Teaching the Way - by Steven T Nelson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Teaching the Way: Using the Principles of The Art of War to Teach Composition uses the insight into human nature provided by Sun Tzu in The Art of War to help composition teachers improve not only the quality of their teaching, but their satisfaction with teaching. Specifically, this book is designed to help teachers:

• acquire the right attitudes to motivate them to succeed,
• learn how to present themselves to students in a way that engenders trust and encourages active participation,
• develop teaching methods that encourage student motivation (and avoid those that do the opposite),
• understand how to best use discipline and reward to keep students engaged,
• teach classes in a cooperative way that leads students, not just the teacher, to provide energy.

Nelson's book is based on the belief that students need to have productive, positive experiences in composition classes to give themselves a chance to succeed academically, in their careers, and in life. His philosophy was developed over years of teaching and his constant quest to make the experiences in the classroom better for both him and his students. This book can help teachers, both new and experienced, apply the wisdom of Sun Tzu's methods to transform their composition classes to be more positive, impactful, and enjoyable. Readers will appreciate the conversational, accessible tone Nelson uses to offer practical advice about creating assignments, developing classroom strategies, using groups, managing grading, and more.

Review Quotes

"As a teacher of composition and creative writing, I found Teaching the Way to be a revelation. Steven Nelson may cite the aphorisms of The Art of War, but his goal as a teacher is one of benevolence and motivation. This book will be a boon to all those who seek to inspire their students to use language as a means of expression and empowerment." -Steve Almond, author of This Won't Take But a Minute, Honey and All the Secrets of the World

"Every composition teacher, especially someone just starting out, should read Teaching the Way. I wish it had been available when I first stepped into the classroom! Written with humor and a conversational tone that belies a serious purpose, Nelson spells out an approach to teaching that seems nearly foolproof-including ways to present yourself to students and earn their trust, get them to work together, and take ownership of the enterprise of becoming better writers. Based on decades of experience, Teaching the Way includes fantastic ideas for writing exercises, lesson plans, grading rubrics, and more. What an amazing resource this book is!" -Clifford Garstang, author of What the Zhang Boys Know and Oliver's Travels

"Nelson's original and well-considered ideas for composition teachers will help new or struggling composition teachers understand their own relationships to the subject and their students. This book is full of great ideas and insights that can help energize teachers by giving them an original and new perspective on teaching writing." -Martha Bergland, former Instructional Chair of Liberal Arts at Milwaukee Area Technical College, author of The Birdman of Koshkonong: The Life of Wisconsin Naturalist Thure Kumlien

"This book is thoughtful and deliberate about the complexities of the college composition classroom and advocates the blend of consideration, candor, and preparation needed to give students the experiences they need to learn writing. With wry humor and an approachable style, Nelson's Teaching the Way should earn pride of place on every new composition teacher's bookshelf." -Dr. Ian De Jong, Instructor of English, The Davidson Academy of Nevada, Co-host of You Didn't Know Lit

"Teaching the Way borrows from the fundamentals of Sun Tzu's profound Art of War to bring principles of martial arts and Eastern philosophy to the problem of how to work in harmony with students. In teaching, as in life, it turns out that the paths of balance, give and take, and knowing the self will lead to greater outcomes. With Nelson's guidance, the reader learns to delight in each step in the process of teaching. This wonderful and charming guide will be an inspiration to all who read it." -Elizabeth Kadetsky, author of The Memory Eaters and First There Is a Mountain