Power Line Blog comments on the inadequacy of teachers and low quality of instruction in schools. Thrown out for consideration is the idea that all instruction be streamed over the Internet. Parents and other people concerned with the quality of instruction could tune in and monitor any teacher during any lecture. At the link.
Body Cams, teachers, accountability what’s not to love?
One of the most accurate descriptions of a teacher came from the Aubrey/Maturin series written by Patrick O’Brian. The series consists of twenty books following the exploits of Captain Jack Aubrey (RN) and his friend ship’s surgeon and spy Stephen Maturin. It takes place during the Napoleonic Wars. For you philistines the movie “Master and Commander” was based on the books.
Maturin is a “physician, natural philosopher, and free spirit. During a discussion with Captain Aubrey Maturin discusses his view of teaching and the effect it has on teachers.
“Because, sir, teaching young gentlemen has a dismal effect upon the soul. It exemplifies the badness of established, artificial authority. The pedagogue has almost absolute authority over pupils: he often beats them and insensibly he loses the sense of respect due to them as fellow human beings. He does them harm, but the harm they do him is far greater. He may easily become the all-knowing tyrant, always right, always virtuous; in any event he perpetually associates with his inferiors, the king of his company; and in a surprising short time alas this brands him with the mark of Cain. Have you ever known a schoolmaster fit to associate with grown men?”
― Patrick O’Brian, The Ionian Mission by way of Dr. Stephen Maturin
How many readers ever stood up to an incompetent teacher and hollered Bullshit?
Those that can’t do, teach!
