Synopsis
Viewing the challenges facing teachers at every career stage from a whole person perspective, Knight (Centre for Outcomes-based Education, Open U., UK) offers research-informed ideas for enhancing teaching as a learning profession (e.g., problem-based rather than compartmentalized learning) and coping with change. This publication in conjunction with the Society for Research into Higher Education is distributed in the US by Taylor & Francis. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Brit Jnl of Educational Technology
Wether you are new to teaching or an old hand, here is a book that may comfort or discomfort you. Peter Wright, a prolific writer on matters educational, has drawn together much of the recent research on being a teacher in higher education. His empathy with teachers and his practical advise may comfort you. His global grasp of problems in teaching and his numerous lists, boxes and tables may discomfort you. You will recognize and probably agree with what Knight guardedly says about using IT, assessment techniques and many other 'methods'. You will find it hard to disagree with his summaries of other people research, but you may be irritated by his personal slant or his superficial treatment of a particular topic. Here is a recipe book written with feeling. Shall I recommend it to my marine scientist daughter who may move from research into teaching? Hmm...perhaps. —David Hawkridge