Comments on: Teaching As a Subversive Activity

By: Frederic C. Putnam

Frederic C. Putnam — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:06:18 +0000

Although it was published nearly forty years ago (1969), this book should be *mandatory* (I really want a stronger word) for everyone who is even considering a career in teaching, educational administration, homeschooling, or choosing a school (K-college) for their children. The basic idea: learning must be internally motivated, that true education entails learning what questions to ask, and how to think about how to discover/develop answers. After a devastating critique of the educational establishment, the authors suggest what should be done and how: teachers need to learn to get out of the way of their students’ learning, to stop identifying teaching with “getting through” or “covering” their agendas, to raise questions that will help their students raise and begin to answer good, worthwhile questions. Anyone who dismisses the authors’ concerns should question his or her own commitment to genuine education and learning. Sorry, words are too weak.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Charles L. Mitsakos

Charles L. Mitsakos — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:07:55 +0000

A classic for anyone in education.

As relevant today as it was when published in 1969.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:08:41 +0000

I first read this book in 1972 when I was in undergraduate school and it was “news.” It still affects how I think about teaching / learning to this day.
Using the truths found in Postman’s book will help foster a fundamental change in the way our children learn – a change which could (literally) change the world for the better – one person at a time. It is as fresh today as when it was written and whether you are a student or a teacher – I recommend you find a copy and read it NOW.
Rating: 5 / 5