Become a Better Teacher through Reading

As we start to close out the fall semester, most teachers are looking forward to some time away from the classroom. While being a high-quality instructor necessitates that we be rested, it also requires that we be well-informed on best practices, course design and pedagogy in general.  Reading can be a relaxing way to explore our teaching in greater depth. So why not choose a related book to read over the break?

Need suggestions? In some of our recent book clubs, we've investigated some texts that positively impacted our teaching. We've read Dr. Daniel Willingham's "Why Don't Students Like School?" as well as "Powerful Teaching" by Dr. Pooja Agarwal and Dr. Patrice Bain. These books explore both the practice of teaching and the science behind the tools that are proposed. Another classic book on teaching to consider is McKeachie's "Teaching Tips: Strategies, Research and Theory for College and University Teachers." Or if you're looking for new ideas on course design, you might consider "Creating Wicked Students: Designing Courses for a Complex World" by Paul Handstedt. There are plenty of enjoyable and informative options to try. Have a favorite? We'd love to hear about it.