The art of provocation …

… beyond eastrod: Tell me if I am wrong: Confessions of an eccentric and retired pedagogue — or how Lady Brett Ashley became a low-life alcoholic whore (among a whole crowd of alcoholics).

I believe that too many students have been too accustomed to being told what to think about a novel, story, poem, or play (or any other subject that they study). The students' analytical and critical instincts (and skills, if students can further develop them) have been too often preempted by dim-witted teachers who pontificate and prescribe from the podium, marker board, and projected computer screens because they know no other more creative and engaging pedagogical approach. Students also hurt themselves and preempt their own abilities by too often turning to online summary sites (e.g., SparkNotesand Wikipedia) rather than giving themselves permission to think more (either correctly or incorrectly) about a reading assignment.