Book Review: Smyth, J., Angus, L., McInerney, P., & Down, B. (2008). Critically engaged learning: Connecting to young lives

Authors

  • Melodie Dawn Wilson OISE/University of Toronto

Keywords:

student engagement, democracy, critical pedagogy, youth, community activism

Abstract

Critically Engaged Learning: Connecting to Young Lives by John Smyth, Lawrence Angus and Peter McInerney, Barry Down provides revitalization and recharged zeal for educators struggling to reach disengaged youth. Teachers show a remarkable capacity to build productive relationships with students (Smyth et al., 2008). This book celebrates the stories of successful teachers and communities who engage young people in ‘real world’ learning. Though the debate on early school leavers and the enhancement of school arrangements for young learners has been in place for some time (Smythe & McInerney, 2007), this study moves beyond the school context “to examine the institutional and community processes of capacity building that lead to improved learning for students” (p. x). By critically interrogating many of the basic assumptions on which issues of student retention and student engagement are based, this book turns the tide of student disengagement towards ‘a people’s scholarship’ (Featherstone, 1989).

Author Biography

Melodie Dawn Wilson, OISE/University of Toronto

Melodie D. Wilson, is currently a third-year student in the Educational Administration doctoral program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education/University of Toronto. She is enrolled in the Department of Theory and Policy Studies with a focus on Educational Administration. Her research interests include Leadership, Intercultural Peace, Diversity, and Student Engagement.

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Published

2010-06-25

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2010)

Section

Book Review/Critique de livre

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