Book Review
“Tools for Teaching” by Barbara Gross Davis
Review by Linda Dankoff

Tools for Teaching is a compilation of teaching tips, strategies and research findings, beginning with preparation of  a course and ending with post-class activities.  All of these are designed to assist every teacher, new or long-standing, to improve their teaching effectiveness.

The book chapters are laid out under general topic areas, such as The First Day of Class, and each chapter then covers a subheading of this topic. For example, the First Day of Class chapter subjects include General Strategies, Taking Care of Administrative Tasks, Creating a Positive Classroom Environment and Setting Course Expectations and Standards.  Under each of those subject areas, a compendium of ideas and tips are posted in a very brief, easy-to-read format.

Each section is short and covers the basics; it not a lot of “lecture,” but rather quick tips and suggestions and ideas for how to incorporate them into the classroom.  Of particular interest is the way each section first covers research findings on that subject, then moves on into the practical application of those findings.  The reference lists at the end of each section provide a wealth of additional resources available on each general topic.  These bibliographies alone are probably well worth the price of the book to those interested in reading relevant education literature.

Due to its format, it is easy to find what you are looking for if using it as a reference tool.  This book would be an excellent addition to any teacher’s arsenal and could become an essential tool for all new education majors to have at their fingertips.  There are many teaching tip books out there but none as comprehensive and in such an easy-to-use format.

One shortcoming was the minimal coverage of online resources and teaching tools, and development of online course materials and courses.  Perhaps a newer edition of the book will cover these topics more adequately.

Title:  Tools for Teaching
Authors:  Davis, B. G.
Price:  $47.00 (paperback)
Publisher:  Jossey-Bass
Year:  1993
Pages:  464

ISBN:  1555425682