Education for Judgment: The Artistry of Discussion Leadership

by C. Roland Christensen, David A. Garvin, Roland Christensen

Discussion teaching--the foundation of the Harvard Business School's renowned case method of instruction--is a powerful tool for developing skills as well as conveying knowledge. In the give and take of discussion, students go beyond abstract understanding to the active application of important principles. They are confronted with the same kind of ambiguous, many-sided problems they will face in their professional lives. The elements of great teaching can be identified and consciously practiced. Many of the essays describe the building blocks of successful group negotiating a "contract" governing the conduct of the group; orchestrating a constructive process of questioning, listening, and responding; encouraging independent thinking; and guiding participants toward useful roles in their interaction with one another. The other chapters in the volume cover the ethical considerations of discussion teaching, the special challenges of teaching technical material using this method, and one pioneering effort to introduce a participative mode of medical education.

Genres: Teaching, Education, Nonfiction, Leadership

344 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1992

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was probably more innovation in this volume when it was originally published, but reading it now, many of the lessons felt obvious (to anyone slightly versed in case-study based discussion) and--in less frequent instances--self-indulgent. I don't mean to critique the importance this volume might have had when it was published, but it's probably not the best choice for contemporary readers

[Matthias · Rating 3 out of 5]

Case-based instruction is widely used in management training, legal and medical training. Yet, there are few books written about case-based instruction, particularly in management. This book was written by the acknowledged master expert at discussion teaching, Roland Christensen. There is even a Christensen Center for Teaching and Learning at Harvard Business School). As it is true for most forms of expertise, most expert teachers find it difficult to to articulate their expertise. So do not expect to find a manual with "ten steps to successful discussion teaching". It is more of a personal reflection of Christensen's learning journey in this field, which makes it interesting to read, but sometimes you also feel like fast forwarding to get to the main points. I am still reading the book, so the three starts are my tentative rating at this point.

[Alex Stille · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot here for anyone who is looking to move beyond presenting, or 'show up throw up' speaking styles, and get to actual teaching. Will have you rethinking classroom interactions, and plenty of new ideas to try out. However I didn't find the style of the articles particularly useful - lots of notes and takeaways, but a necessary read rather than an enjoyable one.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not well written - painful to read through it all. One of the worst pedagogy books I've read.

[Mark Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. More underlined pages for me, that not. Case Study teaching has me hook, line and sinker. I gave this book to all my children.

[Abigail King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe how much I am loving this book. All other books are being ignored.

A beautiful treatise on the at of listening.