Peter Filene "Welcome to your first year of teaching." So begins The Joy of Teaching: A Practical Guide for New College Instructors by Peter Filene. Easy-to-read, concise, and not overly pedantic, The Joy of Teaching is a great introduction to college teaching for first-year teachers. Filene surveys the fundamentals—everything from constructing a syllabus to "teaching and not perishing"—without drowning the reader in details. He also explores topics that have only recently gained prominence in the educational literature, making the book a worthwhile read even for experienced teachers. Finally, endnotes and an annotated bibliography provide direction for additional reading and research. View on Amazon.com

Wilbert McKeachie, Marilla Svinicki View on Amazon.com

Ellen J. Langer Fascinating book on how people learn and what affects one's ability to learn. Ellen Langer, a professor of psychology at Harvard, draws on her academic research to challenge the prevailing wisdom on teaching, learning, and intelligence. Although this book is short and easy to read, it offers much to reflect upon. I would say it's a "must read" for educators and parents, and a worthwhile read for everyone else! View on Amazon.com

Ken Bain View on Amazon.com