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On Becoming an Innovative University Teacher

Page history last edited by PBworks 15 years, 10 months ago

Cowan, John On Becoming an Innovative University Teacher, Open University Press (2006)

 

In his book, On Becoming an Innovative University Teacher, John Cowan focuses on the topic of “reflection in adult learning.” In doing so, Cowan employs an interesting organizational structure in his book. Each chapter addresses a specific question, such as “What is Meant in Education by ‘Reflecting?” or “What Does Reflection Have to Offer in Higher Education?” Cowan then offers a series of examples in each chapter to answer the question posed and raise important issues. After raising these questions Cowan then draws generalizations from the examples and concludes each chapter with some closing thoughts.

Cowan explains that reflection in learning is essential to innovative learning. Learners are reflecting educationally, in Cowan’s opinion, when they ask themselves relevant questions for which they have not already formulated an answer and then go on to seek, at least part of, that answer.

I liked the fact that Cowan’s focus in the book is clearly on reflective learning and having students achieve a higher level of comfortability and critical understanding of material such that they can analyze issues independently and develop questions about it on their own. I agree with Cowan that this should be the focus of any good teacher on the college/university level. His book presents clear ideas and numerous useful illustrations on how a professor can structure their teaching to achieve this goal.

 

 

Colin Donnaruma (5/13/08)

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