I have utmost respect for the Socratic teaching method, when the classes are composed roughly along the lines of ancient seminars - that is, small, informal classes with participants educated to roughly the same level. And, that is, when the teacher moderates the discussion to ensure that the actual answer is correctly derived. Oh, and inhomogeneous view don't hurt, either, for broader learning opportunities.
However, in a large class that is being taught remotely (when you ping in, the camera swivels malevolently and stares down at you, focusing on EEK! my pores!; also, the microphones are often on the fritz) in several locations, I fail to see the value in such a heavy emphasis, nay, requirement, on class participation. Lectures are supposed to convey information, not poll for (distressingly similar) opinions (everyone should say their piece! Even if they are all saying the same thing! In not-so-very-different words!).
Hello, school? I would like some knowledge, please. From the highly trained, elite professionals? No, I really don't care what my classmates think. Thank you.
(I could say that this bespeaks the unholy democratization of higher learning and society in general, where in-depth, superior knowledge is discounted and personal experience and/or viewpoints are held up as the new standard or goal, but that is just too depressing to contemplate at this juncture in the political scene.)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment