The Elements of Teaching

March 3, 1997
Teaching as an art is given much-needed attention in this guided tour through its intricacies by two experienced and empathetic cicerones. Banner, formerly of the Princeton history faculty, and Cannon, former dean at Manhattanville College, speak to teachers and aspirants about the personal qualities of those they deem good teachers. Rather than focus on the techniques of imparting knowledge, the authors emphasize the human factor-those qualities that either are natural or can be acquired. Drawing on their own varied teaching experiences and using fictional composites who comprise "attributes of teachers-virtues or vices-that have existed somewhere, sometime." Their perfect teacher has gravitas, empathy, ethics, high standards, patience with the faults of the young, recognition of the tenability of different viewpoints and a command of their subject combined with an absolute belief that it can be transmitted intelligently and imaginatively to their students. While the principles enunciated are ideals, the authors are realists, offering encouragement in this relevant appreciation of "the gift of self that is teaching's greatest satisfaction."