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In any learning situation, this type of language can be deeply demoralizing, because it makes struggling students feel that their teacher is totally unable to u

• Kye 7y ago
  I hit this wall hard with every math teacher. The world seems to be divided into three groups: people who get math easily, people who got math with some effort, and people who can't get the other two groups to slow down and let everyone else process their explanations. Math teacher, with a solution 60 steps in: "See? Simple!" Me, having been unable to break them out of the zone for the last five minutes: "Okay so back on step 1 you said..." Fortunately YouTube came about just as I hit college remedial classes, and some of the math channel people seem to get it. Plus, I can make them stop with the pause button while I process something.
  • mytailorisrich 7y ago
    There is a difference between being condescending, i.e. patronizing superiority, and an expectation of a certain level of expertise/understanding of the topic under discussion. Sometimes lecturers assume students are more knowledgeable than they actually are (rightly or wrongly).
    • Kye 7y ago
      Sometimes there is patronizing superiority. I've been called an idiot for not getting someone's explanation in various subjects. I never know what kind of person they'll turn out to be until I ask for more details. The article offers some handy tools and tips to avoid being Schrodinger's Asshole in writing documentation.