On Becoming an Effective Teacher (Person-centered teaching, psychology, philosophy, and dialogues with Carl R. Rogers and Harold Lyon)

On Becoming an Effective Teacher presents the final unpublished writings of Rogers and as such has, not only unique historical value, but also a vital message for today’s educational crises, and can be read as a prescription against violence in our schools. It documents the research results of four highly relevant, related but independent studies which comprise the biggest collection of data ever accumulated to test a person-centred theory in the field of education. This body of comprehensive research on effective teaching was accomplished over a twenty-year period in 42 U.S. States and in six other countries including the UK, Germany, Brazil, Canada, Israel, and Mexico and is highly relevant to the concerns of teachers, psychologists, students, and parents.

The principal findings of the research in this book show that teachers and schools can significantly improve their effectiveness through programs focusing on facilitative interpersonal relationships. Teachers who either naturally have, or are trained to have empathy, genuineness (congruence), and who prize their students (positive regard) create an important level of trust in the classroom and exert significant positive effects on student outcomes including achievement scores, interpersonal functioning, self-concept, attendance, and violence.


"This book may prove interesting to established lecturers wishing to reflect further on how they relate to their students. It could be very useful to those starting our on their lecturing careers. It may be particularly thought-provoking to those not already familiar with the person-centred approach as applied to education." - Tony Ward, Universtiy of the West of England, PLAT13 (2)