Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Your Child's Growing Mind: Brain Development and Learning From Birth to Adolescence

Your Child's Growing Mind: Brain Development and Learning From Birth to Adolescence Review



The classic guide to understanding children’s mental development is now updated and better than ever!

Hailed by parents and educators, Your Child’s Growing Mind is a window into the fascinating process of brain development and learning. It looks at the roots of emotion, intelligence, and creativity, translating the most current scientific research into practical suggestions for parents and teachers.

Dr. Healy also addresses academic learning, offering countless suggestions for how parents can help without pushing. She explains the building blocks of reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics and shows how to help youngsters of all ages develop motivation, attention, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Using the science of childhood development, she also examines today’s hot issues, including learning disabilities, ADHD, influences of electronic media, and the hazards of forced early learning. From infancy to adolescence, this is the perfect guide to helping and enjoying a youngster’s mental, personal, and academic growth.


Friday, January 20, 2012

Adult Learning Basics (ASTD Training Basics Series)

Adult Learning Basics (ASTD Training Basics Series) Review



With a globally-aging workforce, organizations are reexamining adult learning theory and how it is applied to employee development. Adult Learning Basics addresses individual learning competencies, organizational learning climate, and technology-related issues as they affect the adult learning process.

Author, William J. Rothwell, a renowned learning expert, simplifies the complicated and often academic subject of adult learning. He defines the seven kinds of adult intelligence and provides the necessary background for successfully addressing the different learning styles for maximum benefit.


Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance

The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance Review



Josh Waitzkin knows what it means to be at the top of his game. A public figure since winning his first National Chess Championship at the age of nine, Waitzkin was catapulted into a media whirlwind as a teenager when his father's book Searching for Bobby Fischer was made into a major motion picture. After dominating the scholastic chess world for ten years, Waitzkin expanded his horizons, taking on the martial art Tai Chi Chuan and ultimately earning the title of World Champion. How was he able to reach the pinnacle of two disciplines that on the surface seem so different? "I've come to realize that what I am best at is not Tai Chi, and it is not chess," he says. "What I am best at is the art of learning."

In his riveting new book, The Art of Learning, Waitzkin tells his remarkable story of personal achievement and shares the principles of learning and performance that have propelled him to the top -- twice.

With a narrative that combines heart-stopping martial arts wars and tense chess face-offs with life lessons that speak to all of us, The Art of Learning takes readers through Waitzkin's unique journey to excellence. He explains in clear detail how a well-thought-out, principled approach to learning is what separates success from failure. Waitzkin believes that achievement, even at the championship level, is a function of a lifestyle that fuels a creative, resilient growth process. Rather than focusing on climactic wins, Waitzkin reveals the inner workings of his everyday method, from systematically triggering intuitive breakthroughs, to honing techniques into states of remarkable potency, to mastering the art of performance psychology.

Through his own example, Waitzkin explains how to embrace defeat and make mistakes work for you. Does your opponent make you angry? Waitzkin describes how to channel emotions into creative fuel. As he explains it, obstacles are not obstacles but challenges to overcome, to spur the growth process by turning weaknesses into strengths. He illustrates the exact routines that he has used in all of his competitions, whether mental or physical, so that you too can achieve your peak performance zone in any competitive or professional circumstance.

In stories ranging from his early years taking on chess hustlers as a seven year old in New York City's Washington Square Park, to dealing with the pressures of having a film made about his life, to International Chess Championships in India, Hungary, and Brazil, to gripping battles against powerhouse fighters in Taiwan in the Push Hands World Championships, The Art of Learning encapsulates an extraordinary competitor's life lessons in a page-turning narrative.


Sunday, January 15, 2012

The New Science of Teaching and Learning: Using the Best of Mind, Brain, and Education Science in the Classroom

The New Science of Teaching and Learning: Using the Best of Mind, Brain, and Education Science in the Classroom Review



This book offers a definitive, scientifically grounded guide for better teaching and learning practices. Drawing from thousands of documents and the opinions of recognized experts worldwide, it explains in straight talk the new Mind, Brain, and Education Science, a field that has grown out of the intersection of neuroscience, education, and psychology. While parents and teachers are often bombarded with promises of a better brain, this book distinguishes true, applicable neuroscience from the popular neuromyths that have gained currency in education. Each instructional guideline presented in the book is accompanied by real-life classroom examples to help teachers envision the direct application of the information in their own schools. The author offers essential tools for evaluating new information as it flows from research and adds to what we know. Written by a teacher for teachers, this easy-to-use resource documents the findings of the top experts in the field of neuroscience, psychology, and education. It addresses the confusion around the misuse of concepts in brain-based education, and applies well-substantiated findings about the brain to classroom practice and teaching.

"This seminal book has the potential to change the way we think about teaching and learning." -From the Foreword by Pat Wolfe, educational consultant, Mind Matters, Inc.

"This is not only an excellent guide for teachers and a most-needed review of the cutting edge research on neuroeducation, but also a model of pedagogy. The author guides readers step by step in the fascinating exploration of the new transdisciplinary field called MBE, Mind, Brain and Education Science. I recommend this book to every teacher. It will clarify many issues and promote many educational initiatives." -Antonio M. Battro, M.D., President of IMBES, International Mind, Brain and Education Society

"Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa has written a highly accessible, extraordinarily well-documented compilation of essential information for all educators. This breakthrough book guides informed decision-making using the best science has to offer to return joy and authentic learning to our classrooms." -Judy Willis, M.D., M.Ed., neurologist, middle-school teacher, author, and renowned speaker on brain-based education

"A fascinating review of state-of-the-art research. It does more than just debunk myths, it also points toward tried and true tenets and principles of education. Written with clarity, freshness, and a sense of urgency, this is a book that every educator-and everyone who cares about children-should read." -Craig Pohlman, author of How Can My Kid Succeed in School and Revealing Minds


Saturday, January 14, 2012

Exploring Adobe Illustrator CS5 (Design Exploration)

Exploring Adobe Illustrator CS5 (Design Exploration) Review



Now fully updated to the new release of Adobe's Creative Suite, EXPLORING ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR CS5 shows designers how to use this feature-rich software tool to create dynamic design. Written by an author who is an experienced designer and educator known for her user-friendly style, Exploring Adobe Illustrator CS5 teaches the must-have software skills and how to use those skills to create exceptional design. The book examines the tools and features of Adobe Illustrator's newest release and shows how to create vector graphics and drawings for both print and the Web with fundamental design elements in mind. Extensive artwork is expertly woven throughout the information-packed format to drive home key design concepts and show the way to great digital illustration.


Thursday, January 12, 2012

Routing Protocols and Concepts, CCNA Exploration Labs and Study Guide

Routing Protocols and Concepts, CCNA Exploration Labs and Study Guide Review



Routing Protocols and Concepts, CCNA Exploration Labs and Study Guide is designed to support your learning routing protocols and concepts in Version 4 of the Cisco Networking Academy CCNA® Exploration curriculum. Each chapter contains a Study Guide section and a Labs and Activities section.

 

Study Guide

The dozens of exercises in this book help you learn the concepts and configurations crucial to your success as a CCNA exam candidate. Each chapter is slightly different and includes multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and open-ended questions designed to help you:

  • Review vocabulary
  • Strengthen troubleshooting skills
  • Boost configuration skills
  • Reinforce concepts
  • Research topics

 

Packet Tracer Activities: This icon identifies exercises interspersed throughout the Study Guide section where you can practice or visualize a specific task using Packet Tracer, a powerful network simulation program developed by Cisco.

 

Labs and Activities: The Labs and Activities sections begins with a Command Reference table and includes all the online curriculum labs to ensure that you have mastered the practical skills needed to succeed in this course.

 

Hands-On Labs: This icon identifies the hands-on labs created for each chapter. Work through all the Basic, Challenge, and Troubleshooting labs as provided to gain a deep understanding of CCNA knowledge and skills to ultimately succeed on the CCNA Certification Exam.

 

Packet Tracer Companion: This icon identifies the companion activities that correspond to each hands-on lab. You use Packet Tracer to complete a simulation of the hands-on lab.

 

Packet Tracer Skills Integration Challenge: Each chapter concludes with a culminating activity called the Packet

Tracer Skills Integration Challenge. These challenging activities require you to pull together several skills learned from the chapter, as well as previous chapters and courses, to successfully complete one comprehensive exercise.

 

Allan Johnson works full time developing curriculum for Cisco Networking Academy. Allan also is a part-time instructor at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas.

 

Use this book with:

Routing Protocols and Concepts,

CCNA Exploration Companion Guide

ISBN-10: 1-58713-206-0

ISBN-13: 978-158713-206-3

 

Companion CD-ROM

The CD-ROM provides all the Packet Tracer Activity, Packet Tracer Companion, and Packet Tracer Challenge exercise files that are referenced throughout the book as indicated by the icons. These files work with Packet Tracer software V4.1, which is available through the Academy Connection website. Ask your instructor for access to the Packet Tracer software.

 


Monday, January 9, 2012

On the Trails of Tradition: Explorations of Jewish Life and Learning

On the Trails of Tradition: Explorations of Jewish Life and Learning Review



Academic rivalries, medical ethics, child brides, the social etiquette of gift-giving—these and many other familiar issues have a long and fascinating history among the diverse communities and personalities that have made their contributions to the Jewish tradition. Unfortunately, this enthralling lore is often known only to scholarly specialists or readers of esoteric academic journals and monographs, much of it unavailable in English. In the present collection of short studies, Eliezer Segal introduces the public to the fruits of Judaic scholarship, while employing a charming style that combines erudition and wit. On the Trails of Tradition is a worthy successor to the author’s acclaimed collections: Why Didn’t I Learn That in Hebrew School? (1999), Ask Now of the Days that Are Past (2005) and A Meeting-Place for the Wise (2008).


Thursday, January 5, 2012

Network Fundamentals, CCNA Exploration Labs and Study Guide

Network Fundamentals, CCNA Exploration Labs and Study Guide Review



Network Fundamentals, CCNA Exploration Labs and Study Guide is designed to support your classroom and laboratory experience in Version 4 of the Cisco® Networking Academy® CCNA® Exploration curriculum. Each chapter contains a Study Guide section and a Labs and Activities section.

 

Study Guide

The dozens of exercises in this book help you learn the concepts and configurations crucial to your success as a CCNA exam candidate. Each chapter is slightly different and includes multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and open-ended questions designed to help you:

  • Review vocabulary
  • Strengthen troubleshooting skills
  • Boost configuration skills
  • Reinforce concepts
  • Research topics

 

Labs and Activities

Hands-On Labs–This icon identifies the hands-on labs created for each chapter. Work through all the labs as provided to gain a deep understanding of CCNA knowledge and skills to ultimately succeed on the CCNA Certification Exam.

 

Packet Tracer Companion–This icon identifies the companion activities that correspond to some hands-on labs. You use Packet Tracer to complete a simulation of the hands-on lab.

 

Packet Tracer Skills Integration Challenge–Each chapter concludes with a culminating activity called the Packet Tracer Skills Integration Challenge. These challenging activities require you to pull together several skills learned from the chapter, as well as previous chapters, to successfully complete one comprehensive exercise.

 

Use this book with:

Network Fundamentals,

CCNA Exploration

Companion Guide

ISBN-10: 1-58713-208-7

ISBN-13: 978-158713-208-7

 

Companion CD-ROM

The CD-ROM provides all the Packet Tracer Companion and Packet Tracer Challenge files that are referenced throughout the book as indicated by the icons. These files work with Packet Tracer software V4.1.x, which is available through the Academy Connection website. Ask your instructor for access to the Packet Tracer software.

 

This book is part of the Cisco Networking Academy Series from Cisco Press®. Books in this series support and complement the Cisco Networking Academy curriculum.

 


Monday, January 2, 2012

Empowering Online Learning: 100+ Activities for Reading, Reflecting, Displaying, and Doing

Empowering Online Learning: 100+ Activities for Reading, Reflecting, Displaying, and Doing Review



This is an essential resource for anyone designing or facilitating online learning. It introduces an easy, practical model (R2D2: read, reflect, display, and do) that will show online educators how to deliver content in ways that benefit all types of learners (visual, auditory, observational, and kinesthetic) from a wide variety of backgrounds and skill levels. With a solid theoretical foundation and concrete guidance and examples, this book can be used as a handy reference, a professional guidebook, or a course text. The authors intend for it to help online instructors and instructional designers as well as those contemplating such positions design, develop, and deliver learner-centered online instruction.

Empowering Online Learning has 25 unique activities for each phase of the R2D2 model as well as summary tables helping you pick and choose what to use whenever you need it. Each activity lists a description, skills addressed, advice, variations, cost, risk, and time index, and much more.

This title is loaded with current information about emerging technologies (e.g., simulations, podcasts, wikis, blogs) and the Web 2.0. With a useful model, more than 100 online activities, the latest information on emerging technologies, hundreds of quickly accessible Web resources, and relevance to all types and ages of learners--Empowering Online Learning is a book whose time has come.