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John Dewey and the Art of Teaching
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John Dewey and the Art of Teaching
Toward Reflective and Imaginative Practice



December 2004 | 232 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

"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.


 
Preface
 
About the Authors
 
Introduction
 
The Teacher as Artist
 
The Teacher as Lover
 
The Teacher as Wise Mother
 
The Teacher as Navigator
 
The Teacher as Gardener
 
The Teacher as Educational Pioneer
 
The Teacher as Servant
 
The Teacher as Social Engineer
 
The Teacher as Composer
 
The Teacher as Wise Physician
 
The Teacher as Builder
 
The Teacher as Leader
 
The Teacher as Classroom Teacher
 
Conclusion
 
Index

"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

"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

"In sum, this is a valuable introduction to Dewey's major ideas about schooling that is accessible to readers who might be either daunted by engagement with the original or inclined to consider Dewey too esoteric or irrelevant to their daily concerns."

CHOICE
Key features

The spirit of the book is upbeat, reflective, and clear.
Brief chapters, quotes and questions, and summaries make this text extremely user friendly.
The authors suggest related readings that do not appear in the book for users who would like to supplement the text.

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