Snape's teaching methods (Was: Snape, Hagrid and Animals)

[horridporrid03]

No: HPFGUIDX 143883

> >>Alla:
> But you DO acknowledge that Lupin's approach is better for        
> Neville, no? So, if Snape is genuinely concerned with teaching     
> Neville something, anything , why does not he change his approach? 
> Why not compare notes with his colleagues and use approach that    
> actually WORKS for Neville?

Betsy Hp:
Probably because Snape's method *does* work for Neville.  In that 
Neville goes through his biggest crises in Potions in his third 
year.  And Snape drags him through it.  

I'm also doubting Snape would spend much time chatting up the man 
who's helping a mass-murderer sneak into Hogwarts sussing out his 
teaching methods.  Trust issues, etc.

I'd also add, that I'm not sure Lupin was the best teacher ever when 
it came to Neville.  He was still considered a DADA joke when Harry 
was teaching.  No one wanted to partner with him anyway.  I'm not 
saying Lupin was a failure as a teacher, by any means.  But he 
didn't pull off any miracles either.

> >>Alla:
> There is always professor Sprout of course who could also teach    
> dear Sevvy a thing or two which can help Neville perform better.
> <snip>

Betsy Hp:
Prove that he didn't talk to Sprout.  Actually, tell me about 
Sprout's teaching methods.  Canon is pretty blank when it comes to 
Sprout.  I can easily see Sprout telling Snape (and Neville's other 
professors) that he's not an idiot and he generally lacks confidence 
and to not let up on him because even if he thinks he can't, Neville 
really can perform under pressure.

> >>Alla:
> That is the main reason I never bought and will probably never buy 
> the argument that Snape cares tiny bit about Neville learning 
> anything - because he SEES that his approach does not work and     
> does not change.

Betsy Hp:
Erm... How do you figure?  Neville passes potions every year, his 
cauldrons-melted-or-otherwise-destroyed statistics decrease 
steadily, and his potions improve.  So what Snape actually sees (if 
we go by the books, anyway) is a challenged student improving.  If 
it's working, why should Snape change his methods?

Betsy Hp (fourth post! Sorry!)