Alpha Books

The complete idiot's guide to designing your own home.

Drapaca is with the internationally renowned architectural firm, I. M. Pei and Partners, and has designed homes and apartments for all budgets over the past 15 years; Esman writes for art, design, and real estate publications worldwide. They offer a practical text for individuals interested in designing their own home, either because they want a custom home, can't afford the cost of an architect, or want to be better prepared for working with an architect. Coverage includes the why and how/pros and cons of designing a home; the basics of making architectural drawings and models; financial considerations; creating the design; plumbing, electrical, and heating systems; kitchens and bathrooms; lighting systems; special features, such as fireplaces, window elements, and built-ins; and working with professionals to turn the design into a reality. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

The complete idiot's guide to grant writing, 2d ed.

In this book/CD-ROM guide, Thompson, director of external affairs for the New York Foundation for the Arts, walks readers through basic and advanced aspects of grant writing. After an overview of the grant-writing process, he takes readers behind the scenes of the different institutions that make grants, then describes the parts of a grant proposal and gives advice on writing each one. He shows how to find funding sources online and off, and outlines strategies for writing inquiry letters, managing contacts, and developing a grant-writing plan. There is also special advice for individual grant seekers. Some 55 pages of appendices list print and Internet resources, and provide sample proposals of different types. A glossary is also included. The CD-ROM contains grant writing, budgeting, and organizing worksheets, research tools, shortcut methods for assembling a proposal, and sample proposals and budgets from the book. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

The complete idiot's guide to teaching college.

Fredericks (education, York College, York, Pennsylvania) has 35-plus years of experience as a professional educator, and is the author of some 65 teacher resource books. He offers a practical guide to effective teaching and effective learning which, while targeted at novice instructors, may also appeal to more experienced educators seeking to improve their skills. Topics addressed include understanding the nature of undergraduate college students; the preparation skills of putting a course together, selecting a textbook, and writing a syllabus; the "nitty gritty" of teaching college, featuring practical ideas and sensible solutions; how to effectively connect with a diversity of students; challenges and possibilities for teachers, such as student evaluation, attendance, tardiness, cheating, late assignments, and distance learning endeavors; and life as a college teacher. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)