I was considering today that teachers where two very different hats with regards to their students. The teacher should be the primary advocate of students, aiding and assisting, expanding minds, and otherwise cram as much knowledge into their craniums as possible. But, the teacher is also the ultimate judge of a students work. These two roles are almost certainly to be considered in navigating a classroom. In the interest of full disclosure, I have never really been a teacher. I am anticipating teaching a few sections next year as a graduate assistant, but as of yet I have only been a substitute teacher. So, how do teachers navigate helping their students do well, and be their judge and jury? I suppose it’s not too difficult, help them to learn all they can and then evaluate as objectively as possible.
Does being the dreaded grader effect the way a student would approach a teacher when in need of assistance? At the moment I am a tutor at the campus writing center. Over and over, students come in aren’t really sure of what their assignments are. I know that students are notorious for not paying attention when teachers are dolling out work, but I wonder if some of the uncertainty of what is expected of them is caused because they do not want to ask for clarification of an assignment. I always advise students that the primary audience for whatever they are doing is ultimately the teacher even if they are writing towards a hypothetical audience.
I’m reading a book by Martha Nussbaum called “Not for Profit”. In this very portable book, Nussbaum discusses the need for humanities for the preservation of democracy. On the surface of it, saying that humanities are necessary for the preservation of democracy seems like a bit of a stretch. I suggest, having not yet finished the book, that students and teachers really interacting well would also be an excellent tool towards the preservation of democracy, be that the humanities or otherwise. I’m not sure it comes down to learning humanities, but I’m pretty sure it (everything important) is certainly impacted by education.
