Successful Teaching in Inclusive Classrooms: How Can We Help Teachers Utilize the Most Effective Strategies?

Abstract

Reviews the book by McNary et al (see record 2005-03866-000), that appears be intended as a pocket reference to educational strategies that a professional can keep with him or her and consult as needed. The book lays out 60 educational strategies, each briefly described with regard to its purpose, application, summary of relevant research about efficacy, and precautions and possible pitfalls. The book aims to be a comprehensive compendium of useful teaching strategies divided into six sections grouped by types of instructional categories. However, the reviewer argues that the sections are heterogeneous and lack cohesion, and at times the reader is not sure why a given technique was placed in a specific section. Still, the book's most significant potential strength lies in its research base. Rather than providing personal opinions based on anecdotal evidence and case studies, the book discusses principles and techniques that appear to have at least some research support. The volume is a good start, as more books that summarize effective teaching strategies in a succinct, convenient format are needed. If this book had been somewhat better organized, provided more actual strategies, and explained the strategies in a little more detail, it would have been a highly useful and significant resource for psychologists and school professionals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)