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The Discipline of Hope: Learning from a Lifetime of Teaching by Herbert Kohl, 1998. Simon & Schuster: New York.:
In his typical, hopeful style, Herbert Kohl has written a book to energize all connected to and interested in children and their education. Drawing on his rich experiences, Kohl uses personal accounts and stories designed to demonstrate the significance of a positive relationship between students and their teachers. Despite the cynicism rampant in almost all modern educational discussions, Herbert Kohl appears convinced that education is alive and well. He makes a strong case that relationships matter so much more than curriculum and programming do in the success of a child's education.
In this book, Kohl provides indirect criticism of all who tout reform based solely on curriculum. He offers educators a refreshing alternative as he reminds us that true reform takes place in the nurturing relationship between teacher and students. Using his experience as a basis for his opinions, Kohl points out that even the most difficult students respond, learn, and teach in environments grounded in belief and hope.:
To begin this work, Herbert Kohl takes us back to 1962, his first year teaching sixth grade at PS 103. This school, run-down and soon to be closed, sat on a Harlem blocked outlined by 1 7th Street, Madison Avenue, and Fifth Avenue. Facing a class of 36 children, all of whom were of a different race than he, gave Kohl the start on a long career...