Ask former students (part 2): "Avoid asking us to accumulate knowledge that will disappear from our minds in a short time."

...as the student is able to work on a pleasurable environment, her/his motivation and productivity increase...



I asked former students
(a) what do they remember from the classes we had together
(b) what do they recommend for my future procedures
(c) would they like to be virtual mentors?

Here is a reply.

Hello, Mr. Steve! How are you? In my opinion, your teaching method is newfangled and original. And that is the reason I admire it. I have been all my life on a room accumulating knowledge that will disappear from my mind in a short period of time, because they will not be useful for me in a future (and because my memory is finite, of course). But, during the ISP program, you gave us work that was of our interest. In my case, I did an essay related to the Spanish Civil War. I remember that I felt really comfortable doing it. First, because personally, I love that period of the Spanish History, and I never had the chance to study it in depth. Also, because you gave us enough time for finishing it, without an excessive pressure. 

I blindly trust in the effectiveness of your method. In conclusion, as the student is able to work on a pleasurable environment, her/his motivation and productivity increase. Also, I believe that your teaching procedure allows students to focus on the areas of knowledge that are of her/his interest. All these aspects that I have mentioned directly affect the academic results of the students and their self-steem (because they have responsibility). But, what is more important, your teaching methods made classes more pleasant and enjoyable: students were more blissful.

I am interested on receiving questions, and I prefer to get them by e-mail. 

Regards, Pablo.

Pablo Ruiz Rivet can be reached at < pabruri AT  hotmail  D O T  c o m >