Educational Books

simply sophisticated and sophisticately simple, did the trick but if you are completely new to metrics, read it after christopher

As the author says, the book is "aimed at undergraduates but it is adaptable to master's students". It will provide you with excellent and extensive real life explanations. What is better about this book is that you can redo every example in the book by using the online data that it provides with. This was it is easier what happens by experimenting. In that sense this book is superior to many others where you cannot see how the results of estimations came about.

There is only one thing to take into account. Although there are three parts to this book, the shortest one is time series. Its coverage will is therefore not very comprehensive if you want basic explanations like the VAR, GARCH models etc...
In that case, I would recommend the book New Directions in Econometric Practice by Wojciech W. Charemza.

Great introduction to the subject, but the notation is poor. By presenting the material without matrix algebra, the multiple regression analysis becomes a convoluted mess of summation notation. Additionally, matrix notation is adopted in more advanced texts, making in beneficial to learn from the start.

Wooldridge's explanations are clear and useful. After a semester hacking my way through the dense brush of matrices in Greene's book, I realized I needed some help. Now I go to Wooldridge's treatment first, to make sure I understand the main concepts. Then I go to Greene for the detail, if I need to.

This books is excellent read. It builds good intuition, and is well suited for self-studying. It is also not too mathematical, no matrix notation, good for undergraduate students or as a review for graduate students. I can truly recommmend it.

Fred Neff wrote Lessons from the Art of Kempo, a book that is as much about a philosophy of life as it is about a martial art. According to the author, "the ultimate aim of Kempo practitioners is not only to grow in power, but to improve themselves and learn to live in harmony with others." Kempo, as explained by Fred Neff, is a beautiful method of harnessing a person's abilities to be in tune with nature. The author says, "Kempo teaches not only how to efficiently protect yourself, but also how to flexibly combine techniques in a smooth free flowing action that seems almost effortless to the viewer." The book explains Kempo as a form of continuous energy that changes as it flows. The Kempo practitioner's goal is to strive to perform in such a manner as to promote harmony. Implicit within Fred Neff's book is the message that energy can move in a linear manner, at an angle or a circular manner. While Lessons From The Art of Kempo shows linear and angular moves there is a definite underlying emphasis on softer circular movements that do not directly oppose force, but rather redirect it. The Kempo book has clear explanations and photo illustrations that make learning easier and more enjoyable. Consistent with the book's philosophic leanings that emphasize the use of the mind is the chapter on "Effective Kempo Strategy." The lessons on strategic approaches to the use of Kempo are easy to understand, practical and further solidify in the reader's mind potential uses of the fighting moves taught earlier in the book. Fred Neff's Lessons From The Art of Kempo is a thinking person's martial art book that transcends just teaching how to fight to that of a holistic approach to improving oneself through the study and practice of the Art of Kempo. The book's point that a Kempo practitioner should strive toward developing harmony with nature and other people is a positive social concept that appears consistent with the author's own approach. The author Fred Neff has done extensive community work as a teacher and lawyer, which has resulted in his receiving the city of St. Paul Citizen of the Month Award, a Commendation from the Sibley County Attorney's Office, the WCCO Good Neighbor Award, The HLS Justice Award, Lamp of Knowledge Award From The Twin Cities Lawyers Guild and the Presidential Medal of Merit. Fred Neff's Lessons from the Art of Kempo is a gem of a book that I very strongly recommend.

"Kempo is an art of philosophy, physical culture, and self-defense that develops the body, mind, and spirit. It includes meditation, punching, striking, kicking, throwing, and locking techniques. Also included are dodges, blocks, and sticking techniques for tying up an opponent with his or her own arms. Kempo moves are both linear and circular, allowing for a smooth flow of action from soft to hard movement. There is a continuity of action that make it exhilarating to practice, irresistible to watch, and difficult to defend against."

"Ultimate aim of kempo practioners is not only to grow in power, but to improve themselves and learn to live in harmony with others. Kempo teaches not only how to efficiently protect yourself, but also how to flexibly combine techniques in smooth, free-flowing action that seems almost effortless to the viewer."

Kempo principles: 1. Don't worry, instead focus on the solution. The byproduct of relaxation and comfort is the path to finding solutions. 2. You can do whatever you believe is possible. 3. Use your opponent's actions against him or her. Any action creates a weakness or an opening for counterattack. Even an opponent's strength can be manipulate and turn it to your advantage. 4. Concentrate on what you do well 5. Be flexible in your approach. Learn to use techniques that will work in a situation and discard anything that will not. A Kempo practitioner learns to expect the unexpected, and varies the self-defense to fit the situation. 6. Preserve. Fighting is not about show but perseverance to survive and win. 7. Dedicate yourself to continual self-improvement. The quality of your training determines the success of failure. Kempo philosophy teaches that knowledge is endless. Practitioners of kempo never become conceited because they know that kemp is an endless way. 8. Take advantage in adversity. Every crisis has two elements: danger and opportunity. If you do not despair, if you see the opportunity and work hard to overcome the difficulty, you will gain from every experience. You must overcome the feeling of doubt caused from self-seeking validation. A kempo practitioner stands alone in his skills. 9. Try to live in harmony with nature and its ways. Unity of action creates harmony and strength.

Stances: Natural Stance, Back Stance or Cat Stance, Front Stance (R or L Cover), Horse Stance, Reverse Cover

Hand positions: low guard, Mid guard, high guard (preferred)

Foot patterns: slide step (shuffle), step 45 degrees, side step, circle step, cross over (forward and back), and half turn (crescent step).

Blocks: Inward block, Outward block, downward block, upward block, upper and lower block, and fan block (parry and chop or parry and simultaneous backfist)

C1: L knife block, R vertical punch to solar plexus
C2: L knife block, L punch to the bridge of nose
C3: R cover, step forward R punch to groin (opponent left downward block), R backfist to face (R upward block), R grab and pull down trapping opponents L arm over R arm, finish with L punch to face.
C4 : Opponent throws a L and R punch. From a R cover, left outward block, grab, and pull and R outward block the opponents R punch, grab and cross Opponents R over L arm, finish with a L uppercut to the opponents R ribs.
C5: R cover, R rear kick plant back, L and R punch
C6: R cover, L front snap kick, R side kick thrust
C7: R cover, shuffle forward, L backfist, half step CC, R punch, R sweep kick to the legs
C8, R cover, L punch, L backfist, R punch
C9: R cover, L side kick, R round kick
C10: L cover, R backfist, left cross behind towards opponent, step behind, two hand sweep the opponent over the R knee
C11: L cover, L side kick, R round kick, L spinning backkick.
C12: R cover, L front snap kick, spinning R back kick
C13: R cover, L outward block, shuffle, R uppercut, L punch

Basic strategies:
1. Keep calm
2. Use your mind. Fight intelligently. Fight passionately. Feel the power and speed of the technique without thought. Fight with an empty mind. Fight without fighting.
3. Control the situation. Try to maneuver into a place where you can best take advantage of your skills and strengths. Close the gaps and Fight in close and decrease the chances the opponent will kick you from a distance systematically. Do fight for show or flash. Fancy techniques are abandoned as injury and risk increases. Use what works.
4. Watch the opponent's actions. Watch for the signals an attack is coming. Don't be presumptuous about the opponent's abilities or inabilities. Watch for shifts in weight that indicate the opponent is preparing to kick. Take the simple technique for protection, such as an inward block. An inward block by itself can break bones in the forearm. Less is more.
5. Consider range in select a technique. Be care not too seek demonstration of skill but think about why the technique will work and what gates it will open. The flow into the gate should be natural and predictable. Find the obvious opening.
6. Disrupt the opponent balance. The best technique is always to put the opponent on the ground on his back. This is the most vulnerable position to be in for the opponent.
7. Use movement as a defensive weapon.
8. Keep the techniques simple
9. Use the element of surprise.

Kempo is a passion of mine that has not abated in the fourteen years I have been practicing it. In my continuing quest for more knowledge I have tried to learn everything that I could on the subject. After reading numerous books on Kempo and other martial arts books with discussions of Kempo, I find that my favorite martial arts book is "Lessons from the Art of Kempo." This book in a straightforward and useable way lays out REAL Kempo--not what you see in the movies or the useless open hand waving movements that some have tried to pass off as Kempo. Lessons from the Art of Kempo shows you the fundamentals of REAL Kempo and how to apply them. Even after practicing Kempo for years, I still find this book has strong meaning and appeal for me. I enthusiatically recommend this book not only to others with a passion for learning Kempo, but for anyone who wants to learn about the REAL art of Kempo.

I am an avid student of Asian history and martial arts. For the last 12 years I have made a study of Asian fighting strategies such as described in Sun Tzu's masterpiece "Sun Tzu Bingfa" ("The Art of War"), which is the definitive work on strategy and Miyamoto Musashi's "Book of Five Rings." In "Lessons from the Art of Kempo" Neff has done an excellent job making practical use of Asian strategic fighting considerations. Chapter 12 of Neff's book on kempo strategy very favorably impresses me. This chapter includes principles from Sun Tzu, Miyamoto Musashi and others. The net effect of Neff's book kempo is that complex principles of strategy have been condensed into workable and usable ways for people to defend themselves. I applaud this book's easy to read straight forward manner. I highly recommend "Lessons from the Art of Kempo" by Fred Neff to anyone. It earns my most enthusiastic 5 star rating.

Kempo is the "fist way" as shown in Lessons From The Art Of Kempo by Fred Neff. Too many books that claim to be on kempo are nothing more than a collection of flashy movements that are impractical and have no usefulness in a real fight. Lessons From The Art Of Kempo gets down to what you need to know and need to do in order to win a fight. It shows conditioning exercises, how to position your body in a fight, how to hit, where to hit and winning strategies. I like Lessons From The Art Of Kempo because it is reality based and does not waste space on flashy movements that have no value and are a waste of time to anyone serious about self-defense. If you want to learn to fight better and--more importantly--smart, a good first step is to read this outstanding book on kempo written by Fred Neff.

This is a really great book for anyone interested in education, not limited just to Montessori. The book explains clearly several aspects of Montessori education and describes the research that supports or does not support the Montessori method. I didn't know much about Montessori before reading this book, so I found it very enlightening to begin to understand this complete system for education.

I would highly recommend this book. Although a text book type publication, it is extremely interesting, easy to read. Very well researched and packed with insight and explanation on the Montessori method. I have read several other books on Montessori and this is one of the best. Read it in conjunction with Maria Montessori's own book "The Secret of Childhood."

This is a great book to peruse if you have an interest in furthering Montessori's educational philosophy at home, in traditional, or alternative schools.

I was familiar with the basics of Montessori education before I read "Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius". I have been drawn to it ever since I first heard about it because it feels more natural and right than traditional public school. I read this book in an effort to understand the system better and to be able to defend my choice to well-meaning but critical friends and family. I was not disappointed.

Lillard first compares traditional education with the Montessori system, pointing out how each came to be and how they have evolved over time. She then looks at what she considers to be the eight principles of Montessori education. Each is explained in depth, compared in depth with traditional education, and then research is provided in support of each principle. In her research, Lillard discovered that none of Montessori's central points have been disproven, many have been proven, and several are in need of further research.

Pros: This book cites many, many scientific studies. It is well-written and easy to understand. There are many examples (and pictures) of specific materials used in Montessori education. It provides a solid explanation of many of the important principles of Montessori education.

Cons: The book is a little wordy and uses too many previews, summaries, and reviews for my taste. The last chapter contains a section called "Frequently Asked Questions and Concerns about Montessori" that I wish was longer and more in depth.

What I would really like to find is a debate between pro- and anti- Montessori educators. While I really enjoyed this book and learned a lot from it, I came away thinking that Lillard's assessment was too good to be true. If Montessori education is really as wonderful as she (and I) think it is, why is it not more popular?

As a former Montessori student, I've been amazed at how other children develop learning methods in classroom experiences across the U.S. With our educational system in flux, how about looking to Maria Montessori and her teaching philosophies that she developed a century ago.

I may hold a biased view for Montessori learning. However, Montessori believed that the 'factory method' of schooling was outdated. Believing that children have blank slates for learning, she created learning techniques and environments that develop concentration, independent thought, motivation, curiosity, and self-discipline for life's choices. After reading this book, I'm in full agreement with her teaching methods.

Lilliard explains the history and theories behind Montessori education in-depth and with strength. She explains the importance of our relationships and environments within the classroom and our homes, and she explores the knee-jerk arguments against Montessori education. If you're working or raising children, you'll be way ahead of the game with this thorough and insightful book.

I wanted to explore the foundations of how I learn in life, and Lillard answers my questions. I'm not only more knowledgable about how I learn, but also I'm more aware how intelligence is developed and the possibilites of how our youth can learn in today's world.

Add to your building blocks of knowledge, and explore Montessori methods...This is a supreme read.

This book is my 2 1/2 year old daughter's favorite book. She asks for it every night for reading time. She loves to say "Fix IT Duck" at the appropriate points in the story. The illustrations are great and add to the story. Make sure to pay attention to the pictures even on the non-worded pages (especially page1). I think this is the second book in a series of books about the Duck, Frog, Goat, and Sheep. I really like most of the books the the author has written.

This book is hysterical, my husband absolutely loves reading this book to our 3 year old daughter. Fix it Duck is passionate and believes there is a leak in his roof and goes to sheep for help. Hilarity ensues as Fix It Duck just ruins everything as he goes along but believes he is helping. The fun is at the end of the book when you realize that the leak started because Duck left the faucet on and he causes havoc as a result. We got a kick out of going through the book again afterwards and watching the frog try to track Duck down. Recommended very highly for the preschool set.

You can't help but love reading this book aloud to your little one! The rhymes, illustrations, and humor can't be beat. And there's something irresistible about "Fix it Duck!" My two year old always reaches for this book and when we get to a job for "Fix it Duck", he pumps his fist emphatically while singing "Fix it Duck!". I highly recommend this book, as well as Duck's other board book - Duck in a Truck.

This is a great book especially when you started with Duck in the Truck. Very cute story and great illustrations. Lots of detail in the illustrations that are fun to pick out.

What a wonderful story this is....poor Fix-It-Duck only wants to help and he keeps making things worse and worse. A delightful bedtime story you will enjoy again and again.

I found this book very interesting. I wish I had a button to press and help kids actually become passionate readers. Society must help and encourage more reading as entertainment. Too often there are ads for physical activities and they do not show value for reading and academic activities.

Finally, an author who validates my own tried and true method for developing strong readers. Reading an interesting book can teach our students more about reading that we ever will. It's time we again dedicated a part of our reading time for reading, not just reading instruction, but we need to help them by offering the best books to select from. "Build it and they will come." A class library full of rich literature that interests middle school students is a huge challenge, and Ms. Atwell provides tons of titles to get you started. She also offers plenty of ideas for record keeping, and student conferences. The book is very inspiring and full of good ideas and advice.You rock Nanci Atwell!

As a teacher of students who are struggling readers at the high school level, I was somewhat disappointed by Nancie Atwell's latest book. Her approach assumes many things that simply not always possible in the public school class room, especially at the high school level. I applaud her devotion to providing students with time and space to read, but she doesn't understand the time and MONEY constraints that most of us have. For example, I have to spend my own money to provide my students with a classroom library and my department can only afford to provide us with $25 per teacher for classroom supplies like chalk and staples. The $250 that the IRS allows for is usually what I spend just to have art supplies, extra pens and pencils available for my students. I have to reach deep into my own pocket to purchase books.

Over all this book left me disappointed, because Nancie Atwell needs to see what it's like for people like me who are just as devoted, but left with little money to supply my students. How are we supposed to do all the great things she reccommends if we can't have the same resources that she is lucky enough to have?

This is an excellent book that shows how students can become great readers when they are given the chance to have independent reading time and be in control of their reading choices. This is a must read for all teachers!

How does a kid learn to read...by reading. Get your students into the Reading Zone. I was sucked into the guided reading, small groups, centers, rotations, strategies method of teaching too. However, my students just were not progressing or developing that "love of reading" that I wanted for them. Within a month of reading this book and changing my approach, almost all my students have jumped into the ZONE. This book will change how you teach. It's the next step in your evolution as a reading teacher. Happy reading!

This has to be one of the best books! My kids- 5 & 2- love books, we read all the time and are always at the library and bookstore. They both instantly loved this book and we read it over and over. They both get up and dance and sing right along with me. I highly recommend this for any age. I'm positive it will be on our book shelf all year and not just at Halloween!

A wonderful book! My one yr old hands me this all the time- she loves it. A very fun Halloween themed book that can be read all year long!

This is a very entertaining and fun book to read aloud to a class or even one child. It is fast paced and interactive and I simply love it.

We had borrowed this book from the library dozens of times and realized it was time to purchase our own. This has been our children's favorite book since the moment we first read it. A family favorite at our house! Sing-song rhythm makes it fun too!

A friend told me about this book and shared a tune she made up for the words. I bought a copy and my son (2) loves it. He brings it out quite often for me to read or sing to him. The illustrations are a fun change from the usual kiddie fare.

This was the best investment I have made in a reading foreign language book: the price was reasonable, and was considerably cheaper than taking the graduate level reading course. Yes, this book will get you to the necessary level to pass the majority of intermediate Spanish reading proficiency exams. Where it lacks is thorough grammatical description, so for that, I suggest supplementing this book with "Complete Spanish Grammar" from the Practice Makes Perfect series. After every chapter in "Spanish for Reading" I would go through "CSG" and note the chapters I needed to review before going onto the next chapter in "Spanish for Reading." The two in conjunction with each other are absolutely amazing.

Twenty years ago I had another self-instruction Spanish book by Barrons, the same publisher. This book is far better. It claims to use the latest research on language study, and it certainly seems sound to me. I did notice a few minor typos, but overall I found this book worthwhile. I've had four semesters of Spanish and taken some short immersion classes in Mexico. However, I never took a class specifically geared toward reading, so this text has proved quite useful. I do about three pages a day, and in the past month I am certain my skills have improved. The price is quite reasonable.
I have a tip for other struggling Spanish readers: For what it is worth, when watching a dvd movie at home, leave the spoken language as English and use the Spanish subtitles setting when available. This is a painless, almost subliminal way to boost one's vocabulary.

I'm teaching myself Spanish, and this book is really helpful.

This book was well worth the price I paid. It covers a lot of grammar and quite a bit of vocabulary. Most of the exercises are set up so that you only need an index card (or other piece of paper you can't see through) to do them.

Although I wish that it had a dictionary in the back, I'm still giving it a five-star rating. I sure wish it had an audio CD with all the reading passages, because then it would be outstanding, but I'm not marking it down for lack of a CD, since it isn't meant for listening comprehension.

I loved FRENCH FOR READING, so thought I'd give this one a try. Make sure you have a dictionary because there isn't one at the back of the book - and sometimes the passages give you words you've never seen before - with no way to look them up. Also - these chapters seem a bit denser then 'French For Reading', make sure you go slowly, maybe only doing 1/2 chapter at a time.

I truly love Kendris' 501 French Verbs. I just wish it came with a CD so that I could really learn how to pronounce the verbs in different tenses and practice my speaking skills.
I travel a lot in my car, and I discovered that Behind the Wheel - French 1 (Behind the Wheel) is an excellent backup to 501 French Verbs. I study the 501 French Verbs in book form at home and I learn how to speak my own mind with Behind the Wheel French CDs with the same verbs in different tenses (in a non-grammatical format yet) while I drive.

The best book for help learning a foreign language no matter what level of study.

I have been studying French for five years and this book has been within arms length for the last three. It has been the one text (and I have upwards of 20) that I have found truly indispensable. The scope of the verbs used, from the essential "avoir" and "etre" to the more normal "parler," "finir," and "vendre," to headaches like "boire" and "pouvoir."
Aside from the titular 501 French words, there is an appendix with 1001 words, referring the reader to a verb conjugated similarly to ones not included in the original 501.
You want this book.

Lists every major verb and its variations. Alphabetically arranged. Easy to read and use. I am quite proficient, yet this is a valuable reference.

I bought this version of 501 French Verbs to replace a 25-year-old copy I had used in high school. This new version goes far beyond simply being a dictionary of conjugated French verbs. The authors identify/highlight the 55 essential verbs you need in your vocabulary and inserted additional examples of idioms that use these key words. Exercises in the front section of the book and on the CD help you apply what you learn. I have found this book to be a valuable resource in relearning the French language.

Book give us all knowledge to start take care of african grey parrots.

Very good Book

It is a great book, answering everything an owner has to know for an African Grey parrot.

This little book is packed with information about how to care for, and be a good companion to, the incredibly intelligent African Grey parrot. It's a very good how-to with lots of advice and information - and more importantly, for those considering bringing one of these amazing birds into their families, it provides a good synopsis about the nature of the lifetime commitment that comes with that decision.

So please - if you're a new Grey owner, or just thinking about buying one, pick up this book. You'll be glad you did.

Amazon is a very Good service .. no waiting around ;)
an this book ha ha was very Nice only problem was so Nice I Ordered it twice an sent a copy to Mother as We both have African Grey Parrots an She said Richard
.. thats the Book I already sent to You
so Yes very Nice Book !

I recently read Maggie's book and was very delighted with it. I have never owned a bird, but have always been fascinated by them. This book really put some things in perspective for a complete novice on the nature of these birds. I think it is a very good guide for those of us who know absolutely nothing about them but would like to. Maggie was recently a guest on our online radio show and it was wonderful to hear her birds talking in the background as we spoke and listen to her share her complete love of and admiration for these wonderful birds.

This book has beautiful photography to go along with Maggie's simple to understand and implement writing in this book and I highly recommend it.

This book doesn't cover all there is to cover in Calculus 1. It can't, it's too tiny. But what it does do it take you through the logic of increasingly abstract concepts. I found this enormously helpful beyond just helping me understand the concepts (though it did so admirably). I found that this careful progression helped me formalize my own thought process, helped me get more logical.

This won't cover everything you need to know, but I'm a big advocate of the more you know, the better, and this book will help you fill in some gaps.

This book is well written and the author explains the material in an easy to understand manner. I haven't had Calculus for over 10 years and a lot of the material is coming back to me because of the author's style of presenting it. I whole-heartedly recommend this review for those who have been away from Calculus for a number of years.

Great book it helped me pass Calc in high school and helped me get an A in college. Highly recommended. Easy to read and understand

Professor Gootman is the master of moving from practical everyday arithmetic to higher layers of algebraic abstraction. In Calculus, I too memorized the formulas, rules, etc. and did fine but never really fully understood the purpose of it all. To start with the simple notion of s being a 'position' of an object (ball thrown up in space) and t being time and answering the 'instantaneous rate of change' / feet per second for s(t) was such a refreshing explanation to see. Moving carefully into the next layer(s) of abstraction ( f(x) dy/dx,... ) is his forte. He helped me feel more confident knowing that even with subjects such as abstract algebra and number theory, remembering to try and move carefully 'up' the levels of abstraction will assuredly alleviate pain and frustration.

This text is a nice balance between a traditional calculus text and the smarmy calculus by cartoon type books, and it is more math book like than 'A Tour of the Calculus' by David Berlinski in that you get examples and practice problems.
The explanations are written in a relaxed, literate, and very readable style, without being patronizing or silly.
Enough examples and practice problems are provided to get the key points pounded into your head. The examples are worked through step by step with fairly clear explanations.
Be warned. This is definitely a review book or to be used in conjunction with a traditional class and text. It's a very quick pass over the material. It provides some minimal algebra review, but if you are rusty you will want some practice since it assumes you can handle rational expressions and exponents.
I worked through it a chapter at a time over an otherwise lazy week.