The Tao of Teaching: The Ageless Wisdom of Taoism and the Art of Teaching

by Greta K. Nagel

The Tao of Teaching is for teachers, parents, and any others who are looking for a book of wisdom on how to deal with people, especially children, in a learning environment. The Tao of Teaching is written in the same style as the Tao Te Ching, and gives examples from the classrooms of three present-day teachers whom the author feels embody Taoist wisdom and "student-centered" educational methods. The Tao of Teaching is a labor of love, containing many important insights by a talented and respected professional whose emphasis is on the students' contribution in a learning environment, whatever the context.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Taoism, Philosophy, Spirituality, Religion

240 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1998

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long on philosophy and relatively short on practical tips. I found it interesting, especially when I first started teaching, and I thought it made good food for thought. It's not a book I refer to over and over again, though, and not one that will help you much with the nitty gritty aspects of teaching. Worth a read in a contemplative moment.

[Jerrid Kruse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has many important insights for teaching. It is worth reading, hence the rating of 4 stars. However, there were times the examples seemed to have little to do with the Tao explanation and I was a bit surprised some of the well-known ideas that have research-support were not supported with literature. I get that this is not a research product, but given the tremendous overlap between the ideas in the book and the research on effective teaching, I believe demonstrating that overlap makes the lessons contained in the text even more compelling.

[Caitlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not love it but I did not hate it either.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short stories and advice on teaching. When I used to carpool I would read one section a night and all the other teachers would ask what the new day's lesson was. We would try to apply a new lesson each day, and then laugh at or celebrate our attempts on the ride home. Keep it nearby and pick it up periodically; if you try to incorporate some of the principles it will be money and time well spent for any teachers out there...

[Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can see myself returning to this book throughout my future teaching career. Filled with 81 short little lessons, I really enjoyed its simple insights. I wished the examples involving middle school age were a little more developed, I thought the high school and elementary teachers were more interesting and wise. But there are many lessons in here that I know I will need to be reminded of often.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Best read as one chapter a week during the school year, it took me longer than I expected to get through it. I kept putting it down and coming back to it months later. It has classic advice, though, and can be reflected upon multiple times. Would make a great PD book to read with a colleague or two, as long as reflection is honest and open.

[Anthony Tenaglier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though teaching is not my profession, this book offered great insight for a person willing to teach and engage with any type of learner outside of the standard classroom.

The book was well laid out with great examples.

[Lisa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second time I have read The Tao of Teaching. I read it when I first became a teacher. I wish this book was required reading for pre-service teachers.

[Tiffany]

Teaching/education. Free to good home.

[Rhonda Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book and loved it! I saw my teaching style on just about every page. It will be a book that I keep close by so that I can reread various parts when I am in need of inspiration.

[MaryAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book....read it first a few years back and read it every year to start the school year.

[Maria Weir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I need to do a Tao of Parenting Teens after this. So good.