When can you trust the experts? : how to tell good science from bad in education / Daniel T. Willingham

Includes bibliographical references and indexes

Introduction: What are you to believe? -- Part 1. Why we so easily believe bad science. Why smart people believe dumb things ; Science and belief : a nervous romance ; What scientists call good science ; How to use science -- Part 2. The shortcut solution. Step one: Strip it and flip it ; Step two: Trace it ; Step three: Analyze it ; Step four: Should I do it?

"Clear, easy principles to spot what's nonsense and what's reliable. Each year, teachers, administrators, and parents face a barrage of new education software, games, workbooks, and professional development programs purporting to be "based on the latest research." While some of these products are rooted in solid science, the research behind many others is grossly exaggerated. This new book, written by a top thought leader, helps everyday teachers, administrators, and family members--who don't have years of statistics courses under their belts--separate the wheat from the chaff and determine which new educational approaches are scientifically supported and worth adopting. Author's first book, Why Don't Students Like School?, catapulted him to superstar status in the field of education Willingham's work has been hailed as "brilliant analysis" by The Wall Street Journal and "a triumph" by The Washington Post Author blogs for The Washington Post and Brittanica.com, and writes a column for American Educator. In this insightful book, thought leader and bestselling author Dan Willingham offers an easy, reliable way to discern which programs are scientifically supported and which are the equivalent of 'educational snake oil'"-- Provided by publisher