The Heart of Learning (New Consciousness Reader) [Paperback]

Steven Glazer (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Education can and should be a far more meaningful endeavor than the accumulation of facts, figures, or skills, according to editor and educator Steven Glazer. At its highest calling, education is the process of bringing forth one's innate identity and creative urges, learning from the wisdom and traditions of our elders and understanding one's connection and place in the world.

Seem like lofty, pie-in-the-sky goals? They shouldn't, claims Glazer, cofounder of the Naropa Institute School of Continuing Education and the person responsible for assembling this outstanding collection of original essays. Spiritual and cultural sages such as bell hooks, the Dalai Lama, Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., and Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi speak to the book's four core themes: "The Ground of Learning;" "Identity;" "Relationship and Community;" and "Tradition and Innovation." Teachers, parents, and students alike will greatly appreciate this articulate and convincing blend of spirituality and education. --Gail Hudson

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Tarcher (March 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874779553
• ISBN-13: 978-0874779554
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #422,257 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The seminal book for today's education reform., April 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Heart of Learning (New Consciousness Reader) (Paperback)

If just one teacher in every classroom bought this book and began to present the ideas of love and respect, autonomy and trust in the classroom (each and every classroom in the U.S.) the questions on the news would be answered.

Many of the problems in education seem to stem from alienation of individuals in the classrooms of America. Children are forced to feel apart from the class rather than being an integral part of the class and their own individual creative learning experience. The Naropa Conference was clear and honest in the formation of the new class curriculum. Respect for each and every student. Love as the main ingredient of the daily interactions.

If just that one (as in every one) teacher, bought the book...could undedrstand the message, and would apply it to his or her life, alienation and pressure to perform would be relics of an antiquated system destined to doom and failure. Children would begin to become the bright radiant suns of learning and personal growth rather than the reflecting moons of past educational process.

Highly recommend. A must for every person involved with children, from preschool through 100.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reading for every parent,teacher,college student., March 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Heart of Learning (New Consciousness Reader) (Paperback)

This is an incredible book; a unique approach to integrating spirituality and education that includes writing from the Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, academic, feminist, environmental and scientific perspective. I highly recommend its use in college philosophy and education classes, as a thought-provoking selection for book clubs, and as important reading material for concerned parents and teachers. I highly recommend it.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love, Peace, and School, July 5, 2000

By 

Kent State University doctoral student (Silver Lake, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Heart of Learning (New Consciousness Reader) (Paperback)

This beautiful international book is where I found my dissertation. Learn something new in the service of children.