Textbooks, Testing, Training: How We Discourage Thinking
by Stephen S. WilloughbyWilloughby's essay is a gem. It should be in the hands of every young teacher. I wish that I had read it many years ago. I have no doubt that many of his observations and the information he imparts will remain with me for a while. I certainly hope so. A collection of reminiscences from other teachers with their valuable insights and experiences (who could write with such expertise as he does) would make a fine addition to the education literature.
— James Tattersall, Providence College
Steven S. Willoughby has taught mathematics for 59 years and he has seen everything. Some of it has annoyed him, some has inspired him. This little book is something of a valedictory and he shares some parting thoughts as he contemplates the end of his teaching career. Steve has strong, cogent and mostly negative opinions about textbooks, standardized testing, and teacher training. These opinions have been forged in the cauldron of the classroom of a deeply caring teacher. They might not please you, but they ought to make you think. They should spark needed debate in our community. Ultimately this is a human tale with rough parallels to Hardy's Apology; replace "Mathematician's" with "Teacher's" perhaps. Every teacher will sympathize with Steve's frustrations and empathize with the humanity and compassion that animated his life's work and that beat at the center of this book.
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