CTLL Summer Reading List: How Your Teaching Can Become More Effective

1. Teaching Naked: How Moving Technology Out of Your College Classroom Will Improve Student Learning by Jose Antonio Bowen, (ISBN-13:978-1118110355; ISBN-10:1118110358, Publication Date: 2012-08-04)

Dr. Edelman: "Bowen's Teaching Naked reframes the academic conversation around instructional technologies, which are often perceived as "add ons" that we can "give or take." Bowen suggests that we conceive of higher education in terms of game theory, but he also offers practical (and interesting) ways to harness technology that will free up class time for higher order thinking and activities. While Bowen argues for moving technologies out of the classroom, the techniques and resources he offers can be used both inside and outside the classroom to facilitate information delivery, engagement, and assessment. The theoretical framework is research-based, but the writing and tools discussed are accessible and include examples for implementation. An excellent read!"

Summary (book cover): "Teaching Naked" shows how technology is used most powerfully outside the classroom, and when used effectively, how it can ensure that students arrive to class more prepared for meaningful interaction with faculty."

2. Classroom Assessment Techniques by Thomas A. Angelo, K. Patricia Cross, (ISBN: 1555425003, Publication Date: 1993)

Dr. Carney: "This highly-respected resource is organized by discipline, so you can find ways to assess the kinds of learning specific to that subject. It's exceedingly accessible and guides you through a quick, easy ways to get insights into what students are learning."

Summary (book cover): "How well are college students learning? How effectively are faculty learning? Teachers themselves are the closest observers of learning as it takes place in their classrooms—and thus have the opportunity to become the most effective assessors and improvers of their own teaching. But in order for teaching to improve, teachers must first be able to discover when they are off course, how far off they are, and how to get back on the right track."

3. Understanding by Design by Jay McTighe; Grant P. Wiggins, (Call Number: LB2806.15 .W54 2005, Publication Date: 2005-01-01)

Dr. Carney: "The McTighe books are excellent introductions to the steps course design. For those unfamiliar with strategies for course design, these books offer an excellent approach."

Summary (book cover): "Combining provocative ideas, thoughtful analysis, and tested approaches, Understanding by Design, 2nd edition, offers teacher-designers a clear path to the creation of curriculum that ensures better learning and a more stimulating experience for students and teachers alike."

4. Understanding by Design Professional Development Workbook by Jay McTighe; Grant Wiggins, (Call Number: LB2806.15 .M37 2004, Publication Date: 2004-01-01)

Summary: The workbook by McTighe and Wiggins, "Provides resources to educators in developing curriculum and assessments and includes templates for designing a unit or course, criteria for reviewing curricular designs, workshop activities, and graphic organizers."

5. Classroom Assessment and Research: An Update on Uses, Approaches, and Research Findings by Thomas A. Angelo (Editor), (ISBN: 0-7879-9885-0; Publication Date: 1998-12-02)

Summary (book cover): "This sourcebook explores how classroom assessment techniques (CATs) are now being used to build student learning skills, and examines current research on how classroom assessment has changed both teaching and learning. It also introduces new uses for CATs–to promote effective student teamwork, help institutions answer the call for more accountability, and guide new teachers in developing their teaching philosophies."