The Courage to Teach by Parker J. Palmer

Introduction

When learning to teach, teachers are required to read a number of books and texts. The aim is to get knowledge on what scholars in their field have to say about teaching as a profession. Different books address varying themes and subjects associated with learning how to teach. Some of the elements addressed in the texts include ideas on how to come up with lesson plans, how to identify and make use of classroom resources, as well as strategies on how to deal with different types of learners.

In this essay, the author provides a summary and critical analysis of one of the textbooks used in class. The book is The Courage to Teach. It is authored by Parker Palmer and was originally published in 1998. A number of editions have been printed over the years. The implication of this text on teaching and faculty professional development will be reviewed.

The Courage to Teach: A Synopsis of the Text

The book is an ideal representation of philosophy and general reflections around the subject of teaching. It is 272 pages long and has been hailed by critics as a book meant for the courageous teacher. In the book, Palmer (2007) holds that teaching has three main constituents. The three include the teacher, the learner, and the topic. Unfortunately, the three are disjointed for a number of reasons. It is not easy to bring the instructor, the student, and the subject matter together. The text is seen as an attempt to provide solutions to the entire teaching profession in light of the broken link between the teaching constituents.

The book affirms that teachers are no longer in touch with the specific elements of the profession. The claims are made at the introductory phase of the book (Palmer, 2007). In the introduction section, teaching is seen as a journey that begins with an individual. Palmer (2007) argues that self-knowledge is the first step towards good teaching. Teachers are seen as individuals experiencing internal division. What this means is that there is a conflict between their professional and private lives. However, Palmer (2007) argues that professionals should detach themselves from their work. The result is a fulfilling career.

A critical analysis of the text reveals that teaching is a profession that is in dire need of reforms. Palmer (2007) comes up with a third model of training. The framework is meant to ensure that education and related experiences place more emphasis on the subject or topic. Based on this model, the subject is seen as the common interest between the teacher and the student. Palmer (2007) argues that such a model would enable both parties to be involved in the creation of knowledge. It ensures that none of the stakeholders is alienated from the learning process.

In the text, Palmer (2007) makes it clear that good teaching translates to educational reforms. The author explains their point by using the illustration of the form of teaching carried out in institutions of higher learning. The book is organized in a sequential manner. As such, each chapter builds and flows into the next section. As a result, the reader is able to strike a balance between the various constituents of the teaching process.

A Critical Evaluation of the Book

Weaknesses

The book offers an insight into the teachers place in the education system. Palmer (2007) reveals the hurdles encountered by teachers. However, the book fails to establish a clear link between the teaching process and the requirements of an education system. The author uses a significant portion of the text to focus on the challenges faced by the teacher. They fail to provide a balanced view of how teaching is supposed to fit into the educational matrix.

There are several examples of how the book is biased in favor of the teacher. A case in point is when Palmer (2007) talks about the internal division within the teacher, both as a professional and as a private individual. The arguments are seen as accusations against the education systems. Palmer (2007) suggests that the system is unfair to teachers. The text should expound on the requirements of an education system. Consequently, the reader would be able to establish the various aspects of the system. Absence of the same makes it difficult to ascertain the claims that the education sector does not cater for internal divisions.

There also some instances of contradiction within the book. Palmer (2007) introduces teaching as a profession. However, this position is put into doubt when the teacher is seen as unable to separate their professional and private lives. Professionalism requires the individual to come up with a strategy that will automatically detach them from their work. Unfortunately, Palmer (2007) suggests that teachers should disassociate themselves from their core business. In this regard, questions about professionalism arise. It is not advisable for a professional to forsake their work because of their personal demands. There is also the question of the point at which professionalism should cease to affect ones private life.

Strengths

The book has a number of strong points. Palmer (2007) suggests that teaching is a profession that deserves respect. The text elevates teaching as a practice that has long been neglected and that education systems need to ensure the same is translated into reality. Secondly, teaching is regarded as an institution. Palmer (2007) asserts that the institution is useless without the student, the teacher, and the subject. Highlighting this nature of teaching is used to demystify the profession for the benefit of those who do not understand it.

The book also comes up with models that can be used to make teaching a successful endeavor. For instance, Palmer (2007) suggests that teachers and students can work together to develop knowledge. The assertion explains the framework where the subject is the focal point of the educational experience. The book seeks to harmonize the entire teaching process by outlining the web of learning.

Palmer (2007) talks of the coverage model, which has an element known as the microcosm. Teaching that involves microcosm allows students to acquire the essential concepts of their areas of study. The same provides a foundation for advanced study.

Conclusion: Implication of the Text on Teaching Development

Teaching is a concept that is essential to the educational experience. The benefits of teaching can only be realized upon sufficient educational reforms. Palmer (2007) addresses the various developments in the teaching field by highlighting the new and advanced models used by practitioners. The text creates the impression that teaching is a profession that requires constant innovation. The following is a list of implications of the book on teaching development:

It demystifies learning by outlining the constituents of the teaching process. As a result, it is possible for the reader to point out areas that require adjustments. For instance, teaching that does not lay foundation for further study should be shunned.
Teaching development requires a suitable model. The absence of a link between educational requirements and teaching is brought about by unclear models. The coverage model is an example of techniques that can be used to bring about the missing link.
Teaching is a profession. To this end, a balance between personal obligations and core career demands is necessary.