On Teaching Science Reviews

On Teaching Science provides a masterful “back to basics” review of true “nuts and bolts” of learning and teaching science. Author Jeffrey Bennett skillfully blends a modern view of the nature of science with insights into student learning, forming a “how-to” manual that would be of good use to any teacher of science, kindergarten through university level. Dr. Bennett takes on the American cultural rise of multitasking, inadequate study habits, and emphasis on unconnected knowledge tidbits. He builds a case for focused study and conceptual learning orchestrated by teachers who model enthusiasm, curiosity, creativity, and hard work. Science teachers at all levels of experience should read this book and rethink how they operate in the classroom and how they set expectations for students.
— Dr. Alan McCormack, Professor of Science Education, San Diego State University, and President of the National Science Teachers Association (2010–11)

Success = more and more efficient study time.  With this simple yet powerful formula, On Teaching Science is poised to change the national conversation about educational reform.   Bennett compellingly argues that educational reforms should be evaluated by whether they increase student effort and study time (and not of the “check-the-box” kind but the type that requires applying one’s mind).  This approach would not only improve students’ academic outcomes but have long-term consequences for the future of our democracy in which citizens need to contend with issues of increasing complexity.
— Dr. Josipa Roksa, Associate Professor of Sociology and Education, University of Virginia, and co-author of Academically Adrift (U. Chicago Press, 2011)

Perhaps the best book on teaching that I have ever read in my 37 years of teaching. I know, it says ‘Science’, and that is the main focus, but I think that any teacher would benefit from reading it. … This is a must have book for science teachers at all levels, as well as a great reference for those who may teach other subjects.
NSTA Recommends, reviewed by Ralph Peterson

Far and away the best book about teaching I’ve ever read.  Beyond just the teaching of science, this book is a must read for every teacher, parent, administrator, and even student.  On Teaching Science will be the gold standard to which all other teaching books will be compared in the future.
— Brad A. Shonk, 4th Grade Teacher, 2010 Mississippi Teacher of the Year

[For books on teaching,] there is one towering above the rest: Jeffrey Bennett’s On Teaching Science. It gives me hope to go on in the face of all the threats our profession faces now and in the future. He provides hope and some nuts and bolts to aid you on your way.
— Liam McDaid, Sacramento City College

On Teaching Science is GREAT. It should be required reading for parents and administrators as well as teachers.
— Dr. Laura L. Duncan, Science Teacher, Boulder High School

A wonderful book, full of useful lessons not just about teaching science, but about teaching and learning in general.
— Dr. Scott Hildreth, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Chabot College

Dr. Bennett provides both experienced and novice teachers with reflective tools and specific strategies that will help us all improve our instruction and ensures student success. On Teaching Science should be required reading for teachers of all subjects at all levels, not just teachers of science.
— Mark Levy, Adjunct Associate Professor of Education, St. Johns University

Bennett directs our attention to the importance of teaching in context and offers rich examples of how that might be accomplished.  Even after 35 years in the classroom, I still found new ideas that I can use every day, as well as numerous ideas that will help educators seeking to implement the Next Generation Science Standards.”
— Bob Feurer, High School Science Teacher, 2011 Nebraska Teacher of the Year

Filled with insights into how to teach effectively with a truly positive undertone, On Teaching Science also shows how to open students’ minds so that they will want to learn and will understand the true lifelong impacts of education. A must-read for new and seasoned teachers and professors alike, and a book I wish I’d been able to read before I started teaching.
— Dr. Susan Lederer, Professor of Physics, California State University, San Bernardino, and NASA Johnson Space Center

Antoine de Saint-Exupery proclaimed “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.” On Teaching Science shows how to kindle in students that longing to learn about their universe and how to keep them engaged all the way along their journey to science.
— Alvin Drew, NASA Astronaut (STS-118, STS-133)

On Teaching Science is packed with insights on education and how students learn that will make anyone a better teacher. Bennett provides practical steps that can be brought into the classroom at any level to improve student learning.
— Dr. Josh Colwell, Professor of Astrophysics, University of Central Florida

On Teaching Science is a valuable resource for anyone teaching or planning to teach science on the K–12 and college levels. It is a practical, concise guide to teaching in general, and to teaching science in particular, that will also ultimately lead to a greater understanding of science for students of all ages.
— John DiElsi, Dean of Online Learning, Mercy College

Bennett does a great job of distilling what it means to be a great science  teacher into a manageable number of big ideas, teaching suggestions, and strategies, applied to both K–12 and higher education. I recommend On Teaching Science to all science teachers — it will support the good things you are already doing and provide ideas for how to do better.
— Lauren Monowar-Jones, Ohio Department of Education, Performance Assessment

Most of us recall our science classes as low-grade theater, in which an earnest teacher would spend an hour each day trying to ladle facts and ideas into our marginally absorbent brains.  In On Teaching Science, Jeffrey Bennett steps back and sees what’s really going on in education. His insights can fine tune this process, and turn a lumbering old Chevy into a Maserati.  Time spent with his book can — as they say — change the world.
— Dr. Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer, SETI Institute

On Teaching Science provides a such great refresher of key teaching principles that I’d recommend that every teacher reread it at least once every five years. It will always help you refocus your efforts as you teach today’s children.
— Debbie Biggs, STEM Teacher Leader, Clarke County Public Schools

Every education college/department should make On Teaching Science a required reading for teachers.  It is fantastic!
— Patricia Tribe, CEO Story Time From Space, and former Director of Education for Space Center Houston

A clear presentation of topics vital to educators at all levels. Anyone involved in education, both in teaching and administration, and both in higher education and K–12, should take to heart the ideas outlined in these pages.
— Dr. Kevin McLin, NASA Education and Public Outreach Group and Director of the Global Telescope Network, Sonoma State University

On Teaching Science is an excellent addition to the library of any budding science teacher.  Even after teaching thousands of physics and astronomy students at the university level over the past decade, I discovered, or re-discovered, a number of principles and ideas that I am sure will help me become a better instructor.
— Dr. James Cooney, Professor of Astrophysics, University of Central Florida

On Teaching Science provides an effective summary of several research-based strategies for improving student learning in science classes at all levels. It gives real classroom examples, is easy to read, and is brief enough not to be overwhelming.
— Dr. Holly Travis, Associate Professor of Biology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

On Teaching Science is a thoughtful and well-written dialogue on ideas for improving one’s teaching of science.
— Dr. Jeffrey Writer, CU Teach, University of Colorado, Boulder

A thoughtful summary from a thoughtful teacher. In one slim volume Bennett reviews the principles of teaching, many of which have been known since the time of Socrates but which are too often forgotten, and helps us figure out how to apply them in today’s world.  Experienced teachers will find themselves alternately nodding in agreement and jotting down new ideas.
— Dr. David Wittman, Associate Professor of Physics, University of California, Davis

Both novice and experienced teachers at all levels will benefit from Jeffrey Bennett’s comprehensive examination of the most effective teaching practices. A must read for all educators, no matter the stage of their career.
— Sharon Posthumus, Science Teacher, Centennial Middle School

With On Teaching Science, Dr. Bennett continues to deliver excellent and much needed education to all science teachers. The book is full with well thought out pedagogy, as well as with practical tools and advice. I highly recommend this book to all who teach science, in both colleges and high schools.
— Dr. Nahum Arav, Associate Physics Professor and Teacher for the “Virginia Tech Signature Experience”

On Teaching Science provides a valuable combination of teaching strategies and insights into the nature of science — a combination that should make this book essential reading for any teacher and any scientist.”
— Dr. Matthew Bobrowsky, University of Maryland University College

When you open this book, you will be caught up in Bennett’s passion for teaching science and compelled to read further—it is practical, accessible, and inspiring. Bennett understands what it means to teach well, and how students at all levels learn. He achieves the tricky task of offering both common sense and insight in the strategies he lays out. Reading Bennett’s book made me as excited as ever to help kids understand the power and importance of science. I couldn’t wait to make use of his stories and advice with my students.
— Dr. Shannon Burgert, 5th grade teacher, Fireside Elementary, Boulder Valley School District