Myth of Education in America - by Richard Hammes (Paperback)

About the Book

This book provides a practical and implementable foundation for critical thinking as a broad-based solution to solving the education crisis.

Book Synopsis

The Myth of Education in America contends that formal education should be "how you learn" not only "what you learn". It emphasizes that utilization of critical thinking and analysis is a life-long journey, and everyone should be involved in the process. The ability to sort out differing opinions, determine accuracy of data, and evaluate options are important for all citizens. The core of the book is the Hammes Classroom Experience, a detailed explanation of what Dr. Hammes did to implement critical thinking in the classroom with specific techniques to utilize while using textbooks and other course content. The expanded value of the book goes beyond teachers at all levels, to students, administrators, boards of education, parents, and employers.

Review Quotes

Dr. Hammes has nailed the problems in the classroom and provided a road map for us to fix them. I would love to see a movement that obligates educators to incorporate critical thinking into their subjects.

Dr. Hammes provides a solution for our current state of education. It is an informed and concise take on the problems educators face and how to solve them, not only for teachers but for school superintendents, principals and elected officials.

Dr. Hammes' book is a sorely needed tome for the transformation of education at all levels and for parents and workplace supervisors as well as leaders of all educational endeavors. All l can say is bravo. The larger picture of this book and its significance is the premise that critical thinking is needed by all of us today and has been needed for decades. The power of this book will be in helping readers to know what critical thinking looks like and sounds like and therefore how to engage students (and others) in doing it in many possible ways.

Over recent years the educational accountability (meaning testing at every turn), mantra has been "What gets measured, gets taught." Dr. Hammes provides not only guiding principles for teaching critical thinking, but practical strategies for parents and teachers.

This book provides valuable insight into the guiding principles of critical thinking and practical strategies and suggestions for teaching and supporting students' critical thinking skills. Hammes, a former community college educator, starts by examining the current state of American education with an emphasis on the skills that should be valued. He looks closely at how a lack of critical thinking compounds from elementary through post-secondary studies and notes that critical thinking is often not the focus of students' educational experiences. Instead, schools tend to emphasize content memorization through the learning process. Explaining the importance and principles of critical thinking, Hammes then considers the obstacles students face when trying to develop the necessary skills. More importantly, he offers practical strategies for teachers, parents, and employers to implement critical thinking in their everyday practices. In doing so, he provides the groundwork for how to successfully promote students' problem solving and decision making as major parts of their educational journey. This book is a great resource for a broad audience. It offers a refreshing perspective on what critical thinking looks like and how it impacts all areas of daily life. Recommended. General readers through faculty; professionals.

This text offers a refreshing perspective on what should be valued in education and included as key elements in our schools. Richard Hammes gives us an outline of ideas and methodologies in a format that is easy to comprehend and realistic to implement. Education as it exists today, must change.

About the Author

Richard Hammes, EdD, has a doctorate in Learning and Developmental Psychology and he taught at community colleges for 43 years. He has broad experience as a training and development consultant in business and industry.