Name: Anonymous 2008-12-02 4:50
Pontificating Paolo was a smart undergraduate. Almost as smart as he thought he was. He thought it'd be a good idea to approach me after class to offer me some teaching tips - you know, "one instructor to another."
Apparently, teaching some continuing-ed "how to use a computer" courses meant he was an expert on teaching statistical analysis. He was the kind of guy who would say things like "when is this class going to get difficult?" during class. And when I had the nerve to give him a C? He decided that was a "wretched instructor" who "should be required to retake the introduction to teaching course."
He went on in his senior year to be an undergraduate TA in statistics. His review sessions (I'm sorry - "recitations") were so dense, self-congratulatory, condescending to and contemptuous of the students in the class that most of his course evaluations consisted of the students calling him a "fucking douchebag." For once, the undergrads were right.
Apparently, teaching some continuing-ed "how to use a computer" courses meant he was an expert on teaching statistical analysis. He was the kind of guy who would say things like "when is this class going to get difficult?" during class. And when I had the nerve to give him a C? He decided that was a "wretched instructor" who "should be required to retake the introduction to teaching course."
He went on in his senior year to be an undergraduate TA in statistics. His review sessions (I'm sorry - "recitations") were so dense, self-congratulatory, condescending to and contemptuous of the students in the class that most of his course evaluations consisted of the students calling him a "fucking douchebag." For once, the undergrads were right.