On the Edge of Their Seats - by Mark E Jonas & Douglas W Yacek (Paperback)

About the Book

This book offers secondary, high school and college teachers a straightforward, intuitive approach to increase student engagement.

Book Synopsis

An epidemic of boredom is spreading through our nation's secondary schools and colleges. Students across America are disengaged at depressingly high levels; they are continually distracted; and they often see their education as a series of dull and uninspiring classes that they simply must endure. Is there any hope for this bored and distracted generation? Can teachers turn the tide of the boredom epidemic by making their classrooms places of excitement and inspiration?

Yes, they can. This book offers teachers a straightforward and intuitive approach to increase student engagement in the classroom. Drawing on the latest research and several decades of experience in teacher education, this book shows how teachers can make their classrooms inspiring and transformative places of learning. This guidance comes in the form of a simple four-step framework that teachers can begin immediately applying in their classrooms. The four step framework is not just effective instruction-it's teaching that transforms.

Review Quotes

"An invaluable resource for all educators, On the Edge of Their Seats focuses on the heart of successful teaching: reaching our students. It is accessible, practical, and inspirational. This book provides tools and ideas I can implement in my classroom now and in the years to come."

- Caris Zeller, Chemistry Teacher, Glenbard East High School

"On the Edge of Their Seats presents a clearly articulated and jargon-free alternative to the standard 'best practices' approach to teaching. All too often, we lose sight of the intrinsic value of what is being taught and its connection to the commitments and passions of both teachers and students. Given the demoralized climate of today's teaching profession, there is a pressing need to reaffirm the transformative potential of teaching for those who care deeply about what and whom they teach. This is what Jonas and Yacek do here, and in a clear, accessible, and engaging manner."

- Dini Metro-Roland, Professor of Education, Western Michigan University

"Jonas and Yacek proffer a unique approach to the art of teaching that is undergirded by solid educational research. Their four-step approach is effectively presented, and then uniquely supported with exemplary classroom scenarios. In sum, they provide educators a dynamic paradigm for examining how to promote better student engagement and the value of learning for learning's sake!"

- Thomas Greene, Former Assistant Superintendent Beaverton Public Schools, and Former Provost University of Portland