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.
Back to Webster’s:
art: 1. human creativity 2. skill 3. any specific skill or its application 8. a branch of learning
science: 1. systematized knowledge derived from observation, study, etc. 2. A branch of knowledge, esp. one that systematizes facts, principles, and methods 3. a skill or technique
I think that an effective teacher combines both art and science in their instructional strategies. Webster’s defines art as creativity and skill, as well as application of that skill. Teachers need to be flexible and they sometimes work off the cuff and have to be able to deviate from their original plan or objective when opportunity presents itself or when things aren’t going as planned. The art is the creative aspect of it, which includes creating things out of nothing sometimes even in regards to materials for the classroom. It also includes the creativity in the mind of the teacher in preparing and planning to teach a class that has such distinct and diverse learning styles and backgrounds. The application of teaching is an art in itself. It takes a lot of imagination and drive to make a learning experience fun and engaging for students.
In other ways teaching is a science since you need to have a good formula for teaching. Science usually involves being as precise as possible, but aren’t the best things discovered when a mistake in ingredients is made within an experiment? In science, it is possible to try for one thing and then come to something else that is entirely different, and even better than the intended plan or formula called for. Webster’s defines science as a knowledge derived from observation and study. Isn’t that the job of a teacher? To observe and study how their students learn and to constantly assess and reassess their teaching methods? The best and most effective teachers are students of their students, always learning from their students how to become better teachers.
I would have to say that teaching is a combination of both of the best parts of art and science. I think that there are those who are natural teachers, since teaching involves more than helping students to attain knowledge and learning. Effective teachers are able to make connections, as well as build a relationship of trust and respect with their students. Doing this is not necessarily something that can be learned. It involves being motivated and excited about helping students learn and be the best that they can. I think that you can learn the mechanics of teaching and not necessarily be a good and/or effective teacher. Being a teacher is not a job, it’s who you are.
Guralnik, D.B. (Ed.). (1987). Webster’s New World Dictionary. New York, NY: Warner Books.
