Open Books

The book pulls no punches...tells it like it is. It gives the latest information and is well written and organized. If you plan to travel in the Caribbean, it is well worth the read. You can plan the places to go to and the places to stay away from. It is for the inexperienced traveler, and the experienced alike. Spend the 13 bucks and get informed before you plan your trip.

This book is a collection of articles on Carnap. Interesting for specialists. You should consider the year of publication, the authors and the table of content, if you are interested in it.

The study of school classrooms is a major aspect of educational research. It is rooted in the belief that if we are to understand the work of schools, and to improve or change their role, then above all we have to understand what occurs in classrooms. That, after all, is where the real business of education is supposed to take place. Case Studies in Classroom Research presents examples of substantive research in three key areas: the study of teaching styles and their effects; of classroom tasks, their nature and consequences; and of the effect of teachers' expectations on pupils. Each of these areas has been the focus of research for some considerable time, and a wide range of research strategies have been employed. As a result, they give us a basis for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of different methodological approaches and indeed the promise and achievements of classroom research in general.

This book is an important resource for students of education, psychology, and sociology, for teachers on initial and in-service training courses, and for all those interested in classroom research. A companion volume, Controversies in Classroom Research, is also published by Open University Press.
--- from book's back cover

"Catastrophic Failures" is a classic text about major failures in varying technological fields. The authors originally wrote this book in 1977 as a text for an Open University course (TD 342, Systems Performance: Human Factors and Systems Failures), but it has wide applications outside of the classroom. This book uses a case study methodology to study catastrophic failures in complex socio-technical systems. It is careful to examine the human factors elements present in the disasters, and examines processes and control loops in place that led to the failure. The book does not attempt to apportion blame per se, but explains factual evidence, decision timelines, the manner in which errors accumulated, and ways to mitigate the failures.

The seven accidents profiled are from a variety of industries, but all industries (and individuals) can learn from each. Some disasters are well known (the Aberfan mine tip), while some are almost forgotten (the West Gate bridge collapse). All information is taken from official sources, and the quality of the writing and analysis is superb. Since aviation safety is my central focus, I was especially interested in "The Crash of Trident Papa-India", an insightful piece on a now quite obscure crash with worthwhile safety lessons, especially in the realms of human factors (particularly in studies of power-distance relationships).

While the Trident accident is the one with which I was most familiar, I was also quite familiar with Aberfan. This text provides the most accessible general account of the Aberfan mine tip accident I have yet seen. I was also especially pleased with the account of the Summerland fire, which occurred on the Isle of Man in 1973. I found the analysis of architectural suitability of Oroglas, Decalin, and Galbestos fascinating. The suitability of materials, issues of appropriate design, subcontracting of responsibility, and changes in requirements through the design life of the project were rich in analytical insights, and I believe that this chapter would be of great benefit to architects, engineers, fire inspectors, and other safety professionals. Interestingly, after the fire Summerland was rebuilt and was only recently closed. It was demolished in 2005.

I was also familiar with the Ronan Point accident, in which a gas cooker (stove) set off an explosion that destroyed a new high-rise apartment building. The analysis here focuses on latent failures and the pitfalls of some types of prefabricated construction (in this specific case the Larsen-Neilsen system, originally from Denmark). This is another accident with wide safety implications far exceeding the scope of building and occupant safety.

I was also glad that the authors specifically chose some more obscure accidents, such as the Hixon Level Crossing accident. Very few people have heard of this accident, but the lessons it yields in terms of human factors, and especially complacency, training, signage, and closed loop control systems are invaluable far beyond the field of railroad safety.

This is a rare book, but is well worth searching for. It is brilliant, concise, practical, and thought provoking. The cases are all well illustrated, and there is a generous and helpful bibliography for each case. There are few books more deserving of a revised and expanded version. I highly recommend this book.

In Catching Up to the Third World, Ben Peters helps us understand what keeps us from experiencing the kinds of signs and wonders that are being seen in the "underdeveloped" nations of the world. Identifying sources of pride and barrenness, he then shows us the way to repentance--to correct our motivations, enter into the heart of God, and prepare us to receive what God longs to do in our region of the world.

Jeff Doles, Bible Teacher and author of
God's Word in Your Mouth: Changing Your World Through Faith

This is a definitive work on the Celtic Way of life. Nothing is left out. I found it highly satisfying.

I'm using this book for a distance education course. It wasn't available at our virtual bookstore so finding it here at Amazon was fantastic. The condition of the book is perfect.

Changing University Teaching: Reflections On Creating Educational Technologies presents a diverse range of ideas, opinions and practical information on the implementation and effect of communication and information technologies in the field of collegiate education. Educators and researchers Terry Evans and Daryl Nation collaborate in considering how these changes can improve teaching, how the university enterprise itself is changing, and address issues of concern for the practical process and effects of developing educational technologies. Changing University Teaching is very highly recommended reading for university boards, administrators, faculty, and education technology research students.

This study on Baker's Creek near Port Gibson, MS is a compelling analysis of slope stability and channel gradation at a bridge site in the loessial bluffs of SW Mississippi and in a tributary of the Bayou Pierre. Excellent read for those having trouble sleeping at night.

This is an outstanding and well researched book which discusses how the Chinese higher education (University and Institute) system has modernised and developed relations with foreign education providers, particular universities. A case study analytical approach is used to add specific aspects to the book, which is one of the finest assessments of how East can work with West to the mutual benefit of both. Hayhoe combines an erudite approach with an enthusiasm and freshness for her subject which makes this a compulsive, yet academically thorough, read. Her perspective is that of an educationalist; but her analysis and overall discussion has value for researchers from other disciplines such as international marketers seeking to develop an understanding of the Chinese higher education system as a market for foreign cooperation and entry. Anyone interested in the Chinese higher education system should read this book. Similarly no university should enbteer the Chinese market without gaining an understanding of the complexities of the market, and the nature of Sino-Foreign academic cooperation as discussed in this (and other Hayhoe) books.