Can(n)ons and Teachers: McGonagall (was Hermione and Snape

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 128368

 
> Shaun: 
> *Within that context*, there is considered to be no need for a
> teacher to be nice, kind, or stable. These things were not 
considered important in the type of schools that Hogwarts is based on.
> 
> SSSusan:  
> I fully agree with you that a teacher doesn't need to be nice or 
> buddy-buddy with students.  OTOH, there is a big difference between 
> being nice or kind and being cruel and humiliating with students.  
> McGonagall is not particularly *nice,* but she is also not cruel.  
> Snape is.  And I would argue that cruelty and humiliation can 
> *interfere* with students' ability to learn in a way which 
firmness, strictness even coldness, do not.

Potioncat:
I'd like to issue a challenge. Can(n)ons at 10 paces. We need 
something to keep us busy for another month or so.

Shaun is discussing the literary tradition of teaching, but SSSusan 
(I think) is discussing the reality of teaching. Shaun also talked 
about gifted students. But there was a time that everyone was 
expected to learn. I don't think gifted students were identified as 
such. But slower students and troublemakers were made to suffer. That 
does describe Hogwarts to a point.

 It's also been said, upthread, that we're not given very many actual 
class time scenes. Classroom moments usually have some other purpose 
to the plot than teachers' styles...but do give a good sense of 
Magical School life. I think JKR has decided to let kids see the same 
sort of problems and issues at Hogwarts that they are likely to see 
in their own schools.I'm sure every child/adult who reads HP, can 
identify to a certain extent with these situations.

Also upthread someone asked if Snape had ever in any way encouraged 
Hermione. (Frankly I can only  think of one time he encouraged 
anyone.) But do we see McGonagall or anyone else encouraging Hermione 
to go farther and do more?

Here's my challenge: Choose a teacher and provde canon that shows his 
or her teaching either in the classroom or at some other moment. 
Compare, contrast, comment, leave it open, express it however you 
choose.  

Are there any takers?

I'll start with a McGonagall moment. She's considered by many, one of 
the best teachers at Hogwarts, although,IIRC, even JKR said she is 
too strict.

GOF chapter 15, the castle is preparing for the arrival of the other 
schools:

>Other members of the staff seemed oddly tense too.
"Longbottom, kindly do not reveal that  you can't even perform a 
simple Switching Spell in front of anyone from Durmstrang!" Professor 
McGonagall barked at the end of one particularly difficult lesson, 
during which Nevile had accidentally transplanted his own ears onto a 
cactus.<

Interesting. It sounds like something Snape would say, doesn't it? It 
isn't the first time her harsh words have been used on Neville, 
either. The lesson was difficult for everyone and Neville had an 
especially hard time. Although suddenly I wonder why she's so 
particular that he shouldn't reveal his inability to Durmstang? She 
doesn't want to be embarrassed in front of them for some reason?


Potioncat who hopes this will generate something. Please remember to 
put the teacher's name in the subject line.