Introducing the World of Education: A case study reader

Book By: Robert K. Yin
Review By: Joy Coleman, M.A.
Leadership Development Programs
Gates Millennium Scholars
United Negro College Fund

Introducing the World of Education: A Case Study Reader is an anthology expertly written and edited for professionals in the field of education as well as for lifelong learners.  Academic advisors, college admissions officers, aspiring teachers, future principals, and students would benefit most from this scholarly resource. Yin sets the tone for the book by providing intentional lessons, meaning and purpose that relate to educational topics such as pedagogy, inequality, and law. Here case study researchers from various academic disciplines will discover Dr. Yin’s methods for case study research that incorporate the use of technology, interviews, and classroom observations.

The book is comprised of 20 chapters, five parts, and a useful table entitled “Guide to the Selections in This Anthology.”  The table is categorized in 6 columns for each area that readers may need to reference:

1)     Chapter/Title in This Book

2)     Author/Title of Original Work

3)     Year of Pub.

4)     Locale

5)     Grade Level

6)     Academic Subject

The search for these case studies was “exhaustive” and intentional enough to result in a comprehensive reader that in many ways is a valuable companion to related literature such as Leadership Learning: How to Help Teachers Succee[MAM1] d by Carl D. Glickman and And Still We Rise: The Trials and Triumphs of Twelve Gifted Inner-City Students by Miles Corwin.

Each chapter begins with an introduction that creates a needed consistency since the case studies vary by subject and reflections. In some instances the teacher is main subject of a case study and other cases a student is most integral to the study highlighted.

Readers will find that the book does not have to be read in its entirety or by chapter in order to comprehend the message. Instead readers will be grateful to have received an introduction to the world of education in the U.S., Japan, and Canada that even includes an understanding of the experience of Mexican-American immigrants. Those who seek greater detail can use the reference table to determine the original source for further study.

Because of this book I am more capable of engaging in meaningful dialogue with undergraduate and graduate degree seeking students within the Gates Millennium Scholars community.  This can be a positive affirmation for scholars who seek guidance and advisement in lieu of platitudes.  An academic advisor can use the case studies presented in this book to learn what is current and meaningful about pre-college education as well as to gain insight about the trajectory of their advisees.  Additionally, the case studies can enhance a course syllabus or career reference library.

The best feature of the book is that it is an anthology that highlights the breadth of information available in the field as it saves readers from the time consuming chore of exploring each resource. The book will be one of my top 10 resources for advisement of undecided students and education majors.

References

Corwin, Miles. (2001). And Still We Rise: The Trials and Triumphs of Twelve Gifted Inner-City Students. London: Harper Perennial.

Glickman, Carl D. (2002). Leadership Learning: How to Help Teachers Succeed. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development.