I love reading. I also love writing. I enjoy discussing what I read with friends and colleagues. I am not so much a fan of reading 50 page research articles for the purpose of doctoral research. Sometimes it is fun to stop and think about the non-research books I read along the way.

Volume 1

Volume 2

Making Thinking Visible: How to Promote Engagement, Understanding, and Independence for ALL Learners by Ron Ritchhart, Mark Church & Karin Morrison

During a recent Things I’m Loving post, I mentioned the anticipation I was feeling about an upcoming book club with my colleagues. This is the book we are reading together. I was hooked from the first page when the authors said, “Oxford English Dictionary rates the word think as the twelfth most used verb in the English language!”

Common Core English Language Arts in a PLC at Work: Leader’s Guide by Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, & Cynthia Uline and Common Core English Language Arts in a PLC at Work: Grades 3-5 by Fisher & Frey

I read the leader’s guide last year and am now using it as a reference while facilitating a book club using the 3-5 edition. The book club is with a group of aspiring leaders in their administrative credential program, in a leadership course. I serve as the facilitator as part of one of my doctoral classes. The experience is meant to support my cohort with a professional development experience in a format other than the traditional “sit and get” delivery style of PD. I have some advantages because a) my district is well ahead of the curve when it comes to CCSS implementation, b) I have facilitated a wide variety of professional development opportunities throughout my career, and c) I participate in unique professional learning experiences through twitter and other social media venues.

One of my favorite quotes: “In other words, teachers need to plan together, look at student work together, identify needs for reteaching together, trust one another, and ask for help when they need it” (Fisher & Frey, p. 9)

Reflective Practice for Educators: Professional Development to Improve Student Learning by Karen F. Osterman & Robert B. Kottkamp

I began reading this book as part of the research for my dissertation’s review of literature on adult learning. I will continue to read it for my own edification. Reflection is an important part of my own learning process and my blogging (see my Abecedary of Reflection for my MANY thoughts on the topic!).  Osterman and Kottkamp spell out the differences between reflection and reflective practice that can lead to significant school reform. A favorite line: “In reflective practice, the learning goal is not merely acquiring knowledge but creating and applying knowledge in effective and appropriate ways. Specifically, the purpose of reflective practice is the improvement of professional practice through behavioral change” (p. 15).

CCC licensed work by flickr user CollegeDegree360

What are you reading these days?

Have you read any of these books?

Do you have any good books to recommend to fellow learners and leaders?