Son of Insecure!Snape (Was: prof-student etiquitte + Potions master stuff)

[cubfanbudwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 112000

Nora wrote:
> > There's a point when it's an insistence upon common courtesy, 
> > but there's also a point where it's an attempt to solidify one's 
> > power and control over the students.  Everyone I've talked to in 
> > academia knows at least one of those--their tendency to snap 
> > back comes out of an intense defensiveness.  Attacking their 
> > ideas is like attacking the person themself.
> > 
> > Snape strikes me as one of those, and after OotP revelations, 
> > I'm not surprised.  
 ----------------------------

Tonks:
> I also think that Snape does not like teaching, and probably has 
> that position because after his DE days it was all that he could 
> get. It takes something of a Saint IMO to enjoy teaching... 
> especially teenagers!!!  Of course Snape wants some control over 
> the little demons!!! He is the teacher, THE MASTER, and he SHOULD 
> have control of his classroom. Not like that wimp of a professor 
> Bimms, who is even surprised if a student is actually listening!  
> And in the old school a student would never dream of "attacking 
> their (professor's) ideas". The student is there to learn. Mouth 
> shut, ears open!!!  I have great empathy for Snape. (And no I have 
> never been a teacher.)


SSSusan:
I taught teenagers, and I *loved* it!! You can REASON with them, you 
know?

I have always viewed Snape as one who loves the *subject matter* 
he's teaching and probably, therefore, any *advanced* students he 
has, as they likely understand and appreciate that subtle science & 
exact art of potion-making.  But the "freshmen" and 
the "dunderheads"?  He cannot bear them.  

I understand what Nora is saying about insecurity being correlated 
w/ the DEMAND for respect, the constant reminder that I am a 
*professor.*  [I hope not to offend anyone with this (and remember 
that my majors were psych & counseling), but the folks I've 
encountered who make a POINT of putting "Dr." in the phone book and 
insisting upon the "PROFESSOR" were the psychology profs!  My 
thought about this?  Because there's such a debate about psych not 
being a "true" or "hard" science.]  But I don't think insecurity is 
the issue with Snape.  I just think he has no patience for those who 
aren't also, like he is, good at & appreciative of potions.

To tell you the truth, what worked better for me was to both 
demand/expect respect AND to offer it.  You treat teenagers with 
respect, like you think what they have to say is worthwhile?  You 
listen to them?  You make sure their peers listen to them, too?  
Bang--instant respect for you as a teacher, too.  But don't get me 
started on Snape's take on this method. ;-)

Siriusly Snapey Susan