Arts And Science Of Teaching

3 Pages 711 Words

Teaching: Is it an art, or is it a science? I think that teaching requires both art and science. They both play a role on each other, because if a teacher only demonstrates one of these types of teaching, their classroom will most likely be very boring. Teaching as an art demonstrates ways in which the teacher may use creative ways to present the material so it is fun and interesting for his or her students. Some examples are games, “hands-on” activities, and/ or movies relating to the topics being covered. In The First Year, Genevieve DeBose gave disposable cameras to her students for a”getting to know each other” activity. The point of this activity was for her students to be creative and learn about their peers. During this activity Genevieve also learned about her students, like their attitudes toward participating and some of their social skills. She could use what she learned from this activity to help plan her lessons. I agree with Gilbert Highet, who argues that in “The Art of Teaching that successful teaching must be considered an art because it involves two things that cannot be objectively and systematically manipulated: emotions and values.” (Pg 11) I feel emotions play a main role in teaching because the emotion that is being expressed by the teacher will be reflected on his or her students. Although emotions are some main roles, you must also make sure you are teaching the correct values. In order to be a good teacher you must also be flexible. “Flexibility, which can be thought of as a “feel” for doing the right thing at the right time.” (Pg11) An example of this is choosing to use a lecture or a more involved type of activity to present the material. Teaching as a science demonstrates ways in which the teacher may use a more logical approach to present the material to the students. I feel this is the more traditional way in which teachers teach their class. An example of this could be a teacher lectur...