Analysis

Overall impression

I was excited to read The Tao of Teaching this semester. I had heard it referenced in trainings I had attended throughout this past year. It was a rather easy read with short chapters. Each chapter seems to build upon each other with similar themes ranging from respect, control, selflessness, organization, and positive interactions. Each has it’s own story, and each may be interpreted differently by various people. However, the bottom line is that by following the ancient Tao, teachers can create respectful learning communities in their classrooms.

It was especially helpful to have examples from actual teachers and their classrooms. This allowed me the chance to make sense of what the Taoism actually meant. For other teachers reading this book, it may give them ideas of what they would like to do or change in their classroom. Reading the real life stories helps teachers make connections to their own craft.

Struggles

While having the teacher examples created a clear picture of each Taoism, I struggled with one teacher’s philosophy and how she ran her class. From the time her classroom was described, I immediately found myself not wanting to read any of the chapters that had her as the example. I believe this was due to the differences in philosophical beliefs. However, as I continued on, I began to be more and more intrigued by her classroom. I found myself wanting to have a better understanding of her way of teaching. I’ve come to the conclusion that if I could simply visit her room for a day or two, I would be thrilled.

Connections to adult education

When I began reading this book, I sunk a little bit because it was all related to K-12 education. Even though I have stood my ground saying that many things do cross over, I found myself stretching to see the connections with this book. However, I had to put on my hat as adult educator and really try to not only make connections to my past classroom experiences, but also with the staff I am currently working with. That stretch did not seem as difficult once I separated my experiences apart. A hand full of chapters stand out as great examples to use with adults. While there are too many to list, I will highlight a few.

One particular Taoism that stands out is “Succeed with encouragement, not prohibitions.” Essentially it is stating that things, such as rules, should be positively stated. Instead of saying do not do something, state what the student should be doing. I have found this to be true with adults as well. It seems that there is a calm in the room when things are presented in a positive manner. By discussing positively what is being presented, the teachers are more apt to take in and be open the material.

Another is simply “The Way cannot be mastered.” This one touches on the idea of learning from your own mistakes and allowing mistakes to take place. Many adults want to strive for perfection. However, without making some mistakes and hitting some bumps along the way, one can find it difficult to have a clear understanding of all perspectives. We can always learn something from one another. There is always more that can be learned, and I have to question whether or not you can truly, fully master something.

An underlying theme throughout many of the chapters is making personal connections with your students. This is true for adults as well. Not only does is it important to know your students academically, but it is also important to know their background and personal interests. This will allow you the opportunity to connect with your students and make content interesting. Another aspect of making personal connections is really learning how to be a listener. Everyone wants to be heard, whether it is a child or an adult. If a teacher listens to their students, truly listens, then the door will be opened and a respect will be formed between them.

The Tao of Teaching focuses on how teachers can create a learning environment for student that promotes lifelong learning and respect for one another. Even though the examples are based on K-12 classrooms, the concepts can be carried over to adult education. The wisdom that is presented in this book demonstrates what a true master teacher possesses. These ideals come naturally to the master teacher and are conducive to learning. For those who are not yet master teachers, they are ideals to strive for. While they may not all be able to be in place, even by master teachers, they are the foundation for a successful learning experience.