Teaching and Learning Outside the Box: Inspiring Imagination Across the Curriculum

Kieran Egan, Maureen Stout, and Keiichi Takaya, (Eds.). (2007). Teaching and Learning Outside the Box: Inspiring Imagination Across the Curriculum. London, ON: Alhouse Press. 160 pages. ISBN: 978-0-920354-64-3 (paperback)

Jayne Hudson, Saskatoon Public School Board, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan The stated premise of this book is that "Imagination is an essential aspect of education and helps us improve teaching and learning by allowing us to see the world in new ways." The stated purpose is "to deepen that understanding [of the importance of imagining] and establish the practical and theoretical significance of imagination in education."

Chapter one provides an overview of the importance of imagination in education, addresses what the author perceives as the myths surrounding imagination, and gives the reader a view of the practical application of imagination in educating students. Chapter two carefully defines imagination, draws a clear picture of the connection of values and imagination in education, and presents information to support the premise that a well educated person must be an imaginative person.

Chapter three explores the connection of imagination to shifts in paradigms and discusses the role of imagination as being the underpinning of the change in thought from modern to post-modern. The author also looks at the role of imagination in critical thinking as principled thinking. Chapters four to nine give the authors' ideas about the practical application of inter-twining imagination and education. The areas covered are mathematics, literature, science, working with at-risk youth, and multiculturalism.

The information presented in this book is important for all educators. It reminds us...