What Works in Schools: Translating Research into Action. . - book review

Adolescence, Spring, 2003

MARZANO, Robert J. What Works in Schools: Translating Research into Action. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2003. 218pp. $25.95 (p).

Marzano synthesizes 35 years of research to provide clear insight into the nature of schooling. He defines the factors affecting student achievement and offers answers to the following questions: How can schools set academic goals that do not underestimate student potential? How critical are staff collegiality and professional development? Do all students have equal opportunity to learn, given current curriculum requirements? Supplemental versus required content--is there room for redefinition? What types of parental and community involvement make a real difference? What instructional strategies really work? What influence can an individual teacher have on students? How can teachers manage classrooms that promote positive student-and-teacher relationships? How can teachers structure their curricula to better sequence and pace content? Can teachers really overcome a student's negative home environment? How does an understanding of motivation theories help students and teachers overcome learning obstacles? What specific learning strategies can enhance learned intelligence and background knowledge? In each chapter, Marzano recommends specific action steps to implement successful strategies culled from the wealth of research data.