Someone once said that the pen is mightier than the sword.
Wiser words may never have been said before, or even after. Ideas written in ink have changed the fate of men and the world. Sometimes for worse, most times for better. It is an undeniable fact that the art of writing is perhaps our single most-significant invention. Plausibly even more pivotal than discovering fire, I dare to say.
Books have allowed man to not only preserve his ideas but also share them across time. Every instance you open up a book, you are teleporting into a whole new world. A journey through time, where you take up temporary residence in the author’s world.
Some people certainly find reading a dissipation of their time. Or maybe just dull. Different folks, different stroke, perhaps? Nevertheless, the significance of books in our lives cannot be underscored adequately. To put it into better perspective, here are some of the insights of a proper reading culture.
- Reading gives you multiple perspectives of looking at life. It exposes you to novel approaches of life. Hence, you find new ways to understand both yourself and the world around you more in-depth.
- Reading opens up your mind to be conscious of how things are. You view society as it is, and how to adapt to it. More so, you idealize how you would like it to be.
- You become more knowledgeable in areas and topics that you are interested in. This, essentially, is self-improvement at its finest. You become a better seeker of truth.
- Reading fosters positive thinking and developing the right mindset in life. By constantly stimulating your mind, reading nurtures your mental health. Not to mention that it significantly lowers your stress levels.
As a student, you may not always have the luxury to pick a book and be immersed hours on end. However, you can always find at least 30 minutes to an hour every day to read a book of your choice. A fraction when you wake up. Another during breaks. And possibly before you call it a day. Perhaps you could also reach out to a custom paper writing service and use the spare time to read.
Choosing a suitable book is sometimes a bit of a hit or miss. Here is the secret. Go to the library and pick a book from a topic you are substantially interested in. As you read the book, pick out subjects that pique your interest. Now find other books on those topics and may the cycle continue.
We have, nonetheless, compiled a list of some educational books that should start off the ripple. Fortunately, this has very little to do with your schooling. It matters not at what academic level you are. Now is an excellent time to start as any.
Creative Schools by Sir Ken Robinson
You have probably heard of the author of this book. Sir Ken Robinson, an educationalist, is the man behind the most viewed TED talk of all time: Do schools kill creativity? This book builds on the premise that our current educational system is the dire need of a revolutionary reappraisal. This is a book about transformative education.
He proposes a paradigm shift from the standardized outmoded model where one size fits all. He points out the immense shortcomings of the traditional industrial system that is hugely straining both educators and students. He, then, proposes a progressive approach to a personalized and organic system. Students can then learn multidimensionally, at their own pace, and in subjects, they are inclined to.
Culturize by Jimmy Casas
In this book, Jimmy Casas presents a holistic approach to eliminating mediocrity in schools. He proposes a culture shift that nurtures greatness. His insights are geared towards schools molding students who are decent human beings, at a minimum, and make meaningful contributions to society. This is what the world desperately needs at the moment.
Architects of Deeper Learning by Lissa Pijanowski
Lissa Pijanowski, in this book, looks at how deliberate design is the key to unlock the full potential of students. The philosophy presented by Lissa focuses on the structure of deep learning and its impact on students. Deep learning in the classroom ensures that learners are effective problem solvers and communicators, critical and creative thinkers, as well as willing collaborators.
Choosing College by Michael B. Horn and Bob Moesta
This book will guide you on how to make informed choices when it comes to your learning process. It will help you understand why you are making a particular educational decision. This encompasses your motivations and goals.
We all know that choosing schools can be strenuous and complicated. This book seeks to help you make the better choice.
Reading is all about getting better at getting better. The more you cultivate the reading culture, the more you grow and rise above the ordinary. In the words of George R.R. Martin, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies… The man who never reads lives only one”.