prof-student etiquitte + Potions master stuff (was: Re: Master of This School)

[millimagus]

No: HPFGUIDX 111867

> Josephine:
> In my UK school (non private) we were made to stand up as the 
> teacher entered the room and chorus 'Good morning Mr. ****' and he 
> would then signal for us to sit down. 
> 
> The difference in the US, which we certainly don't see in any HP 
> British school moments, is that teachers are generally more relaxed
> and more approachable in the States.  (I'm making a sweeping 
> comparison here, not on an individual basis). 

>Snip

> There is less discipline in the US (which I think is sometimes a 
> good thing) and lessons are less strict. The classroom as HRH know
> it is miles away from the way that most American schools teach. 
> <snip> What we have to think while we are reading about HRH in 
> lessons is that they are frightened of being told off, and are 
> aware of the esteem that they must show to their elders. In short 
> saying 'please, sir' is the norm, and a sign of respect.


Milli:

I taught in (state) secondary schools in Britain for 4 years, until 
July 2003. It's definitely right to say that 'Sir' and 'Miss' are 
used regularly but, to be honest, it's now more out of habit than 
anything and it's amazing how kids can make it sound disrespectful! 
The standing up at the beginning of class is now very rare.

I'd also like to stand up for British schooling at this point. The 
atmosphere in lessons is obviously dependent on the teacher but I 
know that my lessons, and those of the majority of my colleagues, 
were relaxed and the teachers approachable. And not many of the kids 
were afraid of being told off - which was not ALWAYS a good thing!!

To me, Hogwarts seems to be based on British public schools (for all 
those Americans out there, that means elite private schools and not 
state funded schooling).

Milli.