Powerful Techniques for Teaching Adults

by Stephen D. Brookfield

Praise for Powerful Techniques for Teaching Adults "Stephen Brookfield has used his gifts for clear thinking and lucid writing to produce this theoretically informed, immensely practical book on how the dynamics of power and adult teaching intersect. It should be required reading for everyone who teaches adults." ??— Ronald M. Cervero , professor and associate dean, College of Education, University of Georgia "In one of his most personal, emotionally candid, and accessible books yet, Stephen Brookfield shares his passionate and indispensable commitment to empowering the learner both inside and outside the formal classroom, offering a trove of exercises, stories, and practical teaching tips to confront the hidden curriculum of power head on. For any teacher, coach, supervisor, or mentor who cares deeply about adult learning, here's a true gem from one of our great contemporary adult educators." — Laurent A. Parks Daloz , senior fellow, The Whidbey Institute "This book is not about increasing your power as a teacher — it is about the dynamics of power in the adult classroom, challenging power structures, and the techniques teachers can use to empower learners. Brookfield's uses the lens of 'power' to distill, for the practitioner, ??a lifetime's work of scholarly and practical engagement with adult teaching and learning.' — Mark Tennant , emeritus professor, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia "Brookfield writes in a nice easy-to-read autobiographical style. He explains and fully discusses many good techniques for teaching in an effective and humane manner. Everybody who teaches, whether they teach children or adults, will benefit from reading this interesting book and learning from his lifetime of experience as a teacher." —Peter Jarvis , emeritus professor of continuing education, University of Surrey

Genres: Education, Teaching

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Gregory Kraus · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was the worst teaching techniques book I have ever read. I found it more as to a person who decided to talk about practices he had though about but never fully attempted or proved worked. Some of the material was accurate and good, but not enough to justify paying or taking the time to read.

[Davida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Well-written and well-edited. Not repetitive. Lots of great ideas plus personal experience. I felt like Brookfield was talking directly to me and that he got me. Really validating. Read it in one sitting!

[Carly Pytel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated the personal perspective taken by this author to discuss various explored teaching techniques as well as additional ideas to expand upon what is discussed.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read and useful information.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have taught chemistry at the university level for more than 17 years and wished to update my techniques for adult learners (really meaning "non-traditional" learners). This book was the object of a book chat group at my institution. My colleagues in the liberal arts were more in tune with the content of this text, which focuses on promoting discussions. Most techniques seem best suited to the small classroom, with 35 or fewer students. Chemistry is largely content-driven, with courses that are sequential in nature. Even so, there were some excellent points that I have taken from Dr. Brookfield's book. I had never before heard of "microaggressions." Now, I will try to be more aware of them from myself and others. I will try some of the discussion ideas in my freshman seminar course. In the end, while I was mildly disappointed that it was not a focus on non-traditional learners, it was worth reading and provided stimulus for conversation in the book chat group.

[Matt Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writing style. Provided some really helpful advice and activities.