OoP(Spoilers) Snape as teacher

[mkaliz]

No: HPFGUIDX 66965

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "darrin_burnett" <bard7696 at a...>
wrote:
 
> I think you're right that it takes more than the ability to follow
instructions to 
> make a decent potion.
> 
> But the problem is, I don't see Snape trying to instill this
ability. His lesson 
> plan seems to be to have the students follow instructions. 
> 
> Granted, some of the instructions seem to be incredibly complicated,
but 
> nothing a calm and clear-headed student couldn't handle.
> 
> EXCEPT... how many calm and clear-headed students do you see in Potions 
> that aren't Snape's pet Slyths? 

A couple of thoughts here:

1. Snape's curriculum obviously includes some theory and analysis, as
well as lab work. There are canon examples of Harry & Co. writing
essays for homework on various topics--the properties of ingredients,
 how ingredients are used in different potions, etc. The fact that
Harry and Ron generally don't put much effort into the exercises
doesn't negate the fact that the homework is assigned, and is presumed
to be relevant to the practical work in the lab. 

2. Not every student can learn effectively from every teacher. I've
had plenty of teachers just like Snape--snide, sarcastic, biased, etc.
and for me, those sorts of teachers spurred me on to greater efforts;
they were often the classes where I not only learned the most, but
felt the greatest satisfaction that, when I received my good grade, I
had *earned* it. That said, there were plenty of my friends who
despised those exact same teachers, who would freeze up in class when
called upon, and who would often flub the exams.

Sure, it would be nice if teachers would amend their styles to suit
every student, but...with 7 years worth of adolescents to teach, I can
see how a teacher could find it impossible to do so. Besides, it's
also the reciprocal responsibility of students to attempt to learn the
material! Putting *some* effort into the assignments isn't all that
much to ask, IMO.

3. Whatever his motives for teaching, whether he gets his jollies from
frightening his students or not, the fact remains that his students
*do* pass the standardized tests (at least according to the statement
in OotP). So, the kids are clearly learning *something*, even if, like
Harry and Neville and Ron, they really hate the class/teacher.
Hermione certainly seems to do quite well, both in class as well as on
the exams, but then, she also does the homework assignments and pays
attention in class. ;-)

--kai