Discover Top Posts Tagged with #not always learning

These are just normal brownies. If you feel funny after eating them, it’s not my fault!

– Matt

Awesome, College & University, Geeks Rule, Teachers, The Netherlands | Learning | February 27, 2020

This happens during my first year of studying English at university. One of the first courses I take is Introduction to Linguistics, which consists of one lecture and one seminar per week. The three-hour-long seminar is on Friday afternoon, in one of the stuffiest, most cramped classrooms on campus, neither of which are beneficial to students’ concentration. So, maybe we can be forgiven for being more dense than usual one afternoon, as the teacher is explaining allophones and phonemes. She’s wrapping up an explanation.

Teacher: “So /c/ and /k/ are allophones of the same phoneme that are in complementary distribution.”

The struggle to comprehend must be clear on our faces, because after one look he decides to simplify it.

Teacher: “…which means that /c/ and /k/ are different versions of the same sound that never occur in the same place.”

We’re starting to get it, but not quite. The teacher thinks for a moment and then comes up with the most brilliant analogy ever.

Teacher: “Think of /c/ and /k/ as Clark Kent and Superman; they’re different versions of the same person that are never seen in the same place.”

Class: “Ooooh!”

Everybody laughs, but we finally get it. From that point forward, the seminar has a new theme.

Teacher: “So, these phonemes are in parallel distribution, which means they’re different sounds that can occur in the same place. Basically, they’re Superman and Batman — different people who can be seen in the same place.”

There’s more laughter.

Teacher: “Phonemes can also be in complementary distributions, so different sounds that do not occur in the same place. Like, say, Batman and Spiderman.”

Quick-Witted Classmate: “That could still happen, if DC and Marvel decide on a crossover.”

Me: “That already happened, in the eighties, I think.”

Teacher: “Okay, something more radical, then. How about Batman and Care Bears?”

Quick-Witted Classmate: “That could still be a crossover.”

Classmate #2: “Not sure I’d read that, though.”

Classmate #3: “You kidding? That’d be hilarious!”

Teacher: “Okay, this analogy is going off the rails, so I need something new: an apple and a book. Satisfied with that? You don’t read an apple, and you don’t eat a book.”

Sassy Classmate: “Well…”

Teacher: “No, I don’t wanna hear it. Does everybody at least get it now?”

Class: “Yes!”

I don’t think I’ll ever forget the difference between complementary and parallel distribution.

#where the fuck were these analogies when I was reading that hated book and needed them?#linguistics #phonemes #allophones #not always learning

This is straight culture

#Not Always Learning #Not Always Right

Today in WTF students

If you honestly believe that nonbinary genders in aliens is too unrealistic but psychics facilitating FTL travel in technorganic ships and limitless easy access biohacking are not, you might possibly be a troglodyte.

#teaching #sci-fi #nonbinary #not always learning #students #the perils of writing classes #why are you doing this to us #why are you like this #teacher problems #creative writing #writing

BIZARRE, HIGH SCHOOL, OVERHEARD, SCHOOLMATES, TEXAS, USA

(An exchange I hear when switching classes:)

Student #1: *at full volume* “WHAT’S YOUR GENDER?!”

Student #2: *just as loud* “TOASTER STRUDEL, B****!”

(The lack of context was thrilling.)

#not always learning #gender identity #kin

A Photo-51 Finish

COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY | CHICAGO, IL, USA | HISTORY, MATH & SCIENCE, TEACHERS

(I’m in my university Human Genetics class, and the professor is giving us a brief overview of discoveries made concerning DNA and genetic engineering.)

Professor: “Okay, who can tell me who Watson and Crick were?”

Me: “The guys who discovered Rosalind Franklin’s notes.”

(Half the class started laughing and clapping including the professor. The textbook didn’t even touch on how crucial her work was, but at least we had a good-in class discussion about it!)

#not always learning #women #do the work #credit #nobel prize #genetics

Literally Has No Words

MIDDLE SCHOOL | TX, USA | EXAMS/TESTS

(We are in class and my teacher looks frustrated. I ask her what is wrong.)

Teacher: *holds up three empty test papers, where the only markings are the person’s name*

Me: “I have no words.”

My Friend: “Ooh, someone’s gonna fail today!”

#not always learning #tests #failing