Summary

From Telling to Teaching by Joe A. Norris, Ed.D. is a slim paperback that offers specific guidelines for teaching in a style that differs from straight lecturing. The author weaves how-to instructions with a philosophy on teaching that considers the learner's own desire to learn and one's ability to contribute to one's own learning experience. The main concept is based on a dialogue approach rather than a monologue or "telling" approach.
Each chapter focuses on a particular idea which challenges the reader to reconsider some of the methods used in presenting material. An early chapter delves into the details of how each learner is greeted, how the tables are arranged and considers even the sights, sounds and smells of the room. Other chapters are focused on various learning styles, methods for encouraging dialogue within small groups and using methods that will help learners activate prior learning so that they may better connect new material being learned. Throughout the book, Norris asks the reader to rethink ways in which to engage and energize learners.
The book is easy to read and is written in a style that reflects the author's philosophy. We become engaged in the reading by the questions posed by the writer. We are invited in to the scenarios she provides. This is reinforced through the introduction of simple theories with additional easy-to-follow suggestions, sample questions and visual cues. Although the book seems to be directed at workshops or corporate training, many of the ideas could be applied or adapted for any type of adult education setting. It is particularly relevant to adult education because it considers both the prior knowledge of the learner and the ability of the learner to be a participant and contributor to the learning environment.