DIYbanter - View Single Post - Teacher's sad refrain. "Thanks, now back to the subject. where wasI?"

(Arch) wrote in news:12166-427E5047-145@storefull-
3178.bay.webtv.net:

snip
Most all of us teach in some way or other. Tell us about your favorite
and least favorite types of students. Be kind, tell us your least
favorite (most wordy) rcw poster another day.

Let me turn this around for a minute.

As a student, I want to understand why, not just how. The justification,
not only the declaration.

As a teacher, I want to stimulate curiousity, exploration, understanding.
I challenge, and expect to be challenged. As a student, I expect the same
from the teacher. A question is a challenge to understand, not a threat to
the authority or expertise of the instructor. Even if it is not delicately
phrased, as it often will not be.

This often irritates the bump on the log, if s/he is lazy of mind, or
disinclined to be involved, over time.

The joy in my teaching adults is that they are most usually involved in the
activity of their own choice. That could not always have been said of
youth, in many venues.

An aside: One of my older friends is a retired sea captain, 40 years on
the Pacific Coast. When he came ashore, he had to learn all new default
methods of working with people. It has taken him time to adjust, but he
does pretty well now, realizing that he is no longer Master & Commander.

Thanks, Arch. I'm newish here, and rather enjoy your musings.

Patriarch