My first book, Teaching from the Middle of the Room: Inviting Students to Learn (Stetson Press, 2010), I expressed through the eyes of Dan Hilliard. I trace his journey from standup delivery talking at students to engaging them, metaphorically, from the middle of the room.
In twenty-seven stimulating chapters, readers learn of the myriad of methods that provide stimulating invitations for students to learn and to want to learn. It was written before the impact of digital devices in students' lives. It offers ways to bring students into face-to-face learning essential in counteracting the isolation of the digital culture.
"Frank Thoms is a passionate teacher, and his powerful book is all about "stance"––how a teacher places him or herself physically, emotionally, intellectually, and organizationally––with respect to students, knowledge, and learning. Every teacher, from a first-timer to an old hand, will learn much that is practical, and even more that is inspirational, from reading this book."
"Frank Thoms draws our attention back to the locus of learning––the synergy between teachers and students. He offers empathetic and passionate teachers the thought tools and practical steps they need to invigorate a collaborative classroom."
In twenty-seven stimulating chapters, readers learn of the myriad of methods that provide stimulating invitations for students to learn and to want to learn. It was written before the impact of digital devices in students' lives. It offers ways to bring students into face-to-face learning essential in counteracting the isolation of the digital culture.
"Frank Thoms is a passionate teacher, and his powerful book is all about "stance"––how a teacher places him or herself physically, emotionally, intellectually, and organizationally––with respect to students, knowledge, and learning. Every teacher, from a first-timer to an old hand, will learn much that is practical, and even more that is inspirational, from reading this book."
Robert Fried, The Passionate Teacher
"Frank Thoms draws our attention back to the locus of learning––the synergy between teachers and students. He offers empathetic and passionate teachers the thought tools and practical steps they need to invigorate a collaborative classroom."
Joyce Barnes, education technology editor
Two-way teaching! Conversation is the medium where students and teacher learn! Everyone listens, everyone shares. In this short, concise, practical book, teachers will find a myriad of ways to engage in conversation with their students––and engage themselves.
Conversation Classrooms is the second edition of my successful Teaching That Matters Engaging Minds, Improving Schools (Roman and Littlefield, 2015). Focusing on student engagement, it offers concise, practical, and innovative strategies to stimulate face-to-face learning, important––in fact essential––in today's digital age.
"Conversation Classrooms is an inspirational book to read if you want to bring new life into your school."
"I feel Frank Thoms's energy and commitment in his book Conversation Classrooms. It feels like a personal conversation rather than a broadcast, which is what makes him a good teacher."
Conversation Classrooms is the second edition of my successful Teaching That Matters Engaging Minds, Improving Schools (Roman and Littlefield, 2015). Focusing on student engagement, it offers concise, practical, and innovative strategies to stimulate face-to-face learning, important––in fact essential––in today's digital age.
"Conversation Classrooms is an inspirational book to read if you want to bring new life into your school."
Jenn David-Lang, founder of the Main Idea
"I feel Frank Thoms's energy and commitment in his book Conversation Classrooms. It feels like a personal conversation rather than a broadcast, which is what makes him a good teacher."
Ron Stegall, international education advisor