Guernica Editions

Higher Teaching is a practical manual designed for the new teacher in college or university. It is divided into two sections: Practice, which addresses what to do when you get your first course outline to teach, how to choose strategies and plan lessons, and how to manage your classroom so it is a safe and positive place in which students learn. There are chapters on instructional media, teaching online, assessment and evaluation, dealing with difficult students and academic integrity issues, and how to improve your teaching. The second part “Theory and Background,” focuses on the theories that inform current higher education teaching and curriculum, and adult education, and a very useful chapter of advice extracted from experienced teachers responding to the question “What's the advice you would give to a brand new teacher?” Also useful to a new teacher are the glossary of academic jargon and a lesson plan template.

This is the book I needed when I started teaching: a practical primer on the essentials. Presenting new information in a lively and clear way is only half the job. Everyone who knows a field well can talk about it. Teachers must close the loop by finding out what students have retained, and what they can do with it. When the results of teaching are insufficient, one needs better strategies or materials. Teaching is a distinct skill set, which requires close attention to student reactions and work, thinking on your feet, and willingness to try new approaches until something works. It takes patience, perseverance, and the desire to see every student do well, or at least do his or her best.