My School Improvement Doodle Book

Reviewed by Geoff Barton, Head King Edward VI School, Suffolk.I've never seen an education book quite like it - an ingenious visual exploration of big themes presented with a light but thought-provoking touch.It's beautifully produced and is a superb way of challenging our assumptions and kick-starting discussion with colleagues. I love its wit, its style, and its capacity to crystallise a range of educational ideas. Reviewed by Jane Hewitt, Consultant Editor CTL magazine or Associate of 'Create Learn Inspire'.Sometimes you come across a book that is totally unique in its approach. How can Ben Keeling write so little but say so much? His approach of using 3 'post it' notes for each section really draws you in and makes you think. Each time you look, you see more! Some pages clarify ideas you will have worked with for years, Bloom's taxonomy, Gardner's multiple intelligences - all succinctly explained in 3 'post its' with very few words. Others will really challenge your thinking; for some pages I'm still working out their meanings, but all have made me think. The ideas expound educational philosophy, question one size fits all education, look at styles of teaching and learning...all done so simply but so so cleverly. The illustrations are just pen drawings and doodles but they say so much and always make you question your ideas.I love this book and yet I know I've only scratched the surface - I've only just begun the journey of reflection that these simple yet complex 'post its' are sending the reader on. 'Making schools better three notes at a time' is such an innovative way of presenting ideas. The ending is, again, very clever - 'Your turn' - if it's not down to all of us to have 'our turn' how will change happen?This is one of those books that keeps you coming back, can't wait to share it with others. Reviewed by Rosalind Wilson Cert.Ed. Dip.Ed. M.Ed, Developer of Big Writing, Education Consultant, C/O Andrell Education Lt