Four months

It is a week or so early but I am declaring myself undepressed now for four months, although November is always stressful. I had an emotional crisis that I let run, so that I could see what it was. I could have shut it off by keeping busy, but I wanted to see what it was. … More Four months

La psico-pedagogía de los exámenes

Luis Enrique Galván has an article by this title in Amauta 20 (January 1929):  58-63. It is a brilliant critique of examinations, particularly standardized tests, and particularly those administered by a central authority. “Como un regazo anacrónico de las viejas máquinas usadas para la tortura escolar, desde las humildes escuelitas primarias hasta nuestras universidades hinchadas de … More La psico-pedagogía de los exámenes

New

Does your university offer this? “Please join us for a fun and furry event during finals week. On Wednesday, December 11, certified therapy dogs will be visiting the library to help students de-stress during the busiest time of the semester. Therapy dogs and their handlers will be on the first floor of the Library from … More New

Manifesto

I do not think of myself as a teacher of foreign languages or have a great interest in this but I am a zealot if required. This is my manifesto. 1. The custom of presenting all grammar in the first year, and reviewing it in the second, is incoherent and must be revised. 2. The … More Manifesto

Golden words

“Teaching to the test and a culturally indoctrinated fear of failure leaves many students confused (and therefore angry) when confronted with thinking.” I should print this out and post it on my door. This text is also very important. #OccupyHE. Axé.

Francisco de Quevedo

Nowadays it is considered one should not teach literature as one teaches English writing or Spanish grammar, and it is an error. It is important to read people with a good style, not just pulp journalists, even if these are more “current.” I have been reading some really bad writing and I need to contemplate … More Francisco de Quevedo

Library noir

Apart from Mr. De Caro, 13 others are charged, including a priest. The full extent of the losses is not known — the Girolamini Library lacks a complete catalog — but prosecutors, with some bombast, have compared it to the destruction of Dresden during World War II. In 2012, the authorities recovered more than a thousand library … More Library noir