The best work my students have produced since before midterm break is the following metaphor:
"Bhutanese students are like ema-datse because they make foreigners sick."
I have realized I am very susceptible to tangents in class, because I am usually willing to indulge the one or two students who are in any way curious about anything. In the last three weeks I have tried to explain the Singularity, the sociological differences between Judaism and Christianity, and tautological arguments to kids who took two classes to understand haikus. Last period I spent five minutes explaining why jet-propelled aircraft cannot hover. I have some improving to do, teaching-wise.
Since I'm a professional nitpicker, with extreme fuel use, certain jets can hover. See, for example, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrier_Jump_Jet.
ReplyDeleteDon't avoid tangents entirely, but do limit the time spent on them. Five minutes seems reasonable.
Glad to see you back to actively posting!
I hope you spend some time explaining what tangents are to your classes. At least, to both the students that are listening!
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