A hypothesis.

At this point I would consider, for six figures, a job in language program — almost — because I have so much experience of the language program wars, I might as well. I could do better than the average, narrow SLA person, I am sure. Everyone wants to get the language program taken care of … More A hypothesis.

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

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.

On grades

Here is a bell curve.  I could use it. I could also have: 20% W and F, 20% D, 20% C, 20% B, and 20% A. This would up my grades, and be nicer than a bell curve since more people would have A than F. Not that it will help you at all, but … More On grades

And then, the opposite kind of academic advice

There are also those inexperienced professors and otherwise unqualified individuals who insist that they know more than one does, and who require one repeat efforts already tried and failed, or re-run investigations which have already had clear results. I cannot count the number of times I have had some person saying to me, you must … More And then, the opposite kind of academic advice

The most amazing job ad ever

Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Professor of Liberal Arts (Open Rank) “The college seeks a candidate who is closely attentive to the artistry in a work of literature-its imagery, nuance, tone, ambiguity, and language-rather than to the work as a text for political or ideological polemic.” “Requirements: Publications in peer-reviewed journals of literature and/or … More The most amazing job ad ever