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Re: Today's jaw dropper



On Fri, 10 Oct 1997 08:46:21 -0600 Dewey Dykstra, Jr. said:

I'm wondering would a teacher who is enthusiastic about requiring students
to drill at memorizing nonsense syllables result in students who want to
learn nonsense syllables?

David Dockstader says:
Dewey,
I think you've made my point for me. The answer is certainly "yes". There
are numerous examples all around us, ranging from Rap to speaking in tounges.
In some circles it's called enthusiasm, in others chrisma, and may even pass
as salesmanship or leadership. Whatever it is called, it certainly works.


If this is _all_ we have accomplished then _what_ have we accomplished? Is
this the essence of _physics_ teaching?

Dewey, you seem to be confusing the tool with what is done with the tool. I'm
suggesting that enthusiasm or charisma are powerful tools. Obviously, some
folks use them to accomplish great and wonderful things, while others use them
for purposes that appear to be a waste of effort or even counterproductive.
I simply suggested that an enthusiastic reseacher stands a better than
average chance of making students want to learn.