Predictably Unpredictable

Scott Postma December 4, 2021

There is one sense in which the teacher should be predictable: well-prepared lesson plans, punctuality, grading standards, cheerfulness, orderly classroom, etc. 

But there is another sense in which a teacher should be equally unpredictable: timely appropriate humor, relevant rabbit trails, impactful stories, and impromptu displays of beauty: art, music, and poetry.

A surprising piece of art, a beautiful poem or even a clichéd joke about polynomials (Rats FOILED again!) might be the inspiration, wonder, or comic relief a student needs to remain curiously and wonderfully engaged in the same ole’ same ole’.

Categories: On Teaching
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Scott Postma
Scott lives in the panhandle of Idaho with his bride of more than 30 years. Together, they have four grown children, whom they homeschooled, and six grandchildren. Scott edits The Consortium: A Journal of Classical Christian Education, is a co-founder and the CEO of Kepler Education, leads the Poiema Reading Society, and practices the ancient art of Tsundoku. Scott earned a doctorate in the humanities (Ph.D., Faulkner University), served as a minister for 20 years, and has been an educator for nearly 30 years. He also blogs at scottpostma.net.

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