As a teacher - I really enjoyed reading this and what a wonderful closing paragraph! It captures the essence of the profession. Your students are so lucky to have you as their professor!
Thank you for sharing, Dr. Mike. As I read your account, I realized that I didn't really have many great teachers. I guess I taught myself. Most of my teachers either wanted us to conform & behave or lectured at us and disappeared - I hated school from K through undergrad.
Now, I teach Astronomy at a community college to be the instructor I wish had.
I stopped right at the beginning to copy "rules for practical conversation ...” into my personal journal. Oh, had I only had such a teacher! I'm great at things like astronomy, but conversation!
Shermer is such an inspiring thinker and writer. I have given his Skeptic magazine subscriptions in the past to those who might just be hungry for another way to make sense of the world. Back to reading.
Wow Professior Livingood, I haven;t heard that name in over 40 years. I took his US history class 8 years after you did (1982). He kept you mesmerized, so much so that he would have to you 'OK write this down'. I remeber him telling us of civil war soliders accounts before or after a battle, that were taken from soliders journals/diaries. I still have my notebook for his class.
Michael, this was a very interesting article about your educational history through the college years. It brought back memories for me too. You are so right about what difference a good teacher makes.
Beautiful personal recollection of your academic history, Michael. Thank you for sharing it...
As a teacher - I really enjoyed reading this and what a wonderful closing paragraph! It captures the essence of the profession. Your students are so lucky to have you as their professor!
Thank you for sharing, Dr. Mike. As I read your account, I realized that I didn't really have many great teachers. I guess I taught myself. Most of my teachers either wanted us to conform & behave or lectured at us and disappeared - I hated school from K through undergrad.
Now, I teach Astronomy at a community college to be the instructor I wish had.
Wonderful reflection on what great teachers can do to inspire life long learning.
I stopped right at the beginning to copy "rules for practical conversation ...” into my personal journal. Oh, had I only had such a teacher! I'm great at things like astronomy, but conversation!
Shermer is such an inspiring thinker and writer. I have given his Skeptic magazine subscriptions in the past to those who might just be hungry for another way to make sense of the world. Back to reading.
Wow Professior Livingood, I haven;t heard that name in over 40 years. I took his US history class 8 years after you did (1982). He kept you mesmerized, so much so that he would have to you 'OK write this down'. I remeber him telling us of civil war soliders accounts before or after a battle, that were taken from soliders journals/diaries. I still have my notebook for his class.
I feel jealous! Wishing I had had the opportunities to dip into such a wide range of subjects and be guided by so many great teachers.
In fact, I wish there was a way to take such courses as a retiree. Not alone and online, but in company with other curious and engaged students.
Michael, this was a very interesting article about your educational history through the college years. It brought back memories for me too. You are so right about what difference a good teacher makes.
I love that in your notes you felt it important to include: “earth year = 365 days” 😂
Great handwriting reading skills