So I have been reading this Ken Bain book while thinking a lot about all the things I have to do. I always have loads of reading I have to, or want to do, for one reason or another; personal interest, research, paper, improving my knowledge in a particular area, improving an area I have responsibilities in (interlibrary loan, reference, instruction, collection development). I’m all for the expansion of knowledge, but when is it enough? And when does practice become the most important course to take? And . . . when the heck am I going to do all this stuff in the midst of an “average” day at the library? I’m talking about at the very basic level of academic/research balance.
How much theory do you invest your time in before you engage in practice? One doesn’t really work without the other and it makes me wonder what sort of ratio works for most. Granted, most academics would give you a very particular answer about what works for them. But collect all those answers together and you may see a pattern emerge, one that could serve as a guide for newer faculty. We all need some of both, but one is not useful to her profession if she keeps her nose stuck in a book or in front of an article.
In this book by Bain (What the Best College Teachers Do)I have been reading the chapter on how teaching faculty conduct class. They clearly give a lot thought to how they are going to teach, but how much is thought enough? Eventually you are going to have to try this stuff out in the classroom.
I think this has been growing in my mind because Bain focuses on how good teachers focus on the students and begin with basic explanations of a discipline. This allows students to work with and grapple with the ideas, construct their knowledge of a discipline before they have learned all the theory about that discipline. So reading about ideas is great, but I think I need to put the reading down and really engage deeply in the practice.
Although, I must first conquer my guilt over not having read everything I intend (yeah right!) and overcome my fear of making mistakes in my practice (good luck with that!). Well . . . it may take time, or maybe just some better skimming to find the good bits and more engagement with my colleagues will help me get through my practice mistakes. Either way, this question will always haunt me, but I think I will eventually find my stride.
Anyway, back to the book! Wait, no!
