Random Thoughts: The Humanity of Teaching [Large Print]

By Louis Schmier

Book Overview

Louis Schmier's teaching and learning philosophy has permeated his classroom - and beyond thanks to the internet - to change the lives of students and educators alike. It is a philosophy that... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Large Print: Yes
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0912150432
• ISBN13: 9780912150437
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Magna Large Print Books
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.

Customer Reviews

His love for teaching encourages the teacher's heart.

RANDOM THOUGHTS: THE HUMANITY OF TEACHING by Louis Schmier Madison, WI: Magna Publications, 1995, 272 pp., $27.95 (soft cover) Reviewed by William G. Sunday, ICI University Most people who recognize the name Louis Schmier are familiar with The Complete Random Thoughts, an anthology of over 200 essays appearing on the Internet. Dr. Schmier is a professor of history at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA, whose refreshing insight on teaching, students and practical living identifies him as a philosopher as well as an outstanding instructor. To read his works is to exercise the heart and mind in such a way as to move and stretch senses that might otherwise receive little attention. His essays press the emotional and intellectual buttons of our being, resulting in a rejuvenation, of sorts, of our calling. Schmier invites those of the teaching profession to excite their own sense of purpose and to focus beyond the system to the heart. Random Thoughts: The Humanity of Teaching is divided into two sections. The first section is entitled "Me." Here the reader has the opportunity of meeting the real Louis Schmier. After reading the first five essays one might find himself thinking, "boy, I'd sure like to meet this guy." In fact, he is the man next door who could have accomplished anything, but he ended up in the teaching profession, not by desire or by carefully orchestrated planning but by an appointment with destiny. Though a book review should spend considerable time analyzing the work itself, this review examines the strengths and weaknesses of the man, seeing this as the key to understanding the work. The second essay, "From Professor to Teacher," is especially significant. Here Schmier experiences a breakthrough in the realization of personal contentment with his profession. He asks himself, "Why is this business of being a college teacher such a struggle for me?" (p. 14) Then after recording his struggle, he comes to the conclusion, "I see that I had acquiesced to the system only because it was in my interest to do so and because I did not have the strength to do anything to the contrary" (p. 14). As is demonstrated in that one essay, the entire book records Schmier's maturation and professional growth. One moment the reader is capable of shedding tears, and the next moment the reader's emotions are touched adversely, and the thought comes to mind, "what a jerk!" Indeed, Schmier is every bit as human as everyone else. In the second section under the heading, "More on Grades," the reader faces a part of Schmier that is still in need of growth. He tries to reason with a girl who desires to drop his class rather than risk receiving a low grade. All teachers are familiar with the scenario. It happens to everyone, but in this case Schmier's weakness is revealed. He tries to persuade the girl that she is capable of obtaining an A if she changes her attitude and conforms to the rules, his rules. When ! ! she refuses, he awards her a

Schmier introduces back-to-basics humanity in teching

A must read for teachers of all levels. I thought I was the only one concerned with professors being so busy in the publish or perish race that they forgot their real job: TEACHING. Schmier introduces back-to-basics humanity in the classroom. The language is everyday's, but the teaching's are quite extraordinary. This book regained my faith in teaching and teachers.