Do your students have access to the latest research being conducted in this field? Updated research -Includes many studies from 200* and 200* (with most no earlier than ****). Ensures that both students and instructors are exposed to the cutting edge of the field. Are questions of racial, gender, and sexual diversity often raised in your classes? Studies and examples of diversity in sexual orientation - including gay and lesbian relationships. Emphasizes the value of diversity, but also discusses the reality of challenges related to prejudice and discrimination. Features an interview with a lesbian couple regarding their family of three (after having a baby). Increases students'' understanding and acceptance of relationships that are commonly misunderstood and even condemned. Unique presentation and emphasis on appreciation of diversity -From beginning to end, presents differences of all kinds (personality, values, gender, age, racial/ethnic, sexual orientation, family structures, etc.) in such a way that their appreciation is almost a "given.
" Introduces differences in terms of self-awareness and pride in individual uniqueness and then interweaves diversity into each chapter in a natural progression that is hardly noticed. By the time students read Chapter 9 on prejudice/intolerance, the groundwork is in place, and students cannot help but think critically and appreciatively about diversity. Prepares students to become enlightened, open-minded individuals who do not fear differences, but instead embrace diversity. How do you address personal health and value choices? Increased material on improving one''s health - Including stress management. Features the section "Improving Oneself" (including self-esteem) in Chapter 1. Chapter 3 contains a section on decision-making and wise choices that includes conscious better health conditions (e.g., smoking, alcohol use, etc.
). Allows students to begin to focus on stress management and other wellness suggestions and put them to use immediately. "Exploring Values and Making Wise Choices" -e.g., value development, goal achievement, time management, etc. in Chapter 3. Teaches students to achieve goals and manage time, which will benefit them throughout the course and beyond. Are you ever faced with questions from students regarding finding and entering romantic relationships? A new section dealing with how to meet a potential "significant other" - Chapter 11.
Shows that people struggle with connecting with potential mates; young people today report more difficulty than in the past. This section has widespread, practical appeal. Are your students engaged with their text? Reflect and Apply inserts -In each chapter. Encourages students to pause and think; then provides action-based tips to reinforce learning and to help them actually use the material in their everyday lives. Looking Ahead and Looking Back sections -At the beginning and end of each chapter. Keeps students focused as they work through the material and provides a convenient review tool for checking their comprehension. Reflections and Applications section -Perforated, at the back of the book. Provides assignments, in-class exercises, and extra credit work-organized by chapter.
Activities are fun to do, very helpful, and enlightening. Provides numerous opportunities for hands-on learning in the classroom. Their separation from the narrative reflects the preferences of students who don''t like to have their flow of reading interrupted by in-chapter written activities. A more attractive format -With more boxed excerpts and other design elements interspersed within the narrative. Makes the text even easier to read, especially for today''s more visually oriented students. Reader-friendly writing -Features a conversational writing style and practical, lively, and relevant content and examples, many of which come from students themselves. Draws students so effectively into the material that they have a hard time putting the book down. Students not only read their assignments and come better prepared to class, but by personally relating to content, they easily retain more as well.