Potter takes on American education
Amanda Smith/Staff Reporter
Issue date: 10/29/09 Section: News
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"The Pedagogy of Hogwarts: Can American Schools Conjure the Magic of Dumbledore?" presentation was held in the Booth Library Wednesday night. Marie Fero, an elementary education professor, and Sheila Lambert, a Title I reading teacher at Williams Elementary School in Mattoon, were the leaders of the discussion.
Different teaching styles of Hogwarts professors were examined. The teaching style talked about first was the teacher-centered style of teaching. Professor Sybill Trelawney was the divination teacher at Hogwarts, and is often considered emotional and theatrical.
"The kids usually think of her class as a fluff class," Fero said. "She was very self-centered, and believed that everything would come back to her."
Professor Severus Snape, the potions professor, was discussed as well. He criticized Hogwarts students, with the intent to hurt their feelings.
"Professor Snape, to me, is about torturing the students, he's punitive," Fero said.
Other professors included in the category of teacher-style professors were professors Gilderoy Lockhart and Cuthbert Binns.
Continuing with teacher styles were the student-centered professors. Professors who were considered student centered professors included Madam Hooch, Filius Flitwick and Pomona Sprout.
Lambert said Hooch was an effective teacher.
"She let the students perform after showing them what to do," Lambert said. "She also let the students find their way to learn."
Professor Minerva McGonagall was thought to be a mix of both of the teaching styles.
"She was somewhat not organized," Lambert said.
McGonagall also had somewhat of a maternal instinct, especially to Harry.
Professor Albus Dumbledore was the last professor.
"He was the best, he would have won teacher of the year anywhere," Fero said.
Next in the lecture were schools structures and levels.
"We have to assume that Hogwarts students had some kind of education beforehand," Lambert said.
At the elementary school level, American students are taught English as well as math and science as we move up in the education system.
"We never assume students master anything in American," Fero said. "At Hogwarts they know, and they study subjects more deeply, its recurring information."
National initiatives in American schools were debated. The Ministry of Magic, the U.S. Department of Education and the No Child Left Behind Act were discussed.
"Not all students are going to perform exactly the same," Fero said.
"In Hogwarts, when Umbridge is overseeing the school, some teachers modify their agendas to fit what she was trying to see," said Sara Huber, a senior early childhood and middle level education major.
The last subject talked about was the Hogwarts and U.S. students' reactions to school initiatives.
"Students had classes in secret, they revolted, they had that wonderful room," Fero said. "We don't want to rock the boat, especially in the U.S."
Amanda Smith can be reached at 581-7942 or DENnewsdesk@gmail.com.
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