Re: Spiral Approach within general physics

["Spagna Jr., George" <gspagna@RMC.EDU>]

Ludwik writes:

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ludwik Kowalski [mailto:kowalskiL@MAIL.MONTCLAIR.EDU]

> Another very old principle of good teaching is "do not
> go to the next topic without being sure that students are
> familiar with all prerequisites." Strictly speaking this
> principle can not be used except in private tutoring or
> in very small classes. In large classes it means
> "do not allow students to pass a course unless reasonable
> expectations are satisfied." I was never asked to follow
> this principle by an administrator. But I was often asked
> (indirectly) to do the opposite: something like "education
> is not for an elite, give everybody a chance to succeed."

Giving everybody a chance to succeed should never be seen as
lowering the standards for success.  If the expectations in the
course are reasonable, if the opportunities to get whatever 
help is needed for success, the responsibility shifts
to the student.  That's not elitism.


*********************************************
 "I have always wished that my computer 
would be as easy to use as my telephone. 
My wish has come true. I no longer know 
how to use my telephone" 
 --Bjarne Stronstrup (originator of C++)
********************************************
George Spagna
Department of Physics
Randolph-Macon College
P.O. Box 5005
Ashland, VA 23005-5505
phone: (804) 752-7344     
FAX (804) 752-4724
e-mail: gspagna@rmc.edu
http://www.rmc.edu/~gspagna/