Drawing on all his teaching experience, the author Stephen Brookfield, in his book ' The Skillful Teacher', provides both budding and experienced teachers with valuable insight into the world of college teaching. The author discusses everything related to teaching in complete detail, and states that the points that are often overlooked are the ones that matter the most.
In the fifth chapter of the book, the author discusses the various emotions students go through when in the classroom. In addition, the author also discusses a process called 'student development'. The point the author makes in the book is hard to disagree with. It is true that students come to college from varying backgrounds, and the way they approach the classroom environment varies, as well. In addition, the points made about student development are accurate, as well.
In the sixth chapter of the book, the author discusses how teachers should alter their teaching methods in order to meet the different learning approaches student posses. This point again, has much credibility, as teachers that adopt a singular approach to teaching ala 'one size fits all' method seldom succeed in getting their messages across to students. Teachers should, therefore, understand how students approach learning, and adopt a strategy that matches the approach the best.
In the seventh and eight chapters of the book, the author makes a point about promoting the process of active learning. This process aims to involve students in classroom discussions. The point the author makes is very important, more so now than ever before. These days, a student requires much more than just learning off course books, so activities such as classroom discussions and debates are wholly important.
Work Cited
Brookfield, S. (1990). The skillful teacher: on technique, trust, and responsiveness in the classroom. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers
