Lifelong Kindergarten
Mitchel Resnick
"Lifelong Kindergarten: Cultivating Creativity through Projects, Passion, Peers, and Play" by Mitchel Resnick, with a foreword by Sir Ken Robinson, explores a new approach to learning that fosters creativity in individuals of all ages. The book champions the "Creative Learning Spiral" – imagining, creating, playing, sharing, and reflecting – as a framework for developing innovative thinkers. It advocates for a shift from traditional instruction to "learning through making," drawing inspiration from the Maker Movement and constructionist learning theories. Readers will discover the importance of projects, passion, peers, and play in cultivating a creative mindset. The book delves into how engaging with personal interests, collaborating with others, and embracing open-ended exploration can lead to profound learning experiences. It contrasts effective and ineffective learning environments, highlighting the value of personalization, collaboration, and a willingness to experiment and learn from mistakes. Ultimately, "Lifelong Kindergarten" envisions a "creative society" where individuals are empowered to express themselves and contribute meaningfully to a rapidly changing world. The book provides actionable tips for learners, parents, teachers, and designers to foster creative learning and break down educational barriers. A comprehensive list of further readings and resources is included, providing a guide for readers interested in exploring the foundational ideas and ongoing research that inspired the author's work.
Brave New Words
Sal Khan
"Brave New Words" is a timely and optimistic manifesto by Salman Khan, the visionary founder of Khan Academy. While many educators fear that Artificial Intelligence will lead to mass cheating or the end of the teaching profession, Khan argues the opposite: AI is the tool that will finally humanize the classroom. Khan frames the AI revolution as the solution to "Bloom’s 2 Sigma Problem," a famous educational puzzle which showed that one-on-one tutoring allows students to perform two standard deviations better than those in traditional classrooms. Until now, giving every student a personal tutor was economically impossible. With tools like Khanmigo (Khan Academy's AI guide), Khan demonstrates how generative AI can act as a Socratic tutor for students—guiding them to answers rather than doing the work for them—and as a teaching assistant for educators, automating lesson planning and grading. Brave New Words argues that by offloading administrative drudgery to AI, we can free up teachers to do what they do best: provide human connection, mentorship, and inspiration.
Blended
Michael B. Horn
Blended: Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools by Michael B. Horn and Heather Staker is a practical, hands-on guide to transforming K-12 education through blended learning—the thoughtful mix of in-person teaching and online instruction. Drawing on the theory of disruptive innovation, the authors show how schools can move beyond simply adding technology to traditional classrooms and instead design learning models that put students’ needs and progress at the center of instruction. The book builds on ideas from Disrupting Class and lays out a clear framework for implementing blended learning in real schools. It offers step-by-step guidance for educators, administrators, and school leaders on how to combine digital resources with face-to-face teaching to unlock greater personalization, engagement, and flexibility for students. Along the way, Horn and Staker share practical advice on avoiding common pitfalls, ensuring that technology truly supports learning goals rather than distracting from them. Blended is ideal for anyone involved in education—from classroom teachers to district leaders—who wants insightful, actionable strategies for improving schooling through thoughtful innovation rather than quick fixes.
From Reopen to Reinvent
Michael B. Horn
In the wake of unprecedented disruption, 'From Reopen to Reinvent' offers a compelling blueprint for transforming K-12 education. Michael B. Horn argues that the pandemic, while challenging, presents a unique opportunity to dismantle outdated schooling models that fail both disadvantaged and privileged students. Through insightful analysis and practical strategies, this book guides educators, parents, and policymakers toward creating a personalized, mastery-based system that fosters passion, guarantees success, and prepares every child for a fulfilling life in the 21st century.