Non-Formal Education Books

Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling

John Gatto

List Price: $9.95 By: New Society Publishers Amazon Marketplace: 32 new & used starting at $5.00

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Education Theory -> History
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Education Theory -> Non-Formal Education
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 123 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

great for the most part 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is a great book for the most part. Although I agree with many of his points, I disagree in the part where he proposes a reform that requires mandatory community service. In the book he mostly says that people do well when they aren't made to do something, and yes community service is great but it shouldn't be forced on people, and people should have the option to decide if that is what they want to do. That's what freedom is all about.

He's right about school. My experience in school felt like a prison, where my teachers didn't take me seriously, they sometimes liked humiliating me and my classmates, and honestly to this day, I have zero respect for teachers. I can't look back on a teacher that I actually liked. Many of them just made me follow dumb rules that had nothing to do with learning but about respecting authority.

Even as a college student, I feel that college is just another scam, its not about learning but about getting that degree so you can get a good job. Getting As and Bs isn't a sign of intelligence, but a sign that you did the work the way that your teacher wanted you to. I think true learning occurs when you are accountable to yourself for your own education.

Editorial Review:

This radical treatise on public education has been a New Society Publishers' bestseller for 10 years! Thirty years of award-winning teaching in New York City's public schools led John Gatto to the sad conclusion that compulsory governmental schooling does little but teach young people to follow orders as cogs in the industrial machine. In celebration of the ten-year anniversary of Dumbing Us Down and to keep this classic current, we are renewing the cover art, adding new material about John and the impact of the book, and a new Foreword.

Excellent 11, The: Qualities Teachers and Parents Use to Motivate, Inspire, and Educate Children

Ron Clark

Amazon Price: $9.56 List Price: $11.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Hyperion Amazon Marketplace: 66 new & used starting at $2.44

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Education Theory -> Aims & Objectives
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Education Theory -> Non-Formal Education
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Parent Participation

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 24 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great Motivational read 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book will inspire you whether you are a parent, teacher or administrator. Ron is amazing in what he was able to do. He shares many of his strategies/techniques which are fueled by his passion for students to succeed. I am an administrator of a K-8 school and used excerpts from many parts of the book with my staff. The perfect book to ignite you to do the extraordinary!!!

Not Just Hot Air , but Tested Theories 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

One reason I appreciated his suggestions is that he has effectively used them in one of the toughest teaching environments in the world: Harlem, NY. He's not just preaching here, he's actually gotten his hands dirty and proven the effectiveness of his methods.

Editorial Review:

Now in paperback, the national bestseller that's changing America, one student at a time fter publishing his New York Times bestseller The Essential 55, award-winning teacher Ron Clark took his rules on the road and traveled to schools in 49 states. He met amazing teachers, administrators, students, parents-all kinds of people involved in bringing up great kids. In the best of them, he noticed the same qualities that he'd observed in many of the outstanding individuals he'd worked with during his time teaching in North Carolina and Harlem.

Foxfire 12 (Foxfire)

Inc. Foxfire Fund

Amazon Price: $12.21 List Price: $17.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Anchor Amazon Marketplace: 32 new & used starting at $10.38

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> History -> Americas -> United States -> State & Local -> Georgia
Subjects -> History -> Americas -> United States -> State & Local -> South
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

For more than thirty years, Foxfire books have brought the philosophy of simple living to hundreds of thousands of readers, teaching creative-self-sufficiency, the art of natural remedies, home crafts, and preserving the stories and customs of Appalachia. Inspiring and practical, this classic series has become an American institution.

Foxfire 12 is the latest volume, the first in more than five years. Here are reminiscences about learning to square dance and tales about traditional craftsmen who created useful items in the old-time ways that have since disappeared in most of the country. Here are lessons on how to make rose beads and wooden coffins, and on how to find turtles in your local pond. We hear the voices of descendants of the Cherokees who lived in the region, and we learn about what summer camp was like for generations of youngsters. We meet a rich assortment of Appalachian characters and listen to veterans recount their war experiences. Illustrated with photographs and drawings, Foxfire 12 is a rich trove of information and stories from a fascinating American culture.

Heaven on Earth: A Handbook for Parents of Young Children

Sharifa Oppenheimer

Amazon Price: $22.50 List Price: $25.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Steinerbooks Amazon Marketplace: 34 new & used starting at $17.72

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Personal Health -> Women's Health -> Pregnancy & Childbirth -> General
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Psychology & Counseling -> Child Psychology -> Development
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

As we witness the shifting of old forms that once stood as the foundation of our daily lives, parents—who must prepare the next generation to meet this changing world—have more questions now than ever before. Although our culture and the nature of the family may be changing, the atmosphere in the home continues to create the foundation of a child’s life. In Heaven on Earth, parent and educator Sharifa Oppenheimer reveals how to make the home environment warm, lively, loving, and consistent with your highest ideals.

Heaven on Earth balances theoretical understanding of child development with practical ideas, resources, and tips that can transform family life. Readers will learn how to establish the life rhythms that lay the foundation for all learning; how to design indoor play environments that allow children the broadest skills development; and how to create backyard play spaces that encourage vigorous movement and a wide sensory palette. Through art, storytelling, and the festival celebrations, this book is a guide to build a "family culture" based on the guiding principle of love. Such a culture supports children and allows the free development of each unique soul.

Responding to parents’ questions from more than twenty years of teaching, Oppenheimer has created a gift from the heart. This is a practical, inspiring resource that brings her informed, intuitive understanding of young children into the heart of the home.

The Montessori Method

Maria Montessori

Amazon Price: $19.95 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Cosimo Classics Amazon Marketplace: 24 new & used starting at $6.00

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Education Theory -> Non-Formal Education
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Elementary School -> General AAS
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Pedagogy

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Don't buy this paperback version! 1 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This paperback version published by www.bnpublishing.com (ISBN 9562915824) excludes most of the original illustrations/pictures/photos without indication in the product description, which, I think, has largely lowered the quality and damaged contents of this book. So, this book is not what it was supposed to be. Reading experience of it is terrible! My zero start for it.

Editorial Review:

This groundbreaking classic of educational philosophy takes on urgent new necessity today, as "traditional" methods of early-childhood schooling seem to be failing us. Published in Italian in 1909 and first translated into English in 1912, these still-revolutionary theories focus on the individuality of the child and on nurturing her inherent joy of learning to create schools and other learning environments that are oriented on the child. Eschewing rote memorization and drilling, Montessori's method helps to foster abstract thinking and to fulfill a child's highest potential, emotionally, physically and intellectually. Parents from all walks of life will find the ideas herein immensely valuable. Italian doctor and educator MARIA MONTESSORI (1870-1952) was the first woman to graduate from the University of Rome Medical School. She traveled extensively in Europe, America, and the Near East, studying early education and testing her educational methods.

The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio Emilia Approach Advanced Reflections, Second Edition

Amazon Price: $44.95 List Price: $49.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Ablex Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 28 new & used starting at $30.99

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Education Theory -> Contemporary Methods -> Experimental
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Education Theory -> Non-Formal Education
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Preschool & Kindergarten

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The city-run early childhood program of Reggio Emilia, Italy, has become recognized and acclaimed as one of the best systems of education in the world. Over the past forty years, educators there have evolved a distinctive innovative approach that supports children's well-being and fosters their intellectual development through a systematic focus on symbolic representation. Young children (from birth to age six) are encouraged to explore their environment and express themselves through many "languages," or modes of expression, including words, movement, drawing, painting, sculpture, shadow play, collage, and music. Leading children to surprising levels of symbolic skill and creativity, the system is not private and elite but rather involves full-day child care open to all, including children with disabilities. This new Second Edition reflects the growing interest and deepening reflection upon the Reggio approach, as well as increasing sophistication in adaptation to the American context. Included are many entirely new chapters and an updated list of resources, along with original chapters revised and extended. The book represents a dialogue between Italian educators who founded and developed the system and North Americans who have considered its implications for their own settings and issues. The book is a comprehensive introduction covering history and philosophy, the parent perspective, curriculum and methods of teaching, school and system organization, the use of space and physical environments, and adult professional roles including special education. The final section describes implications for American policy and professional development and adaptations in United States primary, preschool, and child care classrooms.

Instructional Media and Technologies for Learning (7th Edition)

Robert Heinich, Michael Molenda, James D. Russell, Sharon E. Smaldino

List Price: $78.00 By: Prentice Hall Amazon Marketplace: 43 new & used starting at $0.92

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Education Theory -> Administration
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Education Theory -> Non-Formal Education
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Instruction Method -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Nice update of a classic textbook 5 out of 5 stars.
15 of 16 people found this review helpful.

As a co-author, I can report that Instructional Media upholds the tradition established by this textbook in 1982. It is aimed primarily at those who are at the entry level in terms of using media for education or training. It helps instructors decide what media to use for different teaching/learning situations, and gives practical tips on HOW to achieve the best effect when using technology. The book began with a focus on audiovisual media; the sixth edition retains the most relevant audiovisual content, but shifts focus toward computer-based delivery. What remains constant is the conviction that effectiveness of mediated instruction depends very much on what the instructor does...how the technology is integrated into the overall learning program.

Light and introductory with the scent of apple pie 2 out of 5 stars.
12 of 13 people found this review helpful.

I wasn't impressed with this book for two separate reasons. Firstly, the production standard struck me as almost 1960s' in style - black and white photos (nice 'grainy' look), big bulky monitors and a general aged format. It is peculiar I agree, but the book looks like it was written at least 30 if not 40 years ago. The second set of quibbles I have with the text is that it presume the reader is almost completely ignorant of any kind of presentation technology. This assumption may have been acceptable several decades ago but the universality of TV seriously undermines its value. Television is constantly exposting the public to new technologies. For instance, in the text there is a piece with graphic devoted to how to load a slide projector. How relevant is that to today's classroom? Moreover, any decent bit of kit comes with instructions. I accept that the authors wish to do a thorough hand holding with the reader, but the book assume too little exposure to technology which renders it advice mediocre in places. Possibly it should be retitled Instructional Media Technology for Complete Dummies. The bits on the web are small (literally bits) which is not a good sign. Overall, the book was lightweight - possibly I am being unfair as I am not looking for the technology it covers, but for review of current and future developments. In any event I regret buying the book as it doesn't fit my needs and I didn't like its presentation style. It is a tired book, more like jaded, that does not mesh well with the style culture of modern multimedia technology.

Instead of Education: Ways to Help People do Things Better

John Holt

Amazon Price: $10.85 List Price: $15.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Sentient Publications Amazon Marketplace: 41 new & used starting at $9.00

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Education Theory -> Non-Formal Education
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Education Theory -> Philosophy & Social Aspects
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Homeschooling -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A seminal contribution to education policy discussions 5 out of 5 stars.
22 of 30 people found this review helpful.

Instead Of Education: Ways To Help People Do Things Better by alternative education advocate John Holt (author of the 1964 book How Children Fail) is an iconoclastic and seminal work presenting a persuasively argued case for "un-schooling" from traditional classroom structures and curriculum fare, to innovative, self-directed learning as the basis for a truly creative life. A direct challenge to the complacency of today's educational status quo (even in this political age of "no child left behind" and school voucher proposals), Instead Of Education should be required reading in every Teacher's College, District School Board, and governmental education policy development office whether it be federal, state, or local. Instead Of Education is a significant and seminal contribution to education policy discussions and commended to the attention of education reform activists at all levels and from all perspectives.

Editorial Review:

Holt's most direct and radical challenge to the educational status quo and a clarion call to parents to save their children from schools of all kinds.

Bears' Guide to Earning Degrees Nontraditionally (13th ed)

Mariah P. Bear

List Price: $29.95 By: C&B Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 22 new & used starting at $0.76

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> College & University -> General
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> College & University -> General AAS
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Education Theory -> Non-Formal Education

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 48 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great Resource 4 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

If you are looking for a resource that will provide literally thousands of addresses (snail mail, e-mail, web addresses, phone numbers) with a brief annotation about each school that offers distance learning, then this is an excellent resource. If you are wanting to learn the very basics of accreditation of online schools, this will be a starting point. If you want a detailed, technical look at online learning and about higher education accreditatiion, this is not the purpose of Bears Guide.

Reviewer: Dr. Kellemen is the author of Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction .

inaccurate in places. preachy about accreditation in others 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 14 people found this review helpful.

After ripping on many, many schools that are not "accredited", the book goes on to mention, how you can get a "real" credit by buying a persian rug. Because everyone knows how difficult it is to buy a rug, let alone a Persian one.

Anyway bears lists "accredited schools with degrees entirely by distance learning"
and lists Alberta's Athabasca U as an "accredited school" = the have been open for a number of years and only in 2005 did the received accreditation- just look it up on their site. So basically if your school is "unaccredited" they you don't have a real degree, tell that to Royal Roads, UBC, Uvic, Uof Manitoba, and on an on. Because if you read the "university and college act" you will know that you can accredit yourselves, mind you with a bunch of paper work. oh, Devrey accredits themselves, so their degrees are not worth the paper they are printed on.


IF you want to look at the world of education the way the book looks at it, you are limiting yourself. Education should be just that an education, but whether you come out of UBC or Harvard with an undergrad, you basically know nothing. Ever have to write a 500 word essay at your current job? most of you can say no.

I say revamp the system and get to the meat of the degree in 2 years or less- of a a 4 year degree 2-3 years of it is spent entirely on basic courses.

Editorial Review:

The essential reference to alternative education, this book covers it all: night and weekend colleges, foreign medical schools, degress by Internet and other e-mail avenues, and basically every other way of earning a Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate, law, or medical degree through some unconventional method.

Games for Language Learning (Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teachers)

Andrew Wright, David Betteridge, Michael Buckby

Amazon Price: $26.10 List Price: $29.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Cambridge University Press Amazon Marketplace: 41 new & used starting at $18.37

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Education Theory -> Non-Formal Education
Subjects -> Reference -> Foreign Languages -> Instruction -> English as a Foreign Language -> Coursebooks
Subjects -> Reference -> Foreign Languages -> Instruction -> English as a Foreign Language -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Very good resource book 4 out of 5 stars.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This is a very good resource book for your ESL classes. The games were easily adapted to our specific needs and I'm glad that I purchased it.

wonderful resource 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 9 people found this review helpful.

What a great resource this book is. I will definitely consult it often. Games for anything and everything.

Games for Language Learning 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

It's an excellent educational resource for teaching ESL. I recommend it. My students have enjoy the games I have done with them the first few days of class.

Great addition to any ESL classroom 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book contains many games grouped into helpful categories such as picture games and sound games, and for each game there is an overview of time, level, materials, skills, and language. I especially like the games because most are simple, don't require complex materials or a lot of them, and can be easily adapted or modified. I would definitely recommend this book to ESL teachers of any level.

Editorial Review:

This is the third edition of the one of the founding titles of the CHLT series. The book features many of the original games but has also been fully revised to include new games for the ELT classroom. The structure of the book has also been revised so that the games are now grouped in a more teacher-friendly format where teachers can search based on language and skill criteria rather than just game type.