Approaches to Teaching, 2nd Edition

This text has been designed for students just starting their study of education as well as for experienced teachers. Its main aim is to provide deep reflection on what teaching is and should be. Using both classical and contemporary perspectives, the authors describe three basic approaches to teaching and explore the strengths and weaknesses of each. The executive approach views the teacher as a skilful manager of learning who brings about high levels of student achievement. The therapist approach views the teacher as an empathetic, caring person who helps students reach high levels of self-actualization. The liberationist approach views the teacher as a freer of the mind and developer of the students' intellectual and moral virtues. A set of cases and disputes provides realistic context for teachers to critically assess the philosophical positions on teaching that they are developing. The second edition adds updated references to each approach and provides a useful index.