A Wish For Hagrid...

[Ebony AKA AngieJ]

No: HPFGUIDX 22427

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., toomanyideas at a... wrote:
> I am really concerned that Hagrid never finished his studies.  Of 
> course, he has the practical knowledge for teaching COMC, but I 
think 
> something should be done about his educational standing.  It is not 
> enough to just know that he is now known to be innocent of the CoS 
> thing.  He deserves more respect--and more opportunities to earn it.
> 
> I am very much hoping that Hagrid will be allowed to either resume 
his magical studies as an adult learner--maybe even surprising Harry 
and friends, by showing up in one of their classes and maybe even 
needing Hermione's study help--or at least be able to test to recieve 
an HED Hogwarts Equivalency D
>


Actually, this reminds me of something my British tutor said today.  
I must first say that there are a number of students in our program 
at Corpus who are senior citizens--lots of fun--*wonderful* people 
who have already taken several of us under their wing.  

So the Oxford tutor says to the American one, "One thing I really 
like about your system is that there are many more opportunities for 
non-traditional learners.  That really doesn't exist in such a 
widespread fashion here."

If this is really true, I don't think JKR will have Hagrid go back 
and get his Hogwarts credential, unless it is an honorary one.  
Unless she's an advocate of the lifelong learner...

Besides, (Brits on list, correct me if I'm wrong) I think as recently 
as the late 1960s/early 1970s a university degree was not required to 
teach in England.  Some teachers were college graduates, but many 
attended "normal schools" where they obtained licensure.  My tutor 
did not obtain his university degree until he'd been a teacher for 
quite a number of years.  He says that in those days practical 
knowledge of the subject(s) to be taught and actual time in the 
classroom were seen as the most important virtues for teachers to 
have... and in both of those departments, Hagrid is doing just fine.

--Ebony AKA AngieJ (who has been stunned at how openly critical the 
British lecturers have been of their system, and even more shocked by 
the virtues they seem to see in ours!)