Book review: Brookfield, S.D., Rudolph, J., & Tan, S. (2023). Teaching Well: Understanding Key Dynamics of Learning-Centered Classrooms

The book "Teaching Well: Understanding Key Dynamics of Learning-Centered Classrooms" by Brookfield, Rudolph, and Tan (2023) explores the theories and practices that promote effective teaching in higher education (HE). Consisting of 13 chapters, it takes the readers through the meaning of teaching, from defining what it means by teaching well to framing our teaching practices for student experiences. The book further emphasises the importance of learning-centred teaching, drawing on the challenges teachers might experience in the classroom while repositioning the importance of student engagement, critical thinking and collaborative learning to promote good discussions. Considering this, the authors provide practical strategies for fostering inclusive and dynamic classrooms that cater to diverse learning needs. The relevance of this book to Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) is an insightful resource for GTAs to understand the complexities of working in HE. Delving into what it means to teach well allows GTAs to discover their pedagogical practices, thus enabling GTAs to reexamine their self-identities in their practices. The book encourages the GTAs to be critical of their teaching practices by adopting and encouraging being reflexive practitioners. Thus, this focuses on the necessary tools and equips GTAs to be ready when faced with the challenges encountered within the classroom settings. Overall, this book provides the theoretical foundations to teach well in HE and actionable strategies and, therefore, an essential guide for GTAs to succeed in their role for impactful and meaningful experiences for themselves and the students in HE.