250: is teaching an art or a science?

Is teaching an art or a science? I think this centers around the idea - are there natural teachers? can you learn to teach? how does one become an effective teacher.

Is teaching an art or a science? Both. Now can it be summer vacation?

No, I'm kidding. Totally kidding, though I do think the answer is both, to varying degrees. To call teaching an art is compelling, because it elevates a profession that I think is incredibly important to a respectable, even honorable level. It's an art. It's a calling. Which can be true. Certainly there are people who, due to a combination of dedication, charisma, intelligence, patience, etc., are gifted practitioners of this important work.

But to call teaching an art, I'm afraid, relegates it to people who are naturally gifted at it, and removes some accountability for teacher training, professional development, etc. Can anyone be a teacher? Probably not. Can a lot of people learn, through education and practice to become better teachers? Absolutely. Frankly, I think we need all of the committed, devoted, intelligent, reflective teachers we can get, so best not to single this profession out for only those whose innate abilities prevail.

Put it this way: Is there such a thing as a gifted piano player? Yes. Am I a gifted piano player? No way. But if I practice, learn, observe, reflect, and try, can I get better? Sure. And are there some people who, try as they might, will never learn to play the piano? Probably. And it's that way with teaching too.

The question of "How does one become an effective teacher?" is an important one, and one that implies that this is a profession where we should always be growing. Being an effective teacher requires responding to the students before you, and efficacy may look different depending on who your students are and what they need to learn. In addition, effective teachers are reflective about their practice and are willing to learn and try new things, rather than getting set in one specific mode and sticking with it. Effective teachers ask questions and examine their own biases. Whether we come to teaching via the "art" or "science" route, it is important to continue to try and grow as teachers.