Reviews for MCTS Self-Placed Training Kit (Exam 70-448): Microsoft SQL Server 2008 - Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance Book/CD Package (Self-Paced Training Kits)

1. Very pleased with it as it exceeds my expectations

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, May 12th, 2010

   So far I have to say that this book does what it says in adverts I saw of it. In fact I have found it very useful in my exam preparation and is an easy read.
   
   The Labs seem pretty good too.
   
   I would definitely recommend this book

2. Too much reading, not enough doing

   Rated 3 out of 5 stars, May 12th, 2009

   I'm reasonably happy with the study guide. It splits up into neat lessons, each one ending in an exercise
   
   However, I (like most) learn by doing, not by reading. The lessons, instead of ending in step-by-step exercices, should end in actual mini-tests so as to force the user to work out how to achieve the results. Plus the lessons should be broken up with step-by-steps so the user can see what is being explained.
   
   Getting 13 pages of text, followed by an exercise where you simply do what you're told with no need to understand what is happening is really pointless. I often found myself daydreaming while reading, taking nothing in.
   
   Ironically, the only occasions I really felt I'd learned something is when I followed a step-by-step guide, it didn't work and I had to uncover what mistake the author had made to understand why it didn't work.
   
   I haven't got as far as trying the practice tests so can't review them yet.