The Skillful Teacher: On Technique, Trust, and Responsiveness in the Classroom

by Stephen D. Brookfield

Book Overview

In this second edition of the book that has become a classic in the field, award-winning author Stephen D. Brookfield offers inspiration and down-to-earth advice to new and seasoned teachers. The Skillful Teacher is a comprehensive guide that shows how to thrive on the unpredictability and diversity of classroom life and includes insights developed from the hundreds of workshops conducted by the author. This new edition also reflects the many changes that have come about in the decade since the book was first published and includes new chapters that deal with emerging topics such as classroom diversity and teaching in online learning environments.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0787980668
• ISBN13: 9780787980665
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Length: 297 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Lots of practical advice

This book is filled with practical advice written in a very easy to understand style. While reading it, I felt like I was getting sound, friendly advice from a mentor rather than being preached to. I especially liked how the author extensively addresses the emotional issues and potential tensions that can arise in a classroom of adult learners and how you can overcome these barriers to learning. Teaching is as much about interpersonal interaction as it is about the imparting of knowledge and Brookfield gives substantial amounts of text to addressing the interpersonal aspects of teaching in a very down to earth and easily applicable way. This book is a valuable reference for those who are teaching adult learners, especially in a community college situation where you are faced with students from a wide variety of education and socioeconomic backgrounds with varied goals and expectations.

Great Book

I know Stephen and he is such a prolific writer in the field of Adult Education. This is a great read, written for anyone interested in teaching and improving their skills.

teaching is a messy business

Brookfield is a key expert in pedagogy and andragogy(adult learning). He writes clearly with a non-academic/jargon style. A "must" for teachers from a humble scholar and teacher; no hubris here. Should be required reading for teachers at all levels for discussion and comment. This edition is well updated. A good vehicle for faculty development.

Graduate Student Review

This book provides practical, yet not presciptive, advice about how to handle many aspects of teaching adults, especially in the community college/4-year college setting. When reading the book, you are privy to the valuable insights of a veterean educator, as if present to an intimate and reflective conversation about what it is like to teach this population. Again, The Skillful Teacher: On Technique, Trust, and Responsiveness in the Classroom is not a how-to book, but rather one that successfully provides the moorings to becoming a great teacher.

Laynelovesyou

I was very satisfied with the condition of the book and how fast I received the book. I needed it for a class and it really arrived very quickly. Thanks so much.