Chapter 9: Conclusion (Providing Experience, Provoking Reflection)

Finkel uses chapter 9 to essentially offer a survey and some perspective on this overall book. He begins by referencing the work of John Dewey and Jean-Jacques Rousseau in support of his contentions regarding the precise role of a teacher. Finkel repeatedly refers to the assertion that "teaching is not telling". This, coupled with examples put forth by Dewey and Rousseau, offers a foundation for what Finkel accomplishes in chapter 9 - to offer perspective on his overall work while summarizes its overall philosophies.

The bottom line, as I interpret it, is that "Teaching with Your Mouth Shut" is intended to serve as an in depth re-definition of the role of an educator. This is something that we have repeatedly encountered throughout the course of the AET program, and this book certainly serves to reinforce this. The central theme of Finkel's work is to move away from the notion that teaching involves the mere transmission of information. While Finkel regards this act as natural, and at time inevitable for most educators, he repeatedly asserts the acts of facilitating learning experiences and subsequently evoking reflection from his learners as central to an educator's role.

This serves as the basis for the act of teaching with one's mouth shut. Although Finkel recognizes the effectiveness of the principles he outlines, he is equally aware of the passing fads that come and go within the field of education. He highlights this through Dewey, whose influence on an American progressive philosophy of education was immeasurable, bu ultimately gave way to more traditional methods by the latter half of the 20th century.

This brings me to my concluding question regarding this book and ultimately this book. Why do we see so many perfectly good ideas come and go within the field of education leaving us to only rely on the traditional and often ineffective methods of teaching? How can we ultimately break these patterns?