March 29, 2024, 01:10:15 AM
Forum Rules: Read This Before Posting


Topic: On the importance of being eccentric  (Read 4338 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Xenonman

  • Regular Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 55
  • Mole Snacks: +1/-0
On the importance of being eccentric
« on: April 25, 2014, 09:17:38 PM »
I found this point of view I would like people at least to consider sometimes:
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ed059p584, titled "On the importance of being eccentric. As expected, it defends the quirky way of teaching, with stories not always related to what is being taught and such. It is very straightforward:
Quote
If you do not currently possess eccentricities, then cultivate them if you wish to be an effective lecturer.

Also, the author considers a good idea to carry hydrogen baloons to class  :o
Quote
Well, I have a great fondness for carrying hydrogen-filled balloons through the halls and exploding them at frequently inappropriate times in my lecture classes. It certainly wakes up the class!

So, what's your take on this teaching method? And on using hydrogen baloons for the sole purpose of popping them? Isn't that kinda dangerous?
Honeste vivere, alterum non laedere, suum cuique tribuere.

Offline Arkcon

  • Retired Staff
  • Sr. Member
  • *
  • Posts: 7367
  • Mole Snacks: +533/-147
Re: On the importance of being eccentric
« Reply #1 on: April 25, 2014, 10:03:11 PM »
I did this when I was a kid, I had no idea how dangerous it was.  I probably wouldn't fill a balloon with hydrogen and ignite it in my standard high school classroom.  At least not again.  >:D  Some of my university lecture halls ... well, maybe.
Hey, I'm not judging.  I just like to shoot straight.  I'm a man of science.

Offline billnotgatez

  • Global Moderator
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 4399
  • Mole Snacks: +223/-62
  • Gender: Male
Re: On the importance of being eccentric
« Reply #2 on: April 26, 2014, 03:14:01 AM »
 “Those with the money are eccentric. Those without, insane.”
― Bruce Robinson, Withnail and I

“It's okay to be eccentric if you're rich; otherwise you're just crazy.”
― Yvon Chouinard, Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman

=============
Translated
Professors can be eccentric, but if you are lower down on the Academia food chain and you act the same way, you will be labeled mentally deranged.


Offline Irlanur

  • Chemist
  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 423
  • Mole Snacks: +32/-4
Re: On the importance of being eccentric
« Reply #3 on: April 27, 2014, 12:21:18 PM »
Exploding Hydrogen balloons would get me into any bad class...

Offline Xenonman

  • Regular Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 55
  • Mole Snacks: +1/-0
Re: On the importance of being eccentric
« Reply #4 on: April 29, 2014, 11:06:47 PM »
I did this when I was a kid, I had no idea how dangerous it was.  I probably wouldn't fill a balloon with hydrogen and ignite it in my standard high school classroom.  At least not again.  >:D  Some of my university lecture halls ... well, maybe.
Sounds good for graduation. *takes notes*

“Those with the money are eccentric. Those without, insane.”
― Bruce Robinson, Withnail and I

“It's okay to be eccentric if you're rich; otherwise you're just crazy.”
― Yvon Chouinard, Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman

=============
Translated
Professors can be eccentric, but if you are lower down on the Academia food chain and you act the same way, you will be labeled mentally deranged.
The way to go is faking being a normal person and releasing eccentricity once the position allows power and affording hydrogen for pranking purposes. *takes notes*

Exploding Hydrogen balloons would get me into any bad class...
Get own baloons with some dense powder for smoke bombs to escape once there are no baloons left. *takes notes*
Honeste vivere, alterum non laedere, suum cuique tribuere.

Sponsored Links