As a teacher myself I couldn't disagree with you more Bart and I find your tone somewhat hostile and insulting! I am not certain as to whether you meant this to be tongue in cheek or not, but it certainly did not come across this way.
What I got from Karen's post was the idea that if you are going nowhere with your teacher (OVER TWO YEARS I believe was a time frame mentioned) then it is time for a change. Advice which is sound even if it is regrettably bad for the teachers hip pocket. Having students that are not progressing is as frustrating and profligate for a teacher as it is for a student.
I always strive to find different ways of communicating my point, and am a diehard fan of the positive reinforcement school of teaching. I refuse to focus on the negative. I find my students are experts at that to start with, so there is no need for me to add to it. I prefer to ALWAYS point out what is excellent and then go over what needs improving, either with a current technique or if that isn't working by trying something new.
This is what I percieved Karen to be discussing, not what I percive you to be discussing and that is the sin of the indulgence of the wealthy (for which you do make a valid point). I find it most peculiar that you would choose this forum to give a sermon of that nature.
And I would never, by inferrence or straight out give the impression that I am a god that is infallible in my opinions and my students should demur to my almighty knowledge. There is no way on earth that any teacher anywhere can know what is the ONLY solution for a student. It simply is not possible. Especially given that only the individual can know what is best for them even if they are mistaken.
>>>>>your patient, lenient Master or any God you trust in for so mercifully endowing you with such precious knowledge ! You can't be master and disciple, or (cheer)leader and (cheered-up)follower at the same time. So much for dillydallying !<<<<<
Arghk! I'm sorry, but this just makes me see red. For me, there is NO PLACE in any discipline for this attitude. It is antiquated, patriarchal and retrograde and everything that is wrong with education. Welcome to the twenty first century, long may the positve changes be embraced!
Peace Bart, peace. Please find a less inflamatory tone to address these issues.
Or could it be that after being on this list for so long I find it hard to see Karen, our resident repertoire genius, and all round *nice guy* maligned in any way shape or form? ;-)
~Michelle
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