Book description
A call to advance integrative teaching and learning in higher education.
From Parker Palmer, best-selling author of The Courage to
Teach, and Arthur Zajonc, professor of physics at Amherst College
and director of the academic program of the Center for Contemplative
Mind in Society, comes this call to revisit the roots and reclaim the
vision of higher education. The Heart of Higher Education
proposes an approach to teaching and learning that honors the whole
human being-mind, heart, and spirit-an essential integration if we
hope to address the complex issues of our time. The book offers a rich
interplay of analysis, theory, and proposals for action from two
educators and writers who have contributed to developing the field of
integrative education over the past few decades.
- Presents Parker Palmer's powerful response to critics of
holistic learning and Arthur Zajonc's elucidation of the
relationship between science, the humanities, and the
contemplative traditions
- Explores ways to take steps toward making colleges and
universities places that awaken the deepest potential in students,
faculty, and staff
- Offers a practical approach to fostering renewal in higher
education through collegiality and conversation
The Heart of Higher Education is for all who are new to the
field of holistic education, all who want to deepen their
understanding of its challenges, and all who want to practice and
promote this vital approach to teaching and learning on their
campuses.
Parker J. Palmer is a highly respected writer, teacher, and activist.
His work speaks deeply to people in many walks of life, including
education, medicine, religion, law, philanthropy, politics, and social
change. Author of seven books, including the best sellers The Courage
to Teach (now in its tenth anniversary edition), Let Your Life Speak,
and A Hidden Wholeness, his work has been recognized with ten honorary
doctorates and a number of national awards. Named one of the
"most influential senior leaders" in higher education, he
holds a Ph. D. from the University of California at Berkeley.
Arthur Zajonc is professor of physics at Amherst College and has been
a Fulbright professor at the University of Innsbruck in Austria. He is
the author of several books, including Meditation as Contemplative
Inquiry: When Knowing Becomes Love and Catching the Light: The
Entwined History of Light and Mind. He currently directs the Center
for Contemplative Mind in Society, which supports appropriate
inclusion of contemplative methods in higher education.
Megan Scribner is an editor and writer who has worked with numerous
foundations and educational organizations. She is coeditor of Teaching
with Fire and Leading from Within and coauthor of The Courage to Teach
Guide for Reflection and Renewal. She serves as an advisor to the
Fetzer Institute.
