Discussion in class, which means letting twenty young blockheads and two cocky neurotics discuss something that neither their teacher nor they know.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Discussion is an exchange of knowledge; an argument an exchange of ignorance.
I learned that when something just has to be said to move the discussion along, or broaden it or deepen it, if I can just keep my mouth shut for five minutes a student will say it. So for me a lot of teaching is about keeping my mouth shut.
People don't listen when you lecture. No one wants to be talked down to or scolded.
Those who talk don't know what is going on and those who know what is going on won't talk.
I'm always telling my students that if they can't explain what they are doing, to their grandmothers, then they probably don't understand it themselves.
You know how much I am inclined to explain all disputes among philosophical schools as merely verbal disputes or at least to derive them originally from verbal disputes.
Students need to learn how to think critically, how to argue opposing ideas. It is important for them to learn how to think. You can always cook.
Skillful conversationalists can explore disagreements and make points in ways that feel constructive and positive rather than combative or corrective.
Professors simply can't discuss a thing. Habit compels them to deliver a lecture.
What students lack in school is an intellectual relationship or conversation with the teacher.