Is Teaching an Art or a Science?

Teaching, in my opinion, is both an art and a science. Science is defined as "methodological activity, discipline or study" as well as "knowledge, especially that gained through experience" (www.dictionary.com). Art has many different definitions which include "a system of principles and methods employed in performance of a set of activities" and "a trade or craft that applies such a system of principles and methods" (www.dictionary.com). However, I think the perpendicularity between art and science, specifically in regards to teaching, can be seen by the definition of art as "skill that is attained by study, practice or observation" (www.dictionary.com). The point where art and science meet is where teaching lies.

In studying classroom methodologies and theories, it is apparent that they come about through observation. By changing certain variables in the class and the way it is taught changes the outcome. This is a very scientific approach to teaching. However, the creativity that is involved in changing these variables is where the art shines through.

To get through to a student, a teacher must be creative. To impart knowledge onto their students, teachers must figure out how to catch their attention. Once a teacher masters how to catch their students' attention, teaching becomes an art. However, before then, all of the teaching "experiments" are science.

I believe that too many consider "art" as something that has to deal with art itself and is missing the "mastery" part of art. As an actress, I am an artist. I have mastered the art of acting. In this phrase, art means discipline. When you think about it that way, doesn't art mean the same thing as science? In order to get to the Art, one must first get through the Science. Together, "the Art and Science of Teaching" describes a very well-rounded teacher, probably one that has been teaching for quite a long time. It takes years to "perfect" how to teach a class. Even though a teacher may have their lesson plan down pat, they will probably have to adapt to the students in their class.