Teaching methods was ( Re: Petunia)

[Irene Mikhlin]

No: HPFGUIDX 41157

Darrin wrote:

> Very capable teacher??? When???

When all of them pass the exams, even Neville.

In real life I think eleven is a little bit early for his
teaching methods (but then wizards are tougher on
their kids), but later, like at 16-17 - it can be  an
excellent character building experience.

>
> Sorry, not when I read his treatment of Neville and Hermione.
>
> Teaching is about encouraging those that do well to do even better.

There is life after school, and this life does not always work by
positive motivation. It's important to learn how to turn your anger
into self-motivation and get results under stress.
When your boss gives your an equivalent of "20 points from your house,
50 if you say another word" - it's important to know how not to
say another word ( and not to give yourself a heart attack while your
suppress it. :-) What is the better place to learn those lessons than
the relatively safe atmosphere of school?

>
> Now look at Neville. Teaching is also about, perhaps mostly about,
> helping people learn. I don't consider standing up there, reciting it
> and expecting everyone to know it -- and then yelling when they
> don't -- teaching.

That's more university style education than school style, granted.
But someone who knows what he is reciting, and can do so in
logical and understandable manner, would be a good teacher in my book.

> Big concession on my part. I am looking at this through an entirely
> American lens.

<g> "The six-digit compensation" bit gave you away already. :-)

> Perhaps the British private school method is
> different. If so, I concede he might be a first-rate teacher in this
> system.

They are not very relevant to Hogwarts, even if they are similar.

I would like to try and find a magical reason behind the method.
What makes potions magical - only ingredients? Would a muggle be
able to follow the recipe? I don't think so, there is a magical boost
involved somewhere. So far we haven't seen the kids being taught
about controlled wandless magic. They are only able to do it
when they are "scared or angry", to quote Hagrid.

*Scared or angry* ? Doesn't it describe the state of poor potions students
perfectly? :-)

>He threatens Neville's pet with death. A zero grade or failing marks
>isn't good enough for Neville. No, Trevor is on the chopping block if
>Neville doesn't mix the potion right.

So, in light of this theory failing marks are really not good enough for
Neville.
He needs this extra push to get the magic out of him. And it's either very
powerful, or very unfocused - just ask all those melted cauldrons.

Irene