The first thing that strikes you about this book is the appalling sleeve. Not that one judges a book by it’s cover but when you are presented with a book that is just a dirty shade of green and some unimaginatively styled font, one cannot help to sigh.

However, the content of this short book is fascinating and informative. ’53 Interesting Ways to…’ is a series of books written by and aimed at teachers and lecturers involved in all levels of education. The book is about how to promote equal opportunities in education and ‘promote’ really is the key word here. The book is littered with ideas, games and discussions that the teacher and the learner can work at together. From the use of language people tend to use to racial and gender issues and how to address them in a class.

A highlight of the book is that Lewis and Habeshaw have not just concentrated on gender and race as equal opportunity issues but have also taken a look at people with learning difficulties such as dyslexia. The book let’s us explore these types of issues and gives positive ideas on how to tackle a problem like that. The writers also discuss the prejudice that gay and lesbian learners are subjected to and highlight ways for other learners to widen their understanding.

This really is a practical guide to equal opportunities. The writers are keen for readers to use any examples published in the book and have waived any copyright so teachers can photocopy and hand out at will!

’53 Interesting Ways to…’ holds no answers to the unequal treatment to individuals and social groups. What it does is do is offer alternative methods for combating prejudice and promoting equal opportunities. There is a helpful guide about how to write advertisements and designing application forms using acceptable language. A helpful tool.

If you are looking for any historical context to place equal opportunities
and prejudice then you will be disappointed here as this publication is a hands on guide and supplies no information into the history and legal factors of equal opportunities.

Overall, a helpful and informative guide, but let down by poor sleeve design and no visual aids within the content to highlight issues and examples. A useful book for anyone working in education and social work.