Reviews
The Dreamkeepers: Successful Teachers of African American Children by Gloria Ladson-Billings
morganbjorklund's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
2.5
janislynne78's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent read about teaching AA students, although much of what was said fell into the "duh" category. Although much of the findings/advice did seem obvious, it was interesting to read. I only wish this wasn't so OLD. I'd love an updated version, since this is from the 90s.
livloveslibros's review
4.0
One of the better books I've had to read for class - it's a little dated at this point (I would love to see an updated study in a similar vein as this), but worth the read. Some of Ladson-Billing's tenets for successful teachers of African American children seem obviously, but they are worth saying, and so well-put. And her research argues her case nicely.
maddiecarter1's review against another edition
fast-paced
3.75
I was given this book at work, it’s a great eye opener for someone who has no ties to education. The book re iterates how important it is for a teacher to build their students confidence, demand excellence from ALL students (like a coach would to an athlete), and how a successful school runs on connection. It’s important for teachers to get to know their students interests & hobbies, and then combining these findings with their curriculum plans to create something called “culturally relevant teaching”.
I also really enjoyed how Billings repeated over and over that knowledge is something that is “recycled”- not “static” and “passed from teacher to student”. The teacher-student hierarchy is something I don’t hear much about.
Pretty good read.
I also really enjoyed how Billings repeated over and over that knowledge is something that is “recycled”- not “static” and “passed from teacher to student”. The teacher-student hierarchy is something I don’t hear much about.
Pretty good read.
t2p's review against another edition
3.0
Read for one of the worst education classes ever. (That may contribute to some negative feelings.) The book is definitely interesting, and is a great one for sparking discussion. (Something that was sorely lacking from my class.) I do think that it's a bit dated, and I would really like to see something more current assigned to help put it into context. Sadly, I don't think that much has improved systemically since Ladson-Billings' work was first published.
lmurray74's review against another edition
5.0
Twenty years on from the first edition it is shocking how little has been done for African American children in US schools. This is a classic ethnographic study that is inspirational most of the time, and depressing when you see how the teachers pictured have to fight for what they know is the most humane way to teach. Essential reading for anyone going into teaching, no matter who you'll be working with.
More...