Klarinet Archive - Posting 000593.txt from 1996/07

From: thehat@-----.ORG
Subj: A teaching problem
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 21:52:37 -0400

In a message dated 07-30-96 INTERNET: dap@-----.CANT wrote to ** ALL **:
Id> I want to throw out a problem that I'm faced with in teaching . I
Id> just had a 10th grade student start with me. I teach in my home.
Id> The mother wanted to "sit" in on the first (or so I thought) lesson.
Id> I didn't mind and in fact thought it was a good idea to see my
Id> teaching, if we get along, etc. I teach in an office that's not too
Id> big. The mother was seated about five feet or so in front of us.
Id> During the lesson she (the mother) paid some attention to what I was
Id> doing, but also read the newspaper, and towards the end did her
Id> lipstick. I was thinking oh well it's just this first lesson. As we
Id> ended and were setting up the date of the next lesson, the mother
Id> said that oh next time the student's father would come instead - he's
Id> into music things and might be more interested in what I'm saying. I
Id> didn't know what to say - I said nothing. Etc. . . .

Dan,

I realize that this may seem like an inconvenience, but actually there is a
hidden blessing there. You are protected, by the presence of the parent, from
being accused of any improper behavior! In a world where one needs only to be
accused of such a thing to have one's life ruined, perhaps you should
consider inviting ALL of the parents of your high-school and younger students
to attend lessons. Serve free coffee or show movies! It might save you in the
long run.

Just a (sad) thought.

David Hattner
clarinetist-at-large, NYC
-> Alice4Mac 2.4.4 E QWK Eval:04Feb96
Origin: hat's nut house

   
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