Extraordinary Learning for All
(Aylon Samouha, Jeff Wetzler and Jenee Henry Wood, Jossey-Bass, £24.99)
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This book looks at the way schools are traditionally designed to satisfy needs dating back to a hundred years or so. Much more could be achieved in terms of pupils’ individual fulfilment, argue the authors, if the curriculum, design of the school day and wider community were actively involved.
They proceed to show how their suggested remedies – including project- and problem-based learning, work experience and learning in non-school venues – can be implemented and why they work.
Unfortunately, however, said proposals would inevitably require a level of collaboration, time investment and funding that would effectively act as barriers to entry in the current UK climate. That said, as a source of potential ideas and inspiration, the book could be very useful indeed. The case studies it details may be US-centric, but are still interesting illustrations of what can be achieved.
This book was first reviewed in Teach Secondary magazine.