The Tao of Teaching: The Ageless Wisdom of Taoism and the Art of Teaching [Mass Market Paperback]

Greta K. Nagel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1999

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.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In 81 brief applications of the ancient Chinese wisdom of the Tao Te Ching to a contemporary public-school setting (at primary, middle and high-school levels), Nagel joins other interpreters who have discerned its relevance in many aspects of living. The reader's skepticism about the plausibility of Taoism in hectic urban classrooms is kept at bay by the author's introduction of three perspicacious teacher-practitioners whose unassuming individualism somehow establishes an egalitarian learning environment for each child. A devotee of Taoism and supervisor of student teaching at California State Polytechnic Univ. at Pomona, Nagel highlights fundamental verities whose rediscovery should encourage burdened teachers.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Plume (February 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452280958
• ISBN-13: 978-0452280953
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #410,500 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple Pleasures!, August 23, 2000

By 

K. Wing Plattner (Turlock, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Tao of Teaching: The Ageless Wisdom of Taoism and the Art of Teaching (Mass Market Paperback)

"The Tao of Teaching" is an excellent book for both new and old educators alike. Not only does Ms. Nagel provide beautiful interpretations and wonderful explinations of the 81 principles of "Taoism" she does so through the every-day practices of teachers like ourselves. I found the book to be an excellent form of encouragement, helping me to search deep within myself to find those qualities that make me an efficient teacher. The book also provides practical examples of teaching in a way that not only brings joy to the children, but also to ourselves. I highly recommend this book to all teachers and educators, of all religious denominations!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TAO for us and our next generations, March 26, 2000

By 

Adrian van Etten - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tao of Teaching: The Special Meaning of the Tao Te Ching As Related to the Art and Pleasures (Paperback)

Lao Tzé, himself beeing a teacher. Greta Nagel, herself beeing a supervisor of lecturers, this book helps teachers to refind time, enthousiasm and inspiration for teaching children and learning themselves about the easy way of living without stress.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A philosophical look at teaching, April 27, 2005

By 

Robert M. Madden (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Tao of Teaching: The Ageless Wisdom of Taoism and the Art of Teaching (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is very philosophical and shows practical ways others have applied the ideas within. I found it to be a very easy read and each chapter stirred the brain juices. Have a notebook handy to jot down ideas.

While I do not agree with everything, and at times it felt like I was reading "How to be a Jedi and a teacher!" the book is a joy and worth the read.

Two warnings: First: This book is not based on any empirical evidence from researchers. It is solely based on the observations of the author in the classrooms of three teachers and how they unknowingly(?) have implemented the Tao in their teaching and how the Tao can influence your teaching. Second: If you do not believe the best learning comes from the student and not from the teacher, then you will gain very little from reading this book. You will think it hogwash that students could actually have ideas and take true responsibility for their education.