An Introduction to Complexity Pedagogy

 An Introduction to Complexity Pedagogy fails as an introductory text. The dictionary defines “introduction” as an initiation or an elementary treatise. Hicks, however, assumes the reader to already bring extensive knowledge of complexity and literary criticism to the reading of her book. In the first sixty pages, encompassing the introduction and first chapter, Hicks attempts to position complexity pedagogy against the work of other scholars and methods of literary criticism. In a rapid-fire writing style, she explains what she intends to explain but then fails to explain. She references numerous scholars and their models. However, this holds little meaning for readers unfamiliar with the work of these individuals. The same holds true for subsequent chapters when she analyzes the work of writers and artists. Her analysis is difficult to comprehend unless one is already familiar with the works being critiqued. Complexity pedagogy applies the science of complexity to teaching and learning. Hicks hopes that her book will encourage teachers to employ complexity pedagogy to the study of disciplines within and  outside of literature and performance art. This can only be accomplished if the reader gains the necessary understanding of complexity science and how to transfer that understanding to the practice of teaching. Unfortunately, this text fails to provide that necessary knowledge. This book may be better suited for experts in the study of literature and performance.

Differentiating Instruction with Menus

 Menus are a way to give students choices about how they exhibit their learning. The first part of her new book Differentiating Instruction with Menus, Laurie Westphal discusses the importance of giving student choices, how to use menus, guidelines for student products, and rubrics. In part two of the book the author provides menus covering different historical periods. Each era is the subject of a separate chapter. Chapters address the new world, building a new nation, the Civil War, growth of the United States, and the Cold War to the present. Each chapter includes four to eight menus. With the instructions in part one of the book and the many samples in part two, teachers can create their own menus. The menus in this volume are created for high school students. They could be adapted, however, for college students. This is a useful resource for teachers seeking creative ways to assess student learning.

Should schools be colorblind?

Should schools be colorblind?  by Laurie Cooper Stoll provides educators with an introduction to colorblindness. Stoll clarifies how colorblindness reinforces racism. She also points out the continued existence of racism in schools and how it is often camouflaged. Stoll concludes the book with an outline of how to undertake antiracist actions in education settings. This is an informative introduction to the concepts and misconceptions behind colorblindness as they relate to schools. The book is written especially for teachers, administrators, and parents of K-12 age children, but the book's contents also will prove informative for those working in higher education.

Mindful Travelling

Mindful Travelling by Sarah Samuel is a book about the how and why of traveling. This is a book about turning outer travels into inner journeys. It is a book about self-discovery. Sarah Samuel explores what it means to take a mindful approach to traveling. What she writes is full of wisdom and practical guidance. She explains how to inwardly prepare before a trip, how to be fully present during the journey, and how to integrate the travel experience upon returning home. Mindfulness exercises are interspersed throughout the book. This is a book for anyone who wants to be more than a tourist when traveling. It is a guide for how to turn a trip into a transformative experience. This would be an excellent resource for students planning to study abroad. It can help them maximize the learning to be gained from studying in another country. It is also a resource teachers may use to help students prepare for and debrief a travel experience, whether it be to study abroad or a field trip to another city.

The Interest-Based Learning Coach

Jeanne and Wellesley Purcell and Deborah Burns, the authors of The Interest-Based Learning Coach,  provide teachers with clear, detailed instructions on how to design and implement interest-based learning. Topics discussed include measuring impact, helping students find and focus their interests, developing an action plan for each student, finding and managing resources, research development and design, developing real-world products, engaging authentic audiences, reflecting, debriefing, celebrating accomplishments, and more. The book includes case studies and planning tools for instructors and students. The book is written for elementary and middle school teachers, but the processes can be adapted for older students, including at the college level.

The School in the Cloud

In clear, simple language Sugata Mitra explains his experiments with self-organized learning environments in his latest book, The School in the Cloud. He is transparent about his ignorance, failures, and successes. This is a thought-provoking book. Mitra makes clear the inadequacies of traditional education and imagines a new way to facilitate learning. This book will be a threatening read for those wed to the current educational system. For those who are already aware of the system’s rapidly growing irrelevancy, this volume will provide an inspiring alternative. All those who have a stake in the development of educational systems—educators, parents, policymakers—can benefit from Mitra’s observations about the emerging future of learning.

Dive Into Deep Learning

Dive into Deep Learning by Joanne Quinn, Joanne McEachen, Michael Fullan, Max Gardner, and Max Drummy is a comprehensive guide on how to implement Deep Learning in the classroom, the school, and the district. A clear Deep Learning framework is provided with specific designs for teacher learning sessions. There are chapters on learning design, collaborative inquiry, learning progressions, assessment practices, capacity building, and more. The inviting and colorful design of the book makes it easy to read and navigate. This is the essential tool for those wanting to implement Deep Learning at any level within an educational system.