It’s scary to think how much misinformation about STEM one famous individual can put out, and how many people might be misled, writes author-consultant Anne Jolly, who critiques the STEM comments of WaPo columnist and CNN host Fareed Zakaria in a recent PCMag article.
Book Reviews / Project Based Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 10/12/2017 · Last modified 11/17/2019
Hacking Project Based Learning is a rich resource for teachers and administrators who want to begin implementing project-oriented inquiry learning, says PBL teacher Sandy Wisneski. She appreciates the strong emphasis on student ownership in each of the book’s 10 hacks.
Anne Jolly has had more inquiries from folk in the middle school arena on whether they should implement a STEM program or a STEAM program. She doesn’t think it’s an “Either-or.” She thinks it’s a “Both” with creativity and critical thinking sharing space.
Douglas Reeves and actor son Brooks Reeves invite K-12 educators to help students experience creativity by incorporating experimentation, evaluation, and follow-through in the classroom. Pre-service teacher Sophie Cameron finds much of value in The Myth of the Muse.
Problem-based Science encourages students to develop a love of scientific thinking, math, and the creative use of technology as they learn through invention, design thinking, fixing and tinkering. Teacher-author Christa Flores demonstrates her hands-on PbS model.
Imagine an intentional, coordinated schoolwide work ethics program that’s consistent across subjects and grade levels. What a difference that could make now and in the future, says STEM expert Anne Jolly, who shares the key traits and how to begin to grow them.
Gretchen Morgan’s Innovative Educators: An Action Plan for Teachers is a good, concise book for teachers who want to innovate in their classrooms, especially through action research, and aren’t really sure how to go about the process. Reviewed by Laura Von Staden.
By adopting Jonathan Eckert’s Novice Advantage, teachers can harness the enthusiasm of the “new” teacher and capitalize on the wisdom they have to improve their practice, says educator/reviewer Amber Chandler. Eckert’s innovative book offers many real-world examples.
In addition to clearly explaining research on the brain and mathematics education, math educator Anthony Jones says Stanford professor Jo Boaler ties all the research into practical, well-explained, innovative teaching strategies in “Mathematical Mindsets.”
Hands-on teaching has always involved kids in “making.” But today’s focus on maker spaces is pushing making to a whole new level, nurturing students’ curiosity and creativity. Anne Jolly shows how combining maker activities and STEM lessons can boost learning.
