so proudly possess an MBA degree from one of "America's top business schools."

A worthy effort
Silbiger does a great job of simplifying those subjects with a circumscribed body of knowledge i.e. accounting, economics, marketing, Quantatative analysis, and finance. He imparts to the reader the jargon and the definitions that one needs, to engage in conversation with those in the business "know."

This book would be great preparation for a student initiating an MBA course at a distance learning, online school such as Grantham University or the University of Phoenix, where their dollars would go farther and their education could proceed more quickly (depending on their work habits). This in itself is reason enough to spend the money and read this book.

However, as a venture capitalist (VC) who invests in for-profit schools let me say that good operators, the future Captains of industry, are born more than made. Those who do well in school often become their lieutenants.

Much time is spent by VC's pushing discounted cash flow numbers (DCF) around in optimization models when it might be better spent learning how to recognize the character traits of capable operators. It's like selecting wives or husbands, one small mistake in character reading up front can lead to a long expensive journey as you untangle the mess.

But for now, we've only got the business case-study past to peruse and for most that will have to be enough. As for the few who have the capacity for unblinkered analysis, balanced judgement, adaptiveness to the unpredictable and the unknown, character, intelligence, organizational and leadership skills, and the focus, dedication, persistence and determination to execute a plan and see it through, to those will go the BIG rewards. Find one and grab on, either as a worker or as an investor (or as a potential mate.)

A worthy book!

Ultimate quick reference book
I had only two years of university business schooling, and later found my self writing business plans for start up companies, this book provided a perfect reference guide for all those acroynms everyone loves to hear, along with all the important paradigms and lessons in the business world that you tend to forget over time.

If you're even thinking about getting an MBA, read this!
I'm a software developer who's always had a mind for business. I've worked for a few start-ups and even started a few myself. My wife has an MBA and I had been thinking of going to school for an MBA when I found this book. My wife read parts of it and confirmed that it is the same material in an MBA program. Now I won't claim this book will teach you everything you'll learn in an MBA school (obviously), but I will claim this is a great book for anyone considering an MBA as well as for anyone who has one and wants to brush up on the material. The author presents the most important information tought in business schools, at a high level although full of real examples. What I liked most was how he gave specific real life examples, sometimes true and sometimes ficticious. For example, one that I remember off the top of my head, he explains how Quaker bought Snapple when it was popular but couldn't win the battle against Coke and Pepsi and ended up selling it at a huge loss. There's tons of real life examples like that. I like the style of the book, because he presents the material at a high level and if you want to go into detail you can pursue the subjects that interest you on your own. I also like his touch of humor, which keeps the book interesting. Overall I cannot recommend this book enough! ... Read more

Book Description

Is the work you give students engaging--enabling them to learn what they need to learn in order to succeed in the world? Maverick educator Phillip Schlechty believes that the key to improving education is to improve the quality of this student work. He calls this "Working the Work" (WOW), and he's developed a framework that allows educators to put the WOW principles into practice.

Beginning with 12 essential components of a WOW school, Schlechty suggests ways to improve the quality of content, organization of knowledge, measurement of achievement, nurturance of creativity, and novelty and variety of tasks. In addition, you'll get:

• Practical guidelines for re-designing classroom activity so that more students are highly engaged in schoolwork
• Clear and compelling standards for assessing student work

Reviews (2)

Working on the work - AKA teaching
(...) As a teacher in a school system whose superintendent is forcing teachers to employ her "beliefs," I can only say this is yet another ridiculous attempt to rephrase and rewrite principles of teaching that have existed for years. It is impractical, offers no proof of success, nor any innovative ideas, and will pass within a few years. In the meantime, teachers will continue to teach as well as we have been doing. Don't waste your time!

A great sidekick to other books
Working on the Work isn't meant to be read, it's meant to be used. Here is a handbook that lays out specific things educators can do to act on the ideas that Schlechty and CLSR present in their conferences and other books. If you have been to a conference or read Schlechty's other books, this one is a good one to use for a checklist of things to think about and do in your school to improve the quantity and quality of what students learn from their schoolwork. ... Read more

Book Description

In this much needed resource, Maryellen Weimer-one of the nation's most highly regarded authorities on effective college teaching-offers a comprehensive work on the topic of learner-centered teaching in the college and university classroom. As the author explains, learner-centered teaching focuses attention on what the student is learning, how the student is learning, the conditions under which the student is learning, whether the student is retaining and applying the learning, and how current learning positions the student for future learning. To help educators accomplish the goals of learner-centered teaching, this important book presents the meaning, practice, and ramifications of the learner-centered approach, and how this approach transforms the college classroom environment. Learner-Centered Teaching shows how to tie teaching and curriculum to the process and objectives of learning rather than to the content delivery alone. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A very useful and well-researched approach
Expertly written by Maryellen Weimer (Associate Professor of Teaching and Learning, Berks-Lehigh Valley College, Pennsylvania State University), Learner-Centered Teaching: Five Key Changes To Practice is an invaluable resource for college and university educators concerning the learner-centered teaching approach that takes into account what, how, where, and what conditions under which students are learning. Individual chapters convincingly address implementation and fine-tuning adjustments to adopting the learner-centered teaching style, and the appendices include a syllabus, sample learning log, and more. A very useful and well-researched approach, Learner-Centered Teaching is an important and strongly recommended addition to Educational Reference collections and Classroom Instruction reading lists. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (4)

A Classic!
A book designed to be used. It offers both theory and practice. There are fifty plus pages of practical suggestions: including "Testing Whether Information Is in Long-Term Storage," and "Using the Primacy-Regency Effect in the Classroom." It also contains a glossary, an eleven page bibliography (with five internet site references), and a three page index. A well balanced 305 page classic.

Practical and Uncomplicated
I am director of secondary school student teachers at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. I have found this book to be practical and uncomplicated. I have used it in Educational Psychology classes and Classroom Teaching classes.

Practical and Uncomplicated
I have used David Sousa's book, "How the Brain Learns", with my students in Educational Psychology classes and Classroom Teaching classes. I have found it to be practical and uncomplicated. I am director of secondary school student teachers at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri.

Excellent application of the brain-based research
Sousa's guide is exactly that. Without cutting corners or making grandiose claims, he takes the neurological research of the last 20 years and shows how classroom teachers can capitalize on it. A must read for educators who are serious about furthering their understanding of pedagogy as it approaches the 21st century. ... Read more

Book Description

Education in a Global Society is designed for dealing with education practices, trends, and debates around the world. Its objective is to develop a global perspective on their profession. This book combines a significant number of case studies with a consistent structural format that results in the ability to draw thematic comparisons between the case studies. There are enough themes and issues presented, and enough specific case studies to allow instructors to focus the entirety of the course seminars on one text alone. For anyone interested in world issues, problems in education, and international education. ... Read more

Book Description

In e-Learning and the Science of Instruction authors Ruth Colvin Clark and Richard E. Mayer— internationally recognized experts in the field of e-learning— offer essential information and guidelines for selecting, designing, and developing e-learning courses that build knowledge and skills for workers learning in corporate, government, and academic settings. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A great deal of research in e-learning summarized
Over several million years, humans have learned from other humans, by speech, action and observation. It can be strongly argued that this is hard-wired into our genes, as the survival advantages of communication and learning from each other are obvious. In the last few decades, a new and fundamentally different form of learning has emerged. This form of learning requires only one human, the learner. Instruction is carried out via a computer, which has the advantage that it never grows frustrated or impatient with the student and will repeat the lesson an indefinite number of times.
However, the first attempts to replace the human instructor were not successful. Early programs that were little more than drill and practice were dull and students lost interest very quickly. The repetitive nature and lack of originality proved to be a near-fatal weakness. The first online courses were little more than correspondence courses, where the correspondence was electronic rather than via letters. As was the case with correspondence courses, a small percentage of the students did well, but most found them inadequate.
It turns out that the successful electronic delivery of learning material is very hard, much harder than the traditional method. It requires new forms of thought and a great deal of attention to detail such as colors and sounds. Electronic delivery also requires a level of sensory stimulation, such as a combination of visual and audio, which is consistent with traditional modes of learning.
Therefore, until computers reached the point where the instruction could be multimedia and user-driven, e-learning could never really be a viable alternative. Now, that has changed and this book contains a large amount of collected wisdom about how to construct and evaluate quality lessons. The authors summarize an enormous amount of research in the field, presenting it in an easy to understand manner. I created online courses for a college and instructional material for my corporate training classes before I read the book and I found their pointers to be right on the mark. They described many of the problems I encountered and their proposed solutions were generally similar to those I found through trial and error.
If you are considering either the development of online courses or are evaluating some for purchase, then you should read this book. The current power of computers can easily convince you that electronic education is much easier than it actually is, and this book will help you avoid making errors.

excellent content, okay readability
Although I agree with the reader from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada that the book reads like a university textbook, I have found it very useful for designing and justifying my designs of online instruction. When someone wants you to change your design, you can respond by saying, "According to Clark and Mayer, people who learn from integrated text and graphics performed 68% better." Stats like that help to justify budgets!

One of the very best
I have been developing and teaching online courses for several years and have an extensive library that I have collected over that time. I have found this book to be one of the four or five I return to on a regular basis.

As a person who serves as a reviewer for other faculty work, I lament that this book is not required reading. In addition to discussing how to correctly use technology it also spends significant time looking at how students learn and how we, as faculty, should adress students in an online environment.

Too Boring and Academic
I found this book boring and not all that practical. It reads like a university textbook rather than a helpful resource for e-learning designers and developers. The example screens are often busy and it is often difficult to perceive the point that is being made. I live by the 80/20 rule, and wish that this book focused on the 20% of the content that will give 80% of the benefit.

Finally!
THIS is the book I have been looking for! It seems that most of the other books on e-learning start with instructional design principles and cover basic HTML and multimedia aspects of moving a course to the web. This book covered researched principles on what on the web helps and hurts learning. Although I do recommend learning instructional design as a starting point for all your on-line classes, this book will be invaluable when it comes to deciding how to present the content. ... Read more

Book Description

With World Wide Web integration and interactivity, extraordinary visual drawings and photographs, unprecedented currency, and unique lecture presentation materials, this book will make your introductory computer course for teachers exciting and dynamican experience your students will remember as a highlight of their educational careers! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great E-text
It's the text of the future, having both printed and Electronic information at the same time. Text web site adds to the learning experience and you can go back time and again for a refresher.

Incredible Resource
I work as an adjunct at the University of Central Florida teaching a required course for students who will be entering the teaching profession. The text I use is "Teachers Discovering Computers".

The book's focus is on Computer, Information and Integration literacy. Each area is thoroughly covered in content detail, enhanced by photos and diagrams and supported with a wealth of unline material from the Cashman site. Every chapter has a review section, sites to go to on the web for additional information, and tips for teachers on integrating what they have learned. I would suggest anyone in or about to enter education, purchase this text so they too might make the most of technology in the classroom. ... Read more

Book Description

This major revision of a very popular book asks future teachers to look upon their pupils as “young social scientists”—and to engage their natural spirit of wonder by using subject matter to teach problem solving, critical thinking, and the skills of real-world inquiry. The book's sound research base informs without overwhelming; its wealth of examples and strategies never become just a “cookbook.” And, because no single instructional method can achieve all of the goals of elementary social studies curricula, this book proposes that it is good teaching—teaching that is flexible and varied—that will assist young “political scientists, historians, and geographers” to become informed, rational, and responsive citizens.Themed units encompass general instructional considerations and planning for instruction, and organize coverage as it “happens” in the classroom—taking future teachers from general concepts to specifics of instruction, and emphasizing the importance of their pupils' natural inquisitiveness.For future elementary school teachers. ... Read more

Book Description

This book shows how to use computers in educational settings by combining learning theory and instructional strategies to help the reader design software for learning and instruction. The book has been extensively revised to include new approaches to multimedia instruction as well as updating established methods such as tutorials, drills, simulations, games, and computer-based tests. Constructivist and instructivist approaches are analyzed and presented. The book is not equipment or software specific.For people interested in Educational Multimedia. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Intructional Technology at it's best.
Had to buy it for a class; execellent resource for it's target audience. Make sure you're a memeber of that target audience (instructional technologists) before you buy :)

The First Book on My Reading List!
If I could only put one multimedia learning book on my bookshelf, this would be it. The "General Principles" section provides one of the best overviews I've read of Behavioral, Cognitive, and Constructivist approaches to learning (although I do think they misrepresent the Instructional Systems Design process and treat it as a purely Behavioralist approach). This section also presents an excellent overview of the learning process. The book moves on to discuss methodologies and learning sequences at an unparalleled level, including a brilliant discussion of simulations and educational games. The book closes with an overview of an approach to Design and Development that's worth reading, but far less valuable than the previous sections. Of all my design books, this one has the most dog-eared pages and underlined text; the chapter-level bibliographies alone are worth the book's price! Anyone looking to delve deep into multimedia design for learning should have this book on his or her shelf.

Excellent breadth and and depth of coverage
This is an excellent text in terms of coverage and pacing. If you are interested in human-computer interaction, this is a 'must have' text. What astonished me about this book is that it covered more issues in HCI than many dedicated user interface design books. The text admirably blends practical considerations with theoretical concerns and trends. It strongly focuses on motivational issues surrounding users of learning packages(an area largely ignored in the bulk of standard HCI texts). Don't pass over this book.

I love it, it IS the bible of Multimedia design in learning.
I just find it very well put together.. It takes you through the various facets of designing a course/presentation that will actually be used and useful.

The source for multimedia production
The first clue as to the value of a book is the number of editions. Generally, the true standards in a field will continue to live and be revised. This book is the standard for multimedia design and production. The foundations and theory that are explored in the beginning are as valuable as the detail in the production process that is explained. The most significant aspect of this book has to be the detail concerning methods, especially instructional simulations. Simply a must have for anyone in the field of multimedia who is looking to develop products that go beyond the traditional page turner. ... Read more

Book Description

Drawing on the authors combined experiences, Developing and Administering an Early Child Care Center, 5E presents the basic philosophies and interpersonal aspects of directing and administering an early childhood center. The book bases its chapters on major aspects of developing and administering a program for young children, addressing the core issues while giving consideration to the experiences of those in the field.The chapters are written to read and follow with ease, and provide many features and activities that engage readers in active learning. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent for Anyone Starting a Day Care Center
I'm in the middle of opening a day care center and this book was great. It contained alot of useful information and I constantly referenced the manual throughout the process. It contained all the forms that you will need from hiring, registration to immunizations. It is a must have. ... Read more

Book Description

This audio version of RMC Project Management's Hot Topics is designed to use as you commute. Simply listen to over 300 Hot Topics read aloud and enhance your ability to recall and understand them as the answer is read back to you. This is a great tool for shortening your study time and decreasing the time it will take to do the actual exam.

The 4th Edition of the Hot Topics Audio CD has updated and additional hot topics, more on inputs and outputs and references the 4th Edition of RMC's PMP Exam Prep and the PMBOK 2000. ... Read more