9 Thought-Provoking and Educational Books About Teaching and Learning

	Title	Author
1.	The Anti-Education Era	James Paul Gee
2.	The Truth-Seeker’s Handbook	Gleb Tsipursky
3.	The Smartest Kids in the World	Amanda Ripley
4.	Teaching Outside the Box	LouAnne Johnson
5.	Worth Writing About	Jake Wizner
6.	An Odyssey	Daniel Mendelsohn
7.	Please Stop Laughing at Us	Jodee Blanco
8.	See Me After Class	Roxanna Elden
9.	Gone for Good	Stuart Rojstaczer

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In Depth

Covering an array of topics pertaining to education, the books included on this list examine everything from effective teaching methods to how the brain processes information. For instructors, students, or anyone interested in the subject, here, in no particular order, are nine thought-provoking reads that illuminate the many sides of teaching and learning.

Arriving at #1 is "The Anti-Education Era" by James Paul Gee. An in-depth look at the pitfalls and possibilities of digital learning, this work examines how modern technologies are changing the structure of the classroom. Although he has previously promoted the educational advantages of video games, the author acknowledges that electronic media can hamper students' abilities to take on real-world problems. Instead of issuing a hopeless assessment, however, Gee explains how digital tools, such as interactive virtual worlds, can be used in meaningful and productive ways to improve learning.

For #2 we get "The Truth-Seeker's Handbook" by Gleb Tsipursky. In a contemporary society where people are easily misled by exaggerations and blatant falsehoods, Tsipursky's book teaches readers how to avoid the influence of misinformation so they can live more truthful and informed lives. Throughout, the author shows how simple, seemingly innocuous errors in thinking can generate dangerous repercussions that ripple into social and political spheres. Drawing from behavioral and cognitive sciences, he highlights a diversity of practical strategies to combat this, from methods of detecting rhetorical fallacies to ensuring that facts and opinions are safely separated.

Throughout, the author shows how simple, seemingly innocuous errors in thinking can generate dangerous repercussions that ripple into social and political spheres.

At #3 is "The Smartest Kids in the World" by Amanda Ripley. Tracking the experiences of three American teenagers spending a year of high school abroad, investigative journalist Ripley presents an eye-opening exploration of the beliefs and practices that contribute to the success of other countries' educational systems. Looking at high-performing public schools in South Korea, Poland, and Finland, she reveals the attitudes and philosophies that make them thrive, from high scholastic standards to hefty teacher compensation. Contrasting those nations with the U.S., Ripley shows how much academic achievement depends on systems that invest in student progress.

For #4 we have "Teaching Outside the Box" by LouAnne Johnson. Aimed at both fledgling teachers and those who have been working for years, Johnson's book provides easy-to-follow methods for fostering a positive, effective educational environment. Covering everything from seating arrangements to homework grading, classroom maintenance to nutrition, the illustrious educator offers exhaustive pedagogical advice as well as practical techniques for implementing it. She also includes handouts and checklists to help teachers achieve their goals in class.

Showing up at #5 is "Worth Writing About" by Jake Wizner. Teenagers, being in the midst of a confusing period of transition, are apt to question who they are and who they'll become, yet schoolwork often doesn't ask them to deeply self-reflect. Eighth-grade English teacher Wizner demonstrates how educators can rectify this through units focused on memoir writing, encouraging teens to get to know themselves and each other better by delving into their life experiences. Wizner documents this process while addressing its unique challenges and merits, using examples from his own students to show how rewarding it can be for young people to write introspectively.

Eighth-grade English teacher Wizner demonstrates how educators can rectify this through units focused on memoir writing, encouraging teens to get to know themselves and each other better by delving into their life experiences.

For #6 we find "An Odyssey" by Daniel Mendelsohn. Through the lens of Homer's "The Odyssey," the author, a classics professor, chronicles the educational and emotional journey he and Jay, his octogenarian father, undertook during a semester at Bard College. It begins when Jay decides to audit a seminar his son is teaching on the epic Greek poem. As they contentiously unpack its themes over the course of the class, and later chart Odysseus's quest through the Mediterranean, father and son find their critical analysis of the text giving way to reflections and revelations about their own relationship.

Coming in at #7 is "Please Stop Laughing at Us" by Jodee Blanco. Informed by her experiences being bullied throughout school, Blanco's level-headed and motivational book offers guidance to assist children who are abused by their peers. Addressing kids, teachers, parents, and other educators, Blanco describes the social causes that lead to and perpetuate a culture of bullying, and provides concrete, actionable solutions for curbing them.

For #8 we arrive at "See Me After Class" by Roxanna Elden. There are many things up-and-coming teachers don't learn about while working toward their degrees, but thankfully Elden has them covered in her frank, incisive book. Using humorous quotes and anecdotes from other educators, the public school teacher tackles the less pleasant aspects of her job, including dealing with misbehaving students and working within the restrictions of bureaucracy. Rather than revel in classroom horror stories, Elden supplies helpful, no-nonsense practical knowledge that can aid teachers of all stripes in being confident and efficient without losing their minds.

Rather than revel in classroom horror stories, Elden supplies helpful, no-nonsense practical knowledge that can aid teachers of all stripes in being confident and efficient without losing their minds.

Finally, landing at #9 is "Gone for Good" by Stuart Rojstaczer. In his wide-ranging study of higher education, Rojstaczer explores how universities have both developed and struggled since their ostensible golden age in the mid-20th century. Beginning by looking at the boom in college funding and infrastructure following World War II, he goes on to examine how universities in the present day face increasing financial instability in their excessive pursuit of growth. The author proposes reforms to the higher education system so schools can focus on what truly matters: the equitable treatment of faculty and staff and the success of students.