Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce for September 19, 2012

20% of it is FINE Nate. Now shut up before you get detention

He has a point that he has not hit on yet. I have been in many a class where just to show active class participation student (adults) babble and get off the track of the subject. Then very little of the subject is really learned. At that point may as well just read the book and skip the teacher. And there is always one or two students who control the group and question/answer section.

Would you prefer she made your exam count more, Nate? For someone as lazy as he is, he’s sure going out of his way to make his life difficult in this class.

Yesterday the discussion covered the shy student. And some young people can be so painfully shy. And, I had the joy of watching them overcome it.

The “stuff” part I agree with.

just answer one question a day and you have participated

New profile picture! Of me!

Me too – and stuff.

Makes a good point though.

People who aren’t shy could never understand how difficult life is for the truly shy. I’m in college and can’t bring myself to speak up in class. Whenever I have to do a presentation I speed through it and never look up. It’s a real disability. I’m not even comfortable in a group of family and friends, I’m much better one on one. I don’t want a real wedding because I don’t want everyone looking at me. Ok, I’ve shared enough.

One of the best things I did for myself was to take acting in high school. I find I draw on those skills so much when I have to talk in front of a group. As the head leader in youth groups I could make a mistake and mess things up in front of parents on special nights and not be devastated. At work presentations were no problem. I am so glad I took the classes.

Regardless of what she thinks of him personally, the kid has a point and she ought to think about it.

Easy Nate!

Nate is shy when Kim is around.

THIS “B.S.” act is NOT some of Nate’s best stuff! He must already be winded from the excitement he’s already received since school started (had to carry the G-Lady’s things into school, Gina got a piece published, Jenny/Artur still “on”, Kim AND Chester, etc., etc……) …..and September’s not over yet!

I don’t see how studying acting would be an antidote to shyness. I’m fine reading, or reciting memorized lines, in front of an audience. It’s when I have to actually converse that my mind goes blank and I freeze up.

I’m SHYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!(Once Upon a Matress)

Yeah and Obama is a closet conservative.

Nate makes a good point, if not really applicable to himself! A real problem for teachers comes from this sort of thing though – assigning a score to “soft skills” and “attitude” and participation. It can be hard to quantify (and therefore justify to the mark wienies, and the mark-wienie parents), but it does have a real world value – bosses, partners, potential clients all assess one heavily on those sort of “soft skills”. Which is where a teacher can claw back some marks from these who try to over-participate – taking discussions off-course and wasting time to put themselves in the spotlight, as Agent 54 alluded to. Most teachers recognize those preeners – although it takes a certain talent to manage them – usually involving cutting them off short and thanking them for their contribution while inviting others to contribute.

Nate’s arguement may be true for some kids.

He’d get a standing ovation if she did.

Nate’s got a point about the shy part, but ain’t no way HE’S shy.