Peer Review

"Introduction to Education (BETA)" is an open textbook available on the MERLOT platform and it's also available for download in a variety of formats such the ebook and PDF.  This book was written to provide students with an introduction to the field of education. The book is broken into chapters that focus on questions students may have about education in general. Although some chapters may go into more depth than others, this is created as an introductory text.

This online book provides students with an introduction to the field of education. They strive to provide information about why one should teach, what makes an effective teacher, and what new teachers can expect. There are 11 chapters and each chapter provides objectives and key terms.

The chapters also contain interactive questions, flashcards, or video content that could be used to explore content in more depth. The chapters are quick and easy reads with link out to other materials and resources.

It should be noted that not all the interactives meet accessibility requirements (especially the drag and drops). Furthermore, the listing of full websites is not accessible and some of the videos are only auto captioned which do not meet accessibility requirements.

Open (Access) Textbook

This online open textbook provides students that are exploring the field of education with information about being a teacher and the education profession.

Based on the content and learning objectives:

Best Uses of the Material

1. In-Class Discussion (Synchronous or Asynchronous)

   • Ideal for introductory education courses where students engage in discussions about key education concepts.
   • Instructors can assign specific chapters and facilitate in-class or online discussion forums.

2. Homework Reading & Reflection Assignments

   • Students can read assigned chapters and respond to reflection questions.
   • Example prompts:
     • What role does education play in shaping society?
     • How have historical changes influenced modern educational practices?

3. Team-Based Projects & Presentations

   • Students can work in groups to present on different aspects of the education system.
   • Teams could explore topics such as:
     • The evolution of educational policies.
     • The impact of technology on education.
     • Comparative education systems across countries.

4. Lecture Supplement

   • Instructors can integrate specific chapters into lectures to reinforce key topics.
   • Can be used alongside case studies, guest speakers, or classroom activities.

5. Self-Paced Learning

   • Works well for students who prefer an independent learning approach.
   • The open textbook format allows flexibility in pacing and accessibility.

6. Case Study & Real-World Application

   • Students apply textbook concepts to real-life teaching scenarios or policy analysis.
   • Example activity: Analyze how a local school district’s policies align with educational theories discussed in the textbook.

7. Online Course Integration

   • A great resource for asynchronous learning in online education courses.
   • Instructors can create quizzes, discussion boards, and assignments around textbook content.

8. Exam or Assessment Preparation

   • Can be used as a review tool to reinforce foundational knowledge before exams or certifications.

• Internet access.
• Used Chrome Browser to access the online version of the book

Major Learning Goals

1. Provide a Foundational Understanding of Education

   • Introduce students to the key principles, history, and philosophy of education.
   • Explain the role of education in society and how it has evolved over time.

2. Explore the Teaching Profession and Educational Systems

   • Familiarize learners with the structure of educational institutions, policies, and governance.
   • Examine the responsibilities, challenges, and expectations of teachers in various educational settings.

3. Develop Critical Thinking About Educational Practices

   • Encourage students to analyze different teaching methods, learning theories, and classroom strategies.
   • Promote reflection on how educational approaches impact student learning and development.

4. Examine the Social, Cultural, and Political Influences on Education

   • Investigate how factors such as socioeconomic status, diversity, and policy shape education.
   • Discuss equity and access in education and the challenges of addressing disparities.

5. Prepare Learners for Further Studies or Careers in Education

   • Lay the groundwork for students pursuing teaching credentials or careers in educational leadership.
   • Provide insights into professional expectations, ethics, and best practices in education.

6. Encourage Self-Reflection on Educational Beliefs and Experiences

   • Guide students to reflect on their own learning experiences and how they might shape their teaching philosophies.
   • Help future educators understand their potential impact on learners and communities.

These goals align with introductory education courses and aim to provide a well-rounded perspective on the field of education. 

The various chapters address what students will be able to do, for example:

• Understand that the decision to teach is motivated by both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards
• Identify reasons for teaching
• Define the role of a teacher in current society
• Understand the basic purposes of school
• Describe several different understandings of the concept of “school”
• Define the nature of school for each level: elementary, middle, and high schools
• Discuss the predominant issues and societal trends confronting contemporary education.
• Identify diversity and how it impacts education
• Explain how the role of the teacher both is impacted and impacts how children are served in the school
• Identify critical social issues that directly influence the students’ academic success in the classroom
• Describe the impact poverty has on a student’s potential for success in schools
• Define the role of communication between the school and family Define, describe, and identify the four branches of educational philosophy
• Outline at least two educational philosophies that influence our schools Explain how educational philosophies influence the choice of curriculum and classroom instructional practices
• Develop a personal philosophy concerning teaching and learning
• Identify the historical struggles for equity and excellence in education
• Describe the impact of tracking students in education
• Provide a brief overview of the struggles for equal educational opportunities for identified groups of students
• Distinguish the difference between laws and ethics and explain how both are necessary for teachers
• Identify several ways that ethics are involved with teachers day to day activities
• Describe the hierarchy of school systems
• Identify several key areas of the law related to student and teachers
• Identify curriculum standards and how they are used to plan lessons
• Describe how educators can differentiate curriculum to meet student needs
• Name the major subject-matter areas taught in elementary and secondary schools
• Define learning as it relates to effectiveness as an educator Identify the four domains of Danielson’s Frameworks for Teaching and how they relate to teacher effectiveness
• Describe what it meant by the teacher as a “reflective decision maker”
• Identify basic classroom management principles for learning and academic achievement...more.

College General Ed, College Lower Division

This material would be appropriate for undergraduate college level learners that are considering a career in education/teaching. This could also be used with HS students that are in teaching exploration programs.

Nothing special as this is an introductory topic. The text materials enable a learner with little to no understanding of teaching and education (beyond what they know from being students themselves) the ability to learn more insight and detail about education, what it takes to be a teacher, students, and the education profession.