The Elements of Teaching

by James M. Banner Jr. and Harold C. Cannon

Book Overview

A newly revised edition of this classic work, exploring the diverse qualities essential for teaching in today's educational environment. "A true classic. Every teacher and parent should read this... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0300078552
• Release Date: March 1999
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Zen and the Art of the Elements of Teaching

I recommend this book to new teachers, administrators, parents, anyone who gives a hoot about educating children in this country. Written simply with terrific examples, it should be required reading for educators. This is a serious work of writing, but when you are finished, it will be well worth the time. The writing is calm and well thought out. There is nothing hysterical or pleading in this book. Just good old common sense with a touch of experience thrown in to make the points all the more convincing. The chapter on a teacher's authority in the classroom, and how most teachers abuse that authority, is very revealing. The book can be easily read in a single evening (unless you have kids of your own, but that's another story!).

Affirmation!

What a wonderful book! It helps one to explore the identity of a good teacher - a truly valuable focus for professional development in any type of school. The authors explore the characteristics of a "good teacher" including ethics, patience, love of learning, and - imagine! - pleasure! That is, one should only be a teacher if one enjoys teaching! Wish a few of my teachers had considered that notion. If you are a "born teacher," this book will affirm you and remind you of why you do it!

The Grace of Teaching (...and Learning)

Banner and Cannon provide the reader with a template for personal and professional exploration. The Elements of Teaching reminds us of who, as educators, we are, where we are going, and, perhaps even more importantly, how we are going to get there. Not only a guide for the classroom teacher, this eloquent text is a fine companion for anyone interested in how -- and why -- we learn. One can't help but recognize the grace in all of this. Teaching as divine art.

The Timeless Art of Teaching

In THE ELEMENTS OF TEACHING, James M. Banner and Harold C. Cannon have identified something profound and timeless about the art of teaching; in the process they have also provided an inspirational portrait of good teaching that will rejuvenate teachers at all levels of experience. Whether teachers are just entering the profession or are hardened by years of classroom experience, they will find in THE ELEMENTS OF TEACHING a splendid antidote to the frustrations accompanying all honest attempts to convince students of the intrinsic value of learning for the sake of learning. Not only does the book ask teachers to explore the effectiveness of their approach to education, it also reminds teachers of the nobility of their profession and the age-old responsibility of guiding our children, and thus our society, toward knowledge and wisdom. Although the book is at times sobering in its realistic description of the responsibilities and hard work facing teachers, it nevertheless prompts all teachers to enter the classroom with renewed energy and a sharper focus on what it takes to give every student the desire to learn.

A joyous and realistic celebration of the art of teaching.

The authors of this joyous book about teaching do not confront the issues in education today but, instead, identify the qualities that make for great teaching. By visiting classrooms and observing real teachers in action, the authors go to the core of what separates the great teachers from the merely competent. Not surprisingly, they find that hard work, dedication, a love of learning, and a willingness to sacrifice are key personal qualities necessary for teaching. In addition, they note the academic preparation and personal effort necessary to stay current with in a teacher's specialty. The book should appeal to both parents and professionals. Parents will want to be able to identify these characteristics in their students' teachers. Administrators will find it equally useful. Teachers will see themselves in the vignettes that add to this wonderful work and they will also, (hopefully) be inspired to reach for the kind of greatness of spirit and action pictured here. ! ! For me, as a teacher, I found a great deal to celebrate and a great deal to ponder.