Carey, B. (2014). How We Learn: The Surprising Truth About When, Where, and Why It Happens. Random House.
Benedict Carey was a health and medical reporter for the Los Angeles Times and then became a science reporter for the New York Times in 2004. He uses this background to analyze decades of research to show us how the brain and learning actually work. Educational practices often are passed down through generations of teachers without the support of the research, and this book will have the power to correct misguided practices while also giving proven strategies behind learning.
Fisher, D., Frey, N., Quaglia, R. J., Smith, D., & Lande, L. L. (2017). Engagement by Design Creating Learning Environments Where Students Thrive. SAGE Publications.
Student engagement is a critical component to blended learning, and the best teachers make it look effortless. This book provides a framework for how to make intentional changes to daily routines and culture in order to create a learning environment where all students can be successful. This book will be especially helpful when designing a classroom that is not focused on direct teaching.
Gee, J. P. (2013). The Anti-Education Era Creating Smarter Students Through Digital Learning. St. Martin's Publishing Group.
James Paul Gee is an advocate for gaming and digital learning, but writes this book to warn parents and educators of the detriments of technology and social media. He argues that technology and social media are powerful tools when used to collaborate and collectively solve problems. This book will be a strong reminder to not let technology become overemphasized or used incorrectly in a blended learning environment.
Gonzalez, J. (2021, May 16). No More Easy Button: A Suggested Approach to Post-Pandemic Teaching [Audio Podcast]. Cult of Pedagogy. https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/easy-button/
Jennifer Gonzalez is the Editor in Chief of the Cult of Pedagogy podcast. Her goal is to create a community of teachers committed to improving the way they teach. This podcast speaks to the ineffective educational practices that occur frequently due to various constraints on teachers. She argues that the post pandemic classroom is the time for schools and educators to critically analyze every practice, such as lesson design, assessment, inclusivity, and relationships, to transform education. This podcast will inspire teachers to look deeper into their classroom and make changes that will allow students and teachers to thrive.
Rothstein, D., & Santana, L. (2011). Make Just One Change: Teach Students to Ask Their Own Questions. Harvard Education Press.
Dan Rothstein and Luz Santana are codirectors of the Right Question Institute, and in this book they are providing a structured method for teaching students how to ask their own questions to guide their learning. This book will be extremely helpful when implementing project based learning and guiding students to a more self-directed learning approach.