Author: Parham Aarabi
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9780521876100
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 170
Book Description
This volume is a simple and clear guide to lecturing. It offers strategies for successful lectures in the academic and business communities. Told from a lecturing mindset, this book aims to combat fear and nervousness, while presenting successful tricks and tactics. Parham Aarabi discusses a wide array of practical ideas that may surprise and help even the most experienced public speakers. In addition, Aarabi provides a unique insight into lecturing for 21st century audiences based on his own lecturing experiences at the University of Toronto and Stanford University. Aarabi is the winner of the 2004 IEEE Mac Van Valkenburg Early Career Teaching Award for 'inspirational classroom instruction'.
The Art of Lecturing
Author: Parham Aarabi
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9780521876100
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 170
Book Description
This volume is a simple and clear guide to lecturing. It offers strategies for successful lectures in the academic and business communities. Told from a lecturing mindset, this book aims to combat fear and nervousness, while presenting successful tricks and tactics. Parham Aarabi discusses a wide array of practical ideas that may surprise and help even the most experienced public speakers. In addition, Aarabi provides a unique insight into lecturing for 21st century audiences based on his own lecturing experiences at the University of Toronto and Stanford University. Aarabi is the winner of the 2004 IEEE Mac Van Valkenburg Early Career Teaching Award for 'inspirational classroom instruction'.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9780521876100
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 170
Book Description
This volume is a simple and clear guide to lecturing. It offers strategies for successful lectures in the academic and business communities. Told from a lecturing mindset, this book aims to combat fear and nervousness, while presenting successful tricks and tactics. Parham Aarabi discusses a wide array of practical ideas that may surprise and help even the most experienced public speakers. In addition, Aarabi provides a unique insight into lecturing for 21st century audiences based on his own lecturing experiences at the University of Toronto and Stanford University. Aarabi is the winner of the 2004 IEEE Mac Van Valkenburg Early Career Teaching Award for 'inspirational classroom instruction'.
The Art of Lecturing
Author: Rudolf Steiner
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781957569390
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
6 lectures, Dornach, October 11-16, 1921 (CW 339) Lecturing is an art that requires command of many technical aspects. Novice tell all they know, or worse--whatever they have read about a subject. They either bore or overwhelm listeners with a flow of information. Master speakers know their audience and evoke wonder and insight. How is this done? These lectures form the "Swiss Orientation Course," or "The Speakers' Course." They address the art of effective speaking, clarifying thought content, knowing one's audience, verbal formulation, ethics of speaking, the effects of lecturers on their listeners, lyrical speaking, speech exercises, repetition, and full immersion in one's topic so that the speaker will be listened to and heard. This book is a translation from German of Anthroposophie, soziale Dreigliederung und Redekunst: Orientierungskurs fuer die oeffentliche Wirksamkeit mit besonderem Himblick auf die Schweitz (GA 339).
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781957569390
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
6 lectures, Dornach, October 11-16, 1921 (CW 339) Lecturing is an art that requires command of many technical aspects. Novice tell all they know, or worse--whatever they have read about a subject. They either bore or overwhelm listeners with a flow of information. Master speakers know their audience and evoke wonder and insight. How is this done? These lectures form the "Swiss Orientation Course," or "The Speakers' Course." They address the art of effective speaking, clarifying thought content, knowing one's audience, verbal formulation, ethics of speaking, the effects of lecturers on their listeners, lyrical speaking, speech exercises, repetition, and full immersion in one's topic so that the speaker will be listened to and heard. This book is a translation from German of Anthroposophie, soziale Dreigliederung und Redekunst: Orientierungskurs fuer die oeffentliche Wirksamkeit mit besonderem Himblick auf die Schweitz (GA 339).
How Humans Learn
Author: Joshua Eyler
Publisher: Teaching and Learning in Highe
ISBN: 9781946684653
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Even on good days, teaching is a challenging profession. One way to make the job of college instructors easier, however, is to know more about the ways students learn. How Humans Learn aims to do just that by peering behind the curtain and surveying research in fields as diverse as developmental psychology, anthropology, and cognitive neuroscience for insight into the science behind learning. The result is a story that ranges from investigations of the evolutionary record to studies of infants discovering the world for the first time, and from a look into how our brains respond to fear to a reckoning with the importance of gestures and language. Joshua R. Eyler identifies five broad themes running through recent scientific inquiry--curiosity, sociality, emotion, authenticity, and failure--devoting a chapter to each and providing practical takeaways for busy teachers. He also interviews and observes college instructors across the country, placing theoretical insight in dialogue with classroom experience.
Publisher: Teaching and Learning in Highe
ISBN: 9781946684653
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Even on good days, teaching is a challenging profession. One way to make the job of college instructors easier, however, is to know more about the ways students learn. How Humans Learn aims to do just that by peering behind the curtain and surveying research in fields as diverse as developmental psychology, anthropology, and cognitive neuroscience for insight into the science behind learning. The result is a story that ranges from investigations of the evolutionary record to studies of infants discovering the world for the first time, and from a look into how our brains respond to fear to a reckoning with the importance of gestures and language. Joshua R. Eyler identifies five broad themes running through recent scientific inquiry--curiosity, sociality, emotion, authenticity, and failure--devoting a chapter to each and providing practical takeaways for busy teachers. He also interviews and observes college instructors across the country, placing theoretical insight in dialogue with classroom experience.
Lecturing
Author: Sally Brown
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1135726337
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 192
Book Description
Lecturing can be a terror, a chore or an exhilarating experience. For most lecturers, at one time or another, it is all of these things. For many in HE & FE it remains the staple form of teaching and, as student groups get ever larger, good lecturing becomes ever more important. This is an accessible, friendly and confidence-boosting book for inexperienced and experienced lecturers alike. Written in a lively and straightforward style, it guides readers through the art of good lecturing. This is a book to use both to gain confidence, and to work with as the your lecturing becomes more assured. The authors show how to improve lecturing, and how lecturing is a flexible and essential tool for enhancing learning and understanding. Illustrated throughout with fascinating case studies and scenarios and with helpful hints and tips, key issues covered include: * the place and types of lecture * voice and body language * causing learning in lectures * making lectures more effective * lecturing tools and processes * engaging groups * ensuring and developing quality * tips for day-to-day use.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1135726337
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 192
Book Description
Lecturing can be a terror, a chore or an exhilarating experience. For most lecturers, at one time or another, it is all of these things. For many in HE & FE it remains the staple form of teaching and, as student groups get ever larger, good lecturing becomes ever more important. This is an accessible, friendly and confidence-boosting book for inexperienced and experienced lecturers alike. Written in a lively and straightforward style, it guides readers through the art of good lecturing. This is a book to use both to gain confidence, and to work with as the your lecturing becomes more assured. The authors show how to improve lecturing, and how lecturing is a flexible and essential tool for enhancing learning and understanding. Illustrated throughout with fascinating case studies and scenarios and with helpful hints and tips, key issues covered include: * the place and types of lecture * voice and body language * causing learning in lectures * making lectures more effective * lecturing tools and processes * engaging groups * ensuring and developing quality * tips for day-to-day use.
Teaching as the Art of Staging
Author: Anthony Weston
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781003447368
Category : Active learning
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
College teachers all too often still play Sage on the Stage - lecturing to rooms full of passive and supposedly absorbed students. The cutting-edge opposite is still supposed to be the Guide on the Side - facilitating wherever students themselves are already going, mentoring and coaching them along the way. But who says that these are the only - or the best - alternatives? This book advances another and sharply different model: the Impresario with a Scenario, a teacher who serves as class mobilizer, improviser, and energizer, staging dramatic, often unexpected and self-unfolding learning challenges and adventures with students.In this book, the author argues that to pose a single alternative to lecturing is profoundly limiting. In fact, he says there is no reason to have to choose between "student-centered" and "teacher-centered" pedagogies. The best ways to teach and learn are both. The same applies to the false choice between "active" students and "active" teachers - there can be more than enough activity for everyone. In particular, the author argues that we need a model in which the teacher is notably pro-active - a kind of activity for which certain theatrical metaphors seem especially appropriate.Picture a college teacher who regularly sets up classroom scenarios - challenging problems, unscripted dramas, role-plays, simulations, and the like - such that the scenario itself frames and drives most of the action and learning that follows. For teaching as staging, the primary work of the teacher is staging such scenarios. The basic goal is to put students into an urgently engaging and self-unfolding scenario, trusting them to carry it forward, while being prepared to join in as needed.This book offers a conceptual and practical framework for Teaching as Staging, grounding the approach with illustrative and sometimes provocative narrative from the literature as well as the author's own practice.Teaching as the Art of Staging offers a visionary challenge to the prevailing models of pedagogy. The book presents a thoroughly practical model that opens up new possibilities for anyone interested in dramatic new directions in teaching and learning.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781003447368
Category : Active learning
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
College teachers all too often still play Sage on the Stage - lecturing to rooms full of passive and supposedly absorbed students. The cutting-edge opposite is still supposed to be the Guide on the Side - facilitating wherever students themselves are already going, mentoring and coaching them along the way. But who says that these are the only - or the best - alternatives? This book advances another and sharply different model: the Impresario with a Scenario, a teacher who serves as class mobilizer, improviser, and energizer, staging dramatic, often unexpected and self-unfolding learning challenges and adventures with students.In this book, the author argues that to pose a single alternative to lecturing is profoundly limiting. In fact, he says there is no reason to have to choose between "student-centered" and "teacher-centered" pedagogies. The best ways to teach and learn are both. The same applies to the false choice between "active" students and "active" teachers - there can be more than enough activity for everyone. In particular, the author argues that we need a model in which the teacher is notably pro-active - a kind of activity for which certain theatrical metaphors seem especially appropriate.Picture a college teacher who regularly sets up classroom scenarios - challenging problems, unscripted dramas, role-plays, simulations, and the like - such that the scenario itself frames and drives most of the action and learning that follows. For teaching as staging, the primary work of the teacher is staging such scenarios. The basic goal is to put students into an urgently engaging and self-unfolding scenario, trusting them to carry it forward, while being prepared to join in as needed.This book offers a conceptual and practical framework for Teaching as Staging, grounding the approach with illustrative and sometimes provocative narrative from the literature as well as the author's own practice.Teaching as the Art of Staging offers a visionary challenge to the prevailing models of pedagogy. The book presents a thoroughly practical model that opens up new possibilities for anyone interested in dramatic new directions in teaching and learning.
John Dewey and the Art of Teaching
Author: Douglas J. Simpson
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1506320635
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 233
Book Description
"This text is an intriguing alternative to the steady diet of ′how to′ texts that dominate educational readings." –Ranae Stetson, Texas Christian University "At a time when critical-reflective teaching is constantly in jeopardy, John Dewey and the Art of Teaching is very refreshing. Both prospective and experienced teachers should find this work helpful if they are serious about realizing democratic values. Policy makers need to take the time to read this work to be reminded of the core values of democratic education." –John Portelli, University of Toronto, Canada "The authors, by championing the relationship of art to education, offer a much needed counterbalance to our society′s over-reliance on standardized testing. I enthusiastically endorse this work and would readily use it in both undergraduate social foundations of education and masters′ level philosophy of education courses." –Tony Johnson, West Chester University "At last we have a volume that beckons the uninitiated reader into a study of Dewey′s significant ideas about the art of teaching. The authors demonstrate great intellectual integrity in describing these ideas while expressing them in practical, even elegant prose." –Jackie Blount, Iowa State University "This book translates Deweyan theory and practice into common-sense, readable, and lucid language. It extends and challenges thinking about the work of teaching, the larger contexts in which it occurs, and the many roles of teachers as change agents. It will also promote novel ways of thinking about teaching for those entering the profession—and for those who strive to teach more thoughtfully." –Joe DeVitis, University of Louisville John Dewey and the Art of Teaching: Toward Reflective and Imaginative Practice is an engaging and accessible introduction to the art of teaching as seen through the eyes of John Dewey. Authors Douglas J. Simpson, Michael J. B. Jackson, and Judy C. Aycock provide a lucid interpretation of the complexities and art of teaching in contemporary classrooms. In addition, they discuss, apply, and question the practical implications of Dewey′s ideas about the art of teaching for beginning and practicing teachers. Throughout the book, the reader reflects on the role of the teacher as artist, orchestral conductor, lover, wise mother, navigator, gardener, pioneer, social servant, engineer, curriculum builder, group leader, composer, and wise physician. At the heart of the discussion is the desire to support teachers in their pursuit of thoughtful and innovative teaching. In addition, the book encourages policy makers and educational leaders to help create conditions in districts, schools, and classrooms that value reflective and imaginative teachers who are free to think and create as they educate each student in and for democratic communities. Key Features • Chapters begin with an epigraph by Dewey, and also include quotes from Dewey and questions for reflection and discussion • Activities include creating a snapshot of a teacher by using the ideas discussed, analyzing one′s own strengths and challenges by engaging in an introspective moment, and considering reflective questions about the ideas presented • A series of figures throughout the book summarize, clarify, and illustrate ideas • Readers can record concluding thoughts for each chapter under the heading A Summative Exercise: The Artistic Teacher John Dewey and the Art of Teaching is perfectly suited as a text for undergraduate and graduate courses such as introduction to teaching, educational foundations, and philosophy of education. Beginning and experienced teachers will also find a wealth of ideas to apply in their classrooms.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1506320635
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 233
Book Description
"This text is an intriguing alternative to the steady diet of ′how to′ texts that dominate educational readings." –Ranae Stetson, Texas Christian University "At a time when critical-reflective teaching is constantly in jeopardy, John Dewey and the Art of Teaching is very refreshing. Both prospective and experienced teachers should find this work helpful if they are serious about realizing democratic values. Policy makers need to take the time to read this work to be reminded of the core values of democratic education." –John Portelli, University of Toronto, Canada "The authors, by championing the relationship of art to education, offer a much needed counterbalance to our society′s over-reliance on standardized testing. I enthusiastically endorse this work and would readily use it in both undergraduate social foundations of education and masters′ level philosophy of education courses." –Tony Johnson, West Chester University "At last we have a volume that beckons the uninitiated reader into a study of Dewey′s significant ideas about the art of teaching. The authors demonstrate great intellectual integrity in describing these ideas while expressing them in practical, even elegant prose." –Jackie Blount, Iowa State University "This book translates Deweyan theory and practice into common-sense, readable, and lucid language. It extends and challenges thinking about the work of teaching, the larger contexts in which it occurs, and the many roles of teachers as change agents. It will also promote novel ways of thinking about teaching for those entering the profession—and for those who strive to teach more thoughtfully." –Joe DeVitis, University of Louisville John Dewey and the Art of Teaching: Toward Reflective and Imaginative Practice is an engaging and accessible introduction to the art of teaching as seen through the eyes of John Dewey. Authors Douglas J. Simpson, Michael J. B. Jackson, and Judy C. Aycock provide a lucid interpretation of the complexities and art of teaching in contemporary classrooms. In addition, they discuss, apply, and question the practical implications of Dewey′s ideas about the art of teaching for beginning and practicing teachers. Throughout the book, the reader reflects on the role of the teacher as artist, orchestral conductor, lover, wise mother, navigator, gardener, pioneer, social servant, engineer, curriculum builder, group leader, composer, and wise physician. At the heart of the discussion is the desire to support teachers in their pursuit of thoughtful and innovative teaching. In addition, the book encourages policy makers and educational leaders to help create conditions in districts, schools, and classrooms that value reflective and imaginative teachers who are free to think and create as they educate each student in and for democratic communities. Key Features • Chapters begin with an epigraph by Dewey, and also include quotes from Dewey and questions for reflection and discussion • Activities include creating a snapshot of a teacher by using the ideas discussed, analyzing one′s own strengths and challenges by engaging in an introspective moment, and considering reflective questions about the ideas presented • A series of figures throughout the book summarize, clarify, and illustrate ideas • Readers can record concluding thoughts for each chapter under the heading A Summative Exercise: The Artistic Teacher John Dewey and the Art of Teaching is perfectly suited as a text for undergraduate and graduate courses such as introduction to teaching, educational foundations, and philosophy of education. Beginning and experienced teachers will also find a wealth of ideas to apply in their classrooms.
What's the Use of Lectures?
Author: Donald A. Bligh
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780140803211
Category : Lecture method in teaching
Languages : en
Pages : 256
Book Description
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780140803211
Category : Lecture method in teaching
Languages : en
Pages : 256
Book Description
Teaching at Its Best
Author: Linda B. Nilson
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470612363
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 401
Book Description
Teaching at Its Best This third edition of the best-selling handbook offers faculty at all levels an essential toolbox of hundreds of practical teaching techniques, formats, classroom activities, and exercises, all of which can be implemented immediately. This thoroughly revised edition includes the newest portrait of the Millennial student; current research from cognitive psychology; a focus on outcomes maps; the latest legal options on copyright issues; and how to best use new technology including wikis, blogs, podcasts, vodcasts, and clickers. Entirely new chapters include subjects such as matching teaching methods with learning outcomes, inquiry-guided learning, and using visuals to teach, and new sections address Felder and Silverman's Index of Learning Styles, SCALE-UP classrooms, multiple true-false test items, and much more. Praise for the Third Edition of Teaching at Its BestEveryone veterans as well as novices will profit from reading Teaching at Its Best, for it provides both theory and practical suggestions for handling all of the problems one encounters in teaching classes varying in size, ability, and motivation." Wilbert McKeachie, Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, and coauthor, McKeachie's Teaching TipsThis new edition of Dr. Nilson's book, with its completely updated material and several new topics, is an even more powerful collection of ideas and tools than the last. What a great resource, especially for beginning teachers but also for us veterans!" L. Dee Fink, author, Creating Significant Learning ExperiencesThis third edition of Teaching at Its Best is successful at weaving the latest research on teaching and learning into what was already a thorough exploration of each topic. New information on how we learn, how students develop, and innovations in instructional strategies complement the solid foundation established in the first two editions." Marilla D. Svinicki, Department of Psychology, The University of Texas, Austin, and coauthor, McKeachie's Teaching Tips
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470612363
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 401
Book Description
Teaching at Its Best This third edition of the best-selling handbook offers faculty at all levels an essential toolbox of hundreds of practical teaching techniques, formats, classroom activities, and exercises, all of which can be implemented immediately. This thoroughly revised edition includes the newest portrait of the Millennial student; current research from cognitive psychology; a focus on outcomes maps; the latest legal options on copyright issues; and how to best use new technology including wikis, blogs, podcasts, vodcasts, and clickers. Entirely new chapters include subjects such as matching teaching methods with learning outcomes, inquiry-guided learning, and using visuals to teach, and new sections address Felder and Silverman's Index of Learning Styles, SCALE-UP classrooms, multiple true-false test items, and much more. Praise for the Third Edition of Teaching at Its BestEveryone veterans as well as novices will profit from reading Teaching at Its Best, for it provides both theory and practical suggestions for handling all of the problems one encounters in teaching classes varying in size, ability, and motivation." Wilbert McKeachie, Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, and coauthor, McKeachie's Teaching TipsThis new edition of Dr. Nilson's book, with its completely updated material and several new topics, is an even more powerful collection of ideas and tools than the last. What a great resource, especially for beginning teachers but also for us veterans!" L. Dee Fink, author, Creating Significant Learning ExperiencesThis third edition of Teaching at Its Best is successful at weaving the latest research on teaching and learning into what was already a thorough exploration of each topic. New information on how we learn, how students develop, and innovations in instructional strategies complement the solid foundation established in the first two editions." Marilla D. Svinicki, Department of Psychology, The University of Texas, Austin, and coauthor, McKeachie's Teaching Tips
The Art of Changing the Brain
Author: James E. Zull
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1000981436
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 174
Book Description
Neuroscience tells us that the products of the mind--thought, emotions, artistic creation--are the result of the interactions of the biological brain with our senses and the physical world: in short, that thinking and learning are the products of a biological process.This realization, that learning actually alters the brain by changing the number and strength of synapses, offers a powerful foundation for rethinking teaching practice and one's philosophy of teaching.James Zull invites teachers in higher education or any other setting to accompany him in his exploration of what scientists can tell us about the brain and to discover how this knowledge can influence the practice of teaching. He describes the brain in clear non-technical language and an engaging conversational tone, highlighting its functions and parts and how they interact, and always relating them to the real world of the classroom and his own evolution as a teacher. "The Art of Changing the Brain" is grounded in the practicalities and challenges of creating effective opportunities for deep and lasting learning, and of dealing with students as unique learners.
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1000981436
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 174
Book Description
Neuroscience tells us that the products of the mind--thought, emotions, artistic creation--are the result of the interactions of the biological brain with our senses and the physical world: in short, that thinking and learning are the products of a biological process.This realization, that learning actually alters the brain by changing the number and strength of synapses, offers a powerful foundation for rethinking teaching practice and one's philosophy of teaching.James Zull invites teachers in higher education or any other setting to accompany him in his exploration of what scientists can tell us about the brain and to discover how this knowledge can influence the practice of teaching. He describes the brain in clear non-technical language and an engaging conversational tone, highlighting its functions and parts and how they interact, and always relating them to the real world of the classroom and his own evolution as a teacher. "The Art of Changing the Brain" is grounded in the practicalities and challenges of creating effective opportunities for deep and lasting learning, and of dealing with students as unique learners.
The Art of Teaching
Author: Jay Parini
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0198037937
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 175
Book Description
Becoming an effective teacher can be quite painful and exhausting, taking years of trial and error. In The Art of Teaching, writer and critic Jay Parini looks back over his own decades of trials, errors, and triumphs, in an intimate memoir that brims with humor, encouragement, and hard-won wisdom about the teacher's craft. Here is a godsend for instructors of all levels, offering valuable insight into the many challenges that educators face, from establishing a persona in the classroom, to fostering relationships with students, to balancing teaching load with academic writing and research. Insight abounds. Parini shows, for instance, that there is nothing natural about teaching. The classroom is a form of theater, and the teacher must play various roles. A good teacher may look natural, but that's the product of endless practice. The book also considers such topics as the manner of dress that teachers adopt (and what this says about them as teachers), the delicate question of politics in the classroom, the untapped value of emeritus professors, and the vital importance of a settled, disciplined life for a teacher and a writer. Parini grounds all of this in personal stories of his own career in the academy, tracing his path from unfocused student--a self-confessed "tough nut to crack"--to passionate writer, scholar, and teacher, one who frankly admits making many mistakes over the years. Every year, thousands of newly minted college teachers embark on their careers, most with scant training in their chosen profession. The Art of Teaching is a perfect book for these young educators as well as anyone who wants to learn more about this difficult but rewarding profession.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0198037937
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 175
Book Description
Becoming an effective teacher can be quite painful and exhausting, taking years of trial and error. In The Art of Teaching, writer and critic Jay Parini looks back over his own decades of trials, errors, and triumphs, in an intimate memoir that brims with humor, encouragement, and hard-won wisdom about the teacher's craft. Here is a godsend for instructors of all levels, offering valuable insight into the many challenges that educators face, from establishing a persona in the classroom, to fostering relationships with students, to balancing teaching load with academic writing and research. Insight abounds. Parini shows, for instance, that there is nothing natural about teaching. The classroom is a form of theater, and the teacher must play various roles. A good teacher may look natural, but that's the product of endless practice. The book also considers such topics as the manner of dress that teachers adopt (and what this says about them as teachers), the delicate question of politics in the classroom, the untapped value of emeritus professors, and the vital importance of a settled, disciplined life for a teacher and a writer. Parini grounds all of this in personal stories of his own career in the academy, tracing his path from unfocused student--a self-confessed "tough nut to crack"--to passionate writer, scholar, and teacher, one who frankly admits making many mistakes over the years. Every year, thousands of newly minted college teachers embark on their careers, most with scant training in their chosen profession. The Art of Teaching is a perfect book for these young educators as well as anyone who wants to learn more about this difficult but rewarding profession.