The Art of Teaching

Having spent a career studying great teachers and putting into practice myriad approaches to teaching, I am going to summarize my thoughts on what it means to achieve teaching excellence.

A good teacher knows the subject matter, sets the goals, and presents the information in a logical, sequential manner and in a such a way that students can use the knowledge to continue learning. Yes, teaching is about student learning in an environment that is both inspirational and focused on the subject at hand. For learning to take place, the teacher must create a climate of openness, mutual respect, and eagerness for knowledge. In such an environment, a variety of tools and methods can be implemented in order to encourage learning through dialog, lecture, technology, group activities, and a vast amount of web resources.

Because of differences in learning styles due to training, background, personality, aptitude, and receptiveness, it is necessary for a teacher to present information in a variety of ways, often reteaching a concept or an idea not only for emphasis but also to reach all types of students. Information must be delivered and communicated precisely with creativity, interest, and perception of the learners in the classroom. While learning can take place in stagnant environment whether online, virtual, or face-to-face, synchronous learning that involves personal interaction is the preferred communication and learning climate.

Regardless of the positive environment created by the teachers for the learners, there remains a need to inspire students and hold them accountable for the information. Inspiration can take many forms including organization, content, will power, personality, and varied experiences in and out of the classroom. An inspiring teacher is one who fosters interest in the subject matter and the desire to improve and strive for intellectual growth. Quality teaching results in eager students for learning and knowledge.

Accountability is a necessary and valuable part of teaching. Imparting information, sharing ideas, and communicating subject matter is particularly rewarding, but without any confirmation of the communication, teachers risk one-dimensional experiences that serve little purpose other than meeting the needs of the teacher. While we immediately begin thinking of tests, quizzes, and writing expectations, accountability, like teaching itself, can and should take many forms. The time tested Socratic method of teaching is a form of accountability as is perception of the experience. Quality teaching and communication in general have an abstract flavor that is almost indescribable yet perceived through body language, facial expressions, and general response of learners. This makes accountability both a science and an art, a joyful tool of assessing the efficacy of the teaching experience.

In a Christian context, teaching takes on a higher expectation of excellence, not unlike the life of Jesus Christ who communicated truth in a multitude of ways and demonstrated the ultimate sacrifice. As an example of quality teaching, Jesus lived the life he taught others and became a walking example of discipline, courage, truth and compassion. Applying this principle to today, teaching is not about delivering information but, instead, is about living it. The challenge to manifest truth can be overwhelming and sometimes impossible to attain, but the journey toward living out ones' faith and message is transformational both individually and collectively.