Honestly, this book is one of the best books I've read in awhile! I am constantly striving to provide "Authentic" learning experiences for my 4th graders, and Stanley's book has provided me with some new ideas, some clearer steps to follow, and some better rationale for doing it! Although there are some parts that I disagree with for my age group & for my philosophy, I found myself connecting positively with SO much as I read. This book is best read prior to planning out a new unit or creating a long-term plan for the school year. I will revisit it this summer when I re-write some units and want to embed better lessons for the lessons that weren't as successful or authentic from this year. I think this book would be beneficial for Grades 3-12+ and would be a wonderful gift for any Curriculum Coordinators, Directors or Assistant Superintendents! :) Disclaimer: This book was provided to me free of charge by LibraryThing, but it in no way influenced my review. This was my favorite book that I've read since being a part of this program! Hope others enjoy it as well! ( )

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

There are a ton of buzz words in education that are continually changing this book helps the reader move through most of the terms associated with 21st Century Skills and provides a framework for using these concepts in a variety of classroom settings. ( )

Authentic Learning is one of the recent educational concepts making its way around the circuit of contemporary teaching. Much like STEM, 21st Century Skills, Project Based Learning it aims to provide validation and assistance in instructing the next generation of students. This particular book does well in defining the terms and strategies (like collaboration, student conferences, guided inquiry) that are hot trends in today classrooms. As a teacher, I find value in all that is mentioned in the book. I would make a note about the practicality of achieving this level of learning aptitude. Authentic Learning is not spontaneous and takes time to foster in a classroom. A segment is dedicated to student trust and yes this will play an important part in authentic learning in both teacher to student and vice versa. In regards to the citations, they are documented and within an acceptable range. Often times they tend to be outdated (not the case here) with the occasional original Bloom or Maslow making his way into most educational books. Overall, the book is well presented, organized, and provides material for educators to reflect on practice.

This review provided for the Early Review Program ( )

This is a refreshing addition to my professional library collection. I am always looking for ways to challenge my students and add creativity to the classroom while still preparing them for the real-world. This is a nice resource, well laid-out and explained and contains a variety of ideas! ( )

Authentic Learning was practiced in the many "Schools Without Walls" in the 1960s and 1970s. The book helps people who were not exposed to it how to recreate it, and newly create experiences that were not available then, New schools are doing this, and home-schools are having fun with it as apprenticeships. ( )