Especially because the OWU magazine feature had me thinking about why I push students to improve rather than tell them what they want to hear, I was reminded of this video interview conducted by the English Department at Ohio State a couple years ago. They tracked down a student who had taken my version of the writing class that gives English majors a foundation in theoretical approaches to the study of literature. This was a pleasant surprise, largely because it does not give potential students any false impressions about my being “cool” or “understanding” or “nurturing.”
I hope you’re encouraging the young people in your life to see value in the teachers and professors who challenge them. Think about how much easier a teacher’s job is if they avoid letting the student know how their skills could be stronger—and there’s always room for growth. Yep, just think about it.
