I could be handy mending a mind

I was thinking about my teaching style today and thinking about the way it is conventional and unconvential. I can't reach every student; my method of teaching is unconventional in the American sense, but hyper conventional in the historical sense. I use the dialectic to teach, one of the oldest teaching methods known. In this country, though, we tend to rely on lecture and regurgitation. In my opinion, that kind of teaching does not lend itself to learning. (though I do believe that people learn in different ways and it may be good for some students) If you aren't forced to interact with the material, how will you learn it? This is probably more true for philosophy than other disciplines.

When I think about my students and the ones who "get it" I always think of Jimmy. He hated my class for the first half of the semester. They never think I know when they dislike the class, but I do. Anyway, about half way through the semester I commented on a phrase in one of his papers; it was an elegant and insightful phrase and it impressed me so much I googled it to make sure he hadn't cheated. I wrote that on his paper and I saw his face when he read it. He was shocked; he sat there for a moment and said, "that's a good thing, right?" I assured him it was and watched him think about it for the rest of the class.

Jimmy ended up thinking the class was wonderful. He even took my ethics class the next semester and convinced two of his friends to take my intro class. One of those friends, another one who hated it at first, ended up taking my ethics class, as well. It's these students that I live for. I don't think my job ends when I walk out of the classroom or even when the semester ends; we have a duty as teachers to be more than a fount of knowledge: we have a duty to foster the wholeness of the student. Anyone can get a graduate degree or two and stand in front of a class regurgitating facts; it takes a different sort of person to foster true learning. I think I'm good at that.

As I was falling asleep last night I was thinking about my focus in life. A couple of my students said I had a good eye for home decor, which I agree with. I love home decor and entertaining, but I couldn't make it my focus. I am also happily married and have in the past made Jon my primary focus. It didn't work out well for either of us because you can't expect someone to bear the burden of your energy and direction. Film used to be my focus but I always knew it wasn't where I wanted to spend my life because I didn't have the vision necessary for art. Finally, I think I've found the proper focus for my life; it isn't writing, as some think it should be, but teaching. I can't see myself ever doing anything else with anything like the success I am experiencing.

I am continually amazed by the sheer intelligence and wit of my students. I think they're lucky to have me, but that goes double the other way.