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Roger's Pick of the Best Books

Now that this bookshop has over 500 titles, some of the best books can get lost in the crowd. So this page highlights and introduces 2 or 3 recommended books on each of these active learning topics.
  1. Starting Points   Freedom to Learn + The Dictionary of Personal Development
  2. Facilitation - theory and practice   Understanding Facilitation + Practical Facilitation
  3. Accelerated Learning   The Learning Revolution + The Accelerated Learning Handbook
  4. Experiential Learning   The Power of Experiential Learning + Using Experience for Learning
  5. Group Facilitation   The Tao of Leadership + The Red Book of Groups + The Zen of Groups
  6. Optimism   Learned Optimism + Appreciative Inquiry
  7. Reviewing as Everyday Practice   Learning to Fly + Six Thinking Hats
  8. Visual Reviewing   The Mind Map Book + The Atlas of Experience
  9. Games and Activities   The Well-Played Game + Games for Actors and Non-actors
  10. Facilitation - advanced skills   The Complete Facilitator's Handbook + Group Action
  11. Learning Outdoors   Sharing Nature with Children + Outdoor Management Development
  12. Active Reviewing   The Best of the Active Reviewing Guide
Which books do  visitors to Roger's Active Learning Bookshops mostly buy?  See the Top 20 bestsellers
  1. STARTING POINTS
    Many writers before and since Carl Rogers have contributed to this revolution in learning. None has done more to turn the tide - a tide that is still turning 35 years on. This third edition of Freedom to Learn is even more persuasive than the original.

    Freedom to Learn (3rd Edition)
    Carl R. Rogers, H. Jerome Freiberg
    Freedom to Learn "Teaching, in my estimation, is a vastly overrated function..... I see the facilitation of learning as the aim of education." Carl Rogers

    Book Description: This is the text that championed a revolutionary approach to education that changed the way we teach our children. Now, in the Third Edition, its challenging the status quo with twenty years of evidence that defies current thinking. Five exciting new chapters focus on issues of importance now and in the future - learning from children who love school; researching person-centered issues in education; developing the administrators role as a facilitator; building discipline and classroom management with the learner; and person-centered views of transforming schools. Freedom to Learn, Third Edition is written in the first person, with two goals in mind - to aid the development of the minds of children and young persons, and to encourage the kinds of adventurous enterprises being carried out daily by dedicated, caring teachers in creative classrooms and supportive schools throughout the nation. (amazon.co.uk)

    Review: Most educators cannot fail to deeply effected by Rogers' passionate and personal insights into the subject of facilitating learning and the nature of interpersonal relationships within the classroom. See more of this review at amazon.co.uk

    Confused about all the jargon in personal development? Or wanting a quick guide to the maze of theories? Keep this dictionary on your desk (or search inside it at amazon.com).

    Dictionary of Personal Development
    Paul Tosey, Josie Gregory
    Dictionary of Personal Development Synopsis: A guide to 500 terms commonly used in various fields concerned with personal development, including counselling and psychotherapy, organizational consultancy and management training, adult education, professional development, and group leadership.

    Review: This dictionary provides instant access to the collective wisdom of the Human Potential Research Group at the University of Surrey and draws on concepts used in their Change Agent Skills and Strategies MSc course. Their values are holistic and humanistic and reflect the views of their Founder, John Heron.

    It is more than a dictionary. It is usually clear about which concepts are well substantiated and which are not. For example, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is put in its place (speculative); they pour cold water on Firewalking (mistaking momentary euphoria for lasting confidence); and they describe left-brain/right-brain distinctions as lacking scientific truth but nonetheless providing a useful metaphor.

    The absence of diagrams is a serious handicap: the resizeable panes of a Johari Window and the relationships between job size and capability in a Flow Channel, and the appearance of a Mind Map are difficult to convey in text alone. Only a few extra pages would be needed to allow you to search this dictionary by author as well as by concept. Despite these frustrations it is still excellent value as an authoratitive timesaver. (Roger Greenaway)

    For more 'starting points' see Classic, Guru or Fad? and Personal Development
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  2. FACILITATION - THEORY AND PRACTICE
    As theory books go, this is wonderful! Christine Hogan includes all the significant writers AND includes her own critiques along the way (making it far more valuable than a mere synopsis of what others have written). Its thoroughness means you are bound to encounter some surprises - such as the role of the Quaker movement in the history of facilitation.

    Understanding Facilitation:
    Theory and Principles

    Christine Hogan
    Understanding Facilitation Synopsis: This introduction to facilitation should provide educators and trainers with all they need to understand and develop facilitation skills. With a critical synthesis of established and current theory the book marries rigorous academic research with real world examples. (Amazon.co.uk)

    You are unlikely to find this much in any other book on the subject. This 482 page book includes: designing, beginning and ending workshops; managing difficult situations; facilitating cross-cultural groups and diversity issues; using music, storytelling, metaphors, visual techiniques and outdoor learning; processes for planning, problem-solving, creative thinking and decision making; using technology; community participation; restorative justice; evaluation; continuing professional development as a facilitator; and more!

    Practical Facilitation:
    A Toolkit of Techniques

    Christine Hogan
    Practical Facilitation Synopsis: This toolkit of facilitation techniques should provide readers with all they need to develop and hone their facilitation skills. Complete with case studies of the techniques in action the book covers traditional techniques and many new approaches such as the use of music, drama and storytelling. (Amazon.co.uk)

    For more books on the theory and practice of facilitation see Facilitation, Group Facilitation and Leadership and Coaching
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  3. ACCELERATED LEARNING
    Deservedly popular, though some reviewers express a preference for reading the original work of the writers whose ideas are summarised in it. Not me - I like having a book about accelerated learning that is quick to read and refer to. If you want greater depth, see opposite or below.

    The Learning Revolution
    Gordon Dryden, Jeannette Vos
    The Learning Revolution Absolutely outstanding. The entire book is the most inspiring and comprehensive pulling together of all the various strands of learning research that I have ever seen. (Colin Rose: author of Accelerating Learning)

    This is the book that I wish I had written. (Sir Christopher Ball: Patron, The Campaign for Learning)

    Review: An encyclopaedic collection of all the latest ideas in accelerated learning (and similar). You can skim read the posters on the left hand pages or get immersed in the text on the opposite pages. For in depth understanding you will want to refer to the original sources. The associated website is impressive and comprehensive. Worldwide sales are huge! (Roger Greenaway)

    More reviews at amazon.co.uk

    Another time saver! Plus evidence that it works. Greater depth but less variety than the Learning Revolution (opposite).

    The Accelerated Learning Handbook:
    A Creative Guide to Designing and Delivering Faster, More Effective Training Programs

    Dave Meier
    The Accelerated Learning Handbook Review: I have applied it's message to almost all of my programmes in the 3 months that I've had it. Every single programme is approx 40% shorter, I've been able to build the courses more quickly, the energy levels are through the roof, and the learners' responses have been fantastic. If ever you are going to spend £22 on a book related to training & development, this is it! Plus, it's FUN! (reviewed by Martin Schmalenbach, Training Manager)

    Synopsis: This handbook explains how trainers and educators can save money and time while producing better classroom results, and includes an overview of the background and underlying principles of accelerated learning. (amazon.co.uk)

    For more books on accelerated learning see Accelerated Learning and Learning to Learn
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  4. EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
    This book is valuable for all the boundary crossing it does. Other books on the subject do not go far beyond the walls of higher education, but this book draws on a huge range of sources. The authors put some order on this chaos with their combination lock model - which (thankfully) does more 'unlocking' than 'locking' by opening up so many options at each ring on the lock. A stimulating collection of ideas and examples that encourages experimentation.

    Experiential Learning:
    Best Practice Handbook for Educators and Trainers

    Colin Beard, John P. Wilson

    [The first edition entitled 'The Power of Experiential Learning' is available new and used from amazon.co.uk and amazon.com]
    Synopsis: This handbook pulls together for the first time both the theory and the practice of experiential learning and all types of learning that employ activity-based experience. Based on sound theoretical underpinning, and making full use of examples and guidance for successful implementation, "Experiential Learning" enables readers to unlease some of the more potent ingredients of learning through experience. "Everything that can possibly provide, or affect, a learning experience, is discussed: most theories of learning, and every conceivable way to interest learners in an activity...Even very accomplished developers who prepare learning experiences for all types of learners, from grade level classes through executive seminars can undoubtedly find many ideas to expand the design options upon which they can draw." - "Leadership and Organisational Development Journal," previously known as "The Power of Experiential Learning." (Amazon.co.uk)

    This book has been on my own reading list for far too long. I am not yet able to recommend it, but many others do.

    Using Experience for Learning
    David Boud (Editor), Ruth Cohen (Editor), David Walker (Editor)
    Using Experience for Learning Synopsis: What are the key ideas that underpin learning from experience? How do we learn from experience? How does context and purpose influence learning? How does experience impact on individual and group learning? How can we help others to learn from their experience? "Using Experience for Learning" reflects current interest in the importance of experience in informal and formal learning, whether it be applied for course credit, new forms of learning in the workplace, or acknowledging autonomous learning outside educational institutions. It also emphasizes the role of personal experience in learning: ideas are not separate from experience; relationships and personal interests impact on learning; and emotions have a vital part to play in intellectual learning. All the contributors write themselves into their chapters, giving an autobiographical account of how their experiences have influenced their learning and what has led them to their current views and practice. "Using Experience for Learning" brings together a wide range of perspectives and conceptual frameworks with contributors from four continents, and should be a valuable addition to the field of experiential learning. (amazon.co.uk)

    For more books on Experiential Learning see Experiential Learning and Experiential Education
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  5. GROUP FACILITATION
    This book is definitely about group facilitation - although its potential application is far broader. Each double page is a single topic with an image on the left and a few paragaphs on the right. John Heider is a master of capturing what matters on one side of A5. You won't find any recipes but you will find plenty of valuable insights. Good medicine for anxious, intrusive or manipulative facilitators and a tonic for everyone else. If you want more of a 'how to' book, see opposite.

    The Tao of Leadership:
    Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching Adapted for a New Age

    John Heider
    The Tao of Leadership Book Description: The Tao of Leadership is an invaluable tool for anyone in a position of leadership. This book provides the most simple and clear advice on how to be the very best kind of leader: be faithful, trust the process, pay attention, and inspire others to become their own leaders. Heider's book is a blend of practical insight and profound wisdom, offering inspiration and advice. This book is used as a Management/Leadership training text by many Fortune 500 corporations, including IBM, Mitsubishi, and Prudential. (amazon.com)

    See more reviews at amazon.com

    Either of these books are excellent for learning the basics of group facilitation. Both have a friendly style that keeps things simple while sharing much practical wisdom. If you want more depth or detail, see below.

    The Red Book of Groups
    Gaie Houston
    The Red Book of Groups A practical and readable introduction to groupwork with useful matchstick figure illustrations! It also demonstrates gestalt concepts in action - a whole person approach to development. Based on the author's BBC TV programmes. (Roger Greenaway)
    Zen of Groups:
    A Handbook for People Meeting With a Purpose

    Dale Hunter, Anne Bailey, Bill Taylor
    Zen of Groups Good stuff for novice and experienced group leaders. I saw this book being used by a trainer I was working with, and had to buy it.
    It covers all types of groups, from a bunch of friends coming together to arrange a holiday away, to experienced therapeutic groups. The authors forgo the normal forming, storming etc in favour of a more sophisticated model of group development, and then elegantly show how this model can apply to all groups. ...
    This is a powerful text, suitable for all levels, with stuff you will want to read over and over again. If you only buy one "group" book, get this one...
    (Reviewed by stephen.pridgeon@virgin.net) See Stephen Pridgeon's full review.

    For more books on Group Facilitation see Group Facilitation and Team-building-working-playing-developing
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  6. OPTIMISM
    If it wasn't already at the top of the list, 'Freedom to Learn' would belong here becaused it is based on optimism in each individual's potential. This principle has since been studied and applied in many ways - including the Pygmalion Effect, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Positive Coaching and Appreciative Inquiry. 'Learned Optimism' shows how the principle is applied at the individual level, while 'Appreciative Inquiry' demonstrates how the principle works at an organisational or community level. By noticing what works well you become an expert in learning from and creating sucess.
    Learned Optimism 
    Martin E. P. Seligman
    Learned Optimism Synopsis: Compiles scientific evidence that optimism is vital to overcoming defeat and exhibits how readers can learn the habit of optimism necessary for a successful and happy life. (amazon.co.uk)

    Review: Martin Seligman, a renowned psychologist and clinical researcher, has been studying optimists and pessimists for 25 years. Pessimists believe that bad events are their fault, will last a long time, and undermine everything. They feel helpless and may sink into depression, which is epidemic today, especially among youths. Optimists, on the other hand, believe that defeat is a temporary setback or a challenge--it doesn't knock them down. "Pessimism is escapable," asserts Seligman, by learning a new set of cognitive skills that will enable you to take charge, resist depression, and make yourself feel better and accomplish more. About two-thirds of this book is a psychological discussion of pessimism, optimism, learned helplessness (giving up because you feel unable to change things), explanatory style (how you habitually explain to yourself why events happen), and depression, and how these affect success, health, and quality of life. Seligman supports his points with animal research and human cases. He includes tests for you and your child--whose achievement may be related more to his or her level of optimism/pessimism than ability. The final chapters teach the skills of changing from pessimism to optimism. (amazon.com)

    See these thoughtful reviews at amazon.co.uk or these equally thoughtful reviews from amazon.com

    Appreciative Inquiry:
    Change at the Speed of Imagination

    Jane McGruder Watkins, Bernard J. Mohr
    Appreciative Inquiry: Change at the Speed of Imagination Book Description: For the past 15 years the authors have worked closely with colleagues to develop the emerging issue of Appreciative Inquiry (AI), a process for fostering positive and strength based change, as a theory and practice that can be used by OD professionals and managers/leaders of organizations, groups and communities. They have seeded the AI process across the globe and are now seeing a continually increasing interest in its use. In the light of 15 years of practice adapting AI to many cultures, types of organizations, and multiple "presenting issues," this is now a proven process that OD consultants, organizational leaders and managers, and the academic community are finding eminently innovative, energizing, and useful.

    Synopsis: This title combines theory, an explanation of the reason that Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is transformative, and practical designs for various kinds of AI/OD interventions paired with case studies where the interventions have been used successfully. The book includes a complete explanation of AI from its historical and theoretical roots to its practice and impact in organizations presented in the context of the rapidly changing environment in which we live and work. (Amazon.co.uk)
    For more books on Optimism, Solution Focused Therapy, Positive Thinking, Positive Coaching, and Appreciative Inquiry
    see Learning from Success.
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  7. REVIEWING EVERYDAY PRACTICE
    These two books are about building reviewing routines into everyday practice in the workplace. Each book happens to demonstrate how using their recommended procedures saves (piles of) money. For inclusion in everyday practice a reviewing routine needs to be fairly quick, fairly painless and fairly straightforward. Much of 'Learning to Fly' draws on the four stage 'After Action Review' while the 'Six Thinking Hats' is only a little more ambitious! The ease of use of these models is the key to embedding them into everyday practice.
    Learning To Fly:
    Practical Lessons from One of the World's Leading Knowledge Companies

    Chris Collison, Geoff Parcell
    Learning To Fly Book Description
    Learning to Fly shows exactly how to put theory into practice, sharing the tools used and the experience and insights gained by two leading knowledge management practitioners. In Learning to Fly, Chris Collison and Geoff Parcell share their experiences from BP, one of the world's leading knowledge organisations. It is a practical, pragmatic workbook packed with hints and tips to help managers put knowledge management into action immediately.

    The goal is to achieve a situation in which sharing knowledge is an everyday practice that does not need specialists to manage it. (from a review at amazon.co.uk)

    See Roger's review of Learning to Fly (which includes a comparative review with Nancy Dixon's Common Knowledge)

    See more reviews at Amazon.co.uk

    See reviews and 'inside the book' at amazon.com

    Six Thinking Hats
    Edward De Bono
    Six Thinking Hats Synopsis: The internationally bestselling guide to better thinking used by tens of thousands of people - fully revised and updated. There is nothing more sad and wasteful than a roomful of intelligent and highly paid people waiting for a chance to attack something the speaker has said. With the Six Hats methods the fullest use is made of everyone's intelligence, experience and information. The Six Hats also removes all "ego" from the discussion process. The need for the Six Hats is based on an understanding of how the brain chemicals change with the mode of thinking. Using this method one major corporation reduced the time taken for multinational project discussions from 30 days to just two days. Argument is inefficient, ineffective and slow. Argument was never designed to be constructive. The parallel thinking of the Six Hats method is rapidly replacing argument around the world. From senior executives at major corporations like Siemens, NTT, Prudential (US) to four-year-olds in school. From Khmer villagers in Cambodia to senior government departments. (amazon.co.uk)

    Review extract: De Bono reports that this process reduces time spent in meetings by 20 to 90 percent, based on experiences reported to him since the book was first published. It also seems that many people feel that the evaluations that emerge are more useful ones, as well. (extract from a review at amazon.co.uk)

    See all reviews at Amazon.co.uk

    For more books on Routine Reviewing see Learning Organisations and Transfer of Learning
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  8. VISUAL REVIEWING
    I have always liked the idea of putting visual tools in the hands of learners. Unfortunately, 'visual aids' still tend to get monopolised by teachers and trainers. 'Mind Maps' are clearly for learners. And the 'Atlas of Experience' can take learners off into a fantasy world from where they can retrace the steps of their real journeys. The visual mapping of experience is not just a memory aid - it helps us to visualise where we have been and where we are heading.
    The Mind Map Book:
    Radiant Thinking - Major Evolution in Human Thought

    Tony Buzan, Barry Buzan
    The Mind Map Book Synopsis: A key goal for many of us is to increase our ability to learn, remember and record or store information. The reader is shown how to accomplish this using a range of techniques developed by the author.

    See these reviews at amazon.co.uk

    The Atlas of Experience
    Louise van Swaay, Jean Klar, David Winner
    The Atlas of Experience Synopsis: While adhering to the conventions of cartography, this atlas invites travellers to follow routes through familiar-looking topography to realms of imagination, ideas, feelings and experience. It encompasses the Ocean of Possibilites, the Swamps of Boredom, the City of Boom and the Airport of Escape.
    Review: Two Dutch cartographers get carried away with the idea that life is a journey and can be represented on maps. The text between the maps is suitably thought-provoking and inspirational, but it feels like two books in one. I would have enjoyed even closer integration between the text and the maps, but it's worth buying for the maps alone. There is plenty of scope for the creative trainer to turn this coffee table novelty into a powerful tool for reflection. Some might say that Tony Buzan has done the job already with Mind Mapping. But this is different and more magical. It is like Treasure Island or The Phantom Tolbooth - for grown ups. (reviewed by Roger Greenaway)
    Reviews at Amazon.co.uk - from 1 star to 5 star
    Go to the publisher's website and make your own map - at a price
    For more books on Visual Thinking (and related subjects) see Creativity in Learning.
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  9. GAMES AND ACTIVITIES
    People often want 'off-the-shelf' games. But I think it pays to go deeper and become a game maker, a game developer and a facilitator of game making. To achieve this it is helpful to get behind the scenes and understand something about 'what is a well-played game?' or to explore the boundaries between game and reality. Both books below create a productive confusion between game and reality (a highly relevant issue for the transfer of learning). But if you just want 'real games' simply follow the links immediately below these two book reviews.
    The Well-Played Game:
    A Playful Path to Wholeness

    Bernie DeKoven
    The Well-Played Game:
    "Bernie is the only person I know who not only knows about play, but knows how to teach it. May his efforts prosper, for they help us all."
    Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
    Reviewed by Roger Greenaway: This book is worth more than any other 'games' book I have come across. By getting a more fundamental grasp of what matters most about playing games you 'win' in at least two ways: (1) You will find it easier to create original games (2) You will be able to generate fun for all by playing games 'well'.

    Bernie DeKoven was the co-director of the New Games Foundation. He wrote the orignal Well-Played Game in 1978 and brought out this revised edition in 2002. The book (and the author) have helped to revolutionize physical education worldwide. His message has become increasingly relevant. It is an intelligent read without being heavy. He interweaves examples and discussion in an engaging and persuasive way.

    If you are looking for lots of games, find another book. If you want to enjoy or facilitate well-played games, you have just found the answer. (Roger Greenaway)
    See Bernie's DeepFUN website.
    Games for Actors and Non-actors
    Augusto Boal
    Games for Actors and Non-actors Synopsis: The French edition of "Jeux pour Acteurs et Non-Acteurs" published in 1982 is currently in its seventh edition. Boal's early work took place under the military regime in Brazil. During a period of exile in Portugal, France, Sweden, Germany, and the US he developed work on combating oppression through theatre. His methods transform theatre from a hierarchical structure where actors are active and audiences passive, to a democratic arena where the spectator becomes the "spectactor", contributing ideas, taking over roles, and using theatre to confront everyday problems, such as sexual harassment, poor pay, homophobia, and racism and find ways of fighting them. "Games for Actors and Non-Actors" is a handbook of methods, techniques, games, and exercises designed to help anyone - whether actor or non-actor - rehearse for real life: make the fictional real.

    See this enthusiastic review at amazon.co.uk
    For more books on Games and Activities see Training Games and Activities and Teambuilding
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  10. FACILITATION - ADVANCED SKILLS
    I highly recommend both of these books for advanced practitioners. You will also find other recommendations by following the links below these two reviews.

    The Complete Facilitator's Handbook
    John Heron
    The Complete Facilitator's Handbook Review: An odd combination of a very systematic approach mixed with an inspiring collection of creative ideas. You'll appreciate the tidy framework, the detailed examples and the temptations to experiment. John Heron was the Founder and Director of the Human Potential Research Project at the University of Surrey. This book (1999) updates and integrates his earlier books. (Roger Greenaway)

    From the publisher: As well as practical guidance, there is a strong theoretical content, covering group dynamics, facilitator authority, experiential and whole person learning, personal charisma, co-operative inquiry and social change. The appendix applies the whole model, in detail, to the manager as facilitator. Fully revising, updating and integrating material from the author's previous books on the topic, The Complete Facilitator's Handbook takes further the expertise offered in The Facilitators' Handbook (1989) and Group Facilitation (1993). Ideal for facilitators of experiential learning in groups in higher and adult education, in management, in medical settings, and in all the helping professions, it will also be particularly useful for those involved in training facilitators in these fields. (from the publisher)

    Group Action:
    The Dynamics of Groups in Therapeutic, Educational and Corporate Settings

    Martin T. Ringer
    Group Action Reviewed by Chris Loynes: This may be the first text for a long while that seeks to explore the learning group experience instead of transferring ideas and practices from other types of groups into this context. Martin draws mainly on psycho-dynamic ideas of groups but he does this critically not bringing in things that only work in the settings in which the ideas were developed like one to one therapy. He also brings in other ideas as they seem to him to explain phenomena we experience in learning groups or help the facilitator understand their experience in act in role.
    Martin has a background in corporate and youth social work and what he has to say is linked to examples from both. Outdoor people will enjoy and be intrigued by the wombat story.
    Although the book is theory rich it is well written and I found it easy to connect the ideas to experience and practice. The main part of the book does focus on the implications to practice of Martin's ideas.
    I've adopted it as a key text for our MA degree. I recommend it.
    (reviewed by Chris Loynes. The MA reference is explained on the careers page)

    Synopsis: Groups provide a powerful medium for therapeutic work, and are the building blocks of all institutions - whether in the education, health, government, or private sectors. Martin Ringer outlines techniques for understanding groups that should be relevant to those who lead teams in any setting. The result is a guide to both leading a group, and to understanding the necessary dynamics that should result in the best teamwork. Throughout, the author uses his experience to try and make his points as accessible as possible to all readers - whether or not they have a formal background in group psychology. (amazon.co.uk)
    You will find a flyer and book reviews from Australia, Germany and the UK
    at the author's website.
    For more books on facilitation see Facilitation, Group Facilitation and Leadership and Coaching
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  11. OUTDOOR EDUCATION
    From young children to senior managers the outdoors can be a wonderful venue for learning, education and development. Buildings can get in the way of learning - whatever the age of the learner! Each of these books serves as an excellent introduction to the possibilities for learning outdoors. By following the links immediately below these two reviews, you will find many more recommendations.
    Sharing Nature with Children:
    20th Anniversary Edition

    Joseph Cornell
    Sharing Nature with Children Review: A classic and a personal favourite. The design of the book deserves an award. These 'Nature Awareness' games bring 'field studies' alive and make 'nature activities' even more fun than 'adventure activities'. (Roger Greenaway)

    Review: This extraordinary bestseller is highly respected by educators worldwide. Forty-two nature awareness activities have delighted children as well as adults. Endorsed by the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, and the Audubon Society. (All Ages). (Ingram at amazon.com)

    Helpful reviews at amazon.com


    And there's a follow-up! Sharing Nature With Children 2

    Outdoor Management Development:
    A Critical Introduction for the Intelligent Practitioner

    Willem G. Krouwel
    Review by Roger Greenaway:
    This ITOL Guidebook is exactly what it claims to be - "A Critical Introduction for the Intelligent Practitioner". It is also more than this because I would recommend it to all Outdoor Management Development (OMD) practitioners - however new, experienced or intelligent! The author actually does have a wider audience in mind. He hopes, for example, that the chapter on Outdoor Media and Course Design will appeal to buyers as well as to practitioners. This book does not claim to be a comprehensive guide. It is more of a selective guide to key issues - which is about the best you can expect from a book this size.

    Thin books can be superficial. Not this one. Bill Krouwel homes in on key issues and challenges much common practice and accepted wisdom. His targets for criticism include: inflexible programming, predetermined outcomes, frontloading, routine reviewing, imposed culture change, short courses, isomorphic framing, 'Box 1' problems (such as aerial runways and ropes courses), role play (especially fantasy role play), single kayaks, and anything that resembles the TV game show It's a Knock-Out. A theme running through many of these criticisms is a distrust of fixed or imposed objectives. The author's style is ... See full review, summary of key points and comparison with Experience AI

    For more books on outdoor education see Outdoor Education and Outdoor Training
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  12. ACTIVE REVIEWING
    Recommending my own book? Not exactly. It is more of a handy index to this site. This book will be an edited version of the best bits of this website. But you don't have to wait for the book - you can track down much of the contents now by following the links below.
    THE BEST OF THE ACTIVE REVIEWING GUIDE
    by
    Roger Greenaway
    To explore more of the (web-based) Active Reviewing Guide see Active Reviewing Home Page or the FAQ Index or the Main Search Page

    For more books on reviewing and reflection see Reviewing and Reflection, Facilitation and Learning to Learn
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