off-topic - education

["R. E. Stannard Jr." restannardjr@xxxxxxxx]

 "I have found that the quality of classroom discussion is mostly a product of
my preparation and efforts as instructor. " -- Jeffrey G. Purvis

Amen! I couldn't agree more. And I accept the possibility that, as one who
loves to discuss and argue, I underestimate the need to stimulate it. But if
you haven't also seen the tide change over the years, you are blessed. Many of
my campus colleagues -- including some of the best teachers -- have noted
dismaying levels of passivity toward discussion.

My comments may have skirted hyperbole, but we do grope for some explanation
for a widely-perceived phenomenon -- particularly disturbing among journalism
wannabes, who surely should be more questioning and challenging than most. I
don't know if video-viewing in the UK is as universal and at as high a level
early in life as it is here.

I do know I was struck, even as a youngster growing up in China, by the
articulateness and verbal agility (and sparring bent) of the UK people I knew.
I find that sense of repartee rather rare among university students here. Can't
help thinking lack of early-age practice could be a factor. Also suspect much
of what there is stays hidden as socially suspect.

If you have insights on ways to bring it out, that would help the original
requester. Sorry if I came across as condescending. It was more an artifact of
dismay and exasperation at experiences like hers accumulated over the past
three decades. I do not consider myself a master teacher, only an earnest
laborer in the field.
           With best regards,
                     Ted Stannard  



=====
___________________________________________________________________
R.E.Stannard Jr. em: stannard@xxxxxxxx or restannardjr@xxxxxxxx
Femmy T. Stannard em: femmystannard@xxxxxxxx
r: 712 Highland Dr, Bellingham, WA98225-6412, USA. ph:(360)392-0712
[prof. emeritus WESTERN WASHINGTON U, AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN CAIRO]
===================================================================

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your desktop!
http://platinum.yahoo.com