Journalism?

Like most schools we have a school newspaper. The students interview teachers and students about a variety of different things. Sports, clubs, "controversial" issues (is block scheduling good?) etc. Last year I was interviewed a few times for various things. The students who did the interviewing did a good job I thought.

This year things are very different. I've been interviewed twice. Both times I got an email with a list of questions that I was to type my response to and send back. Now I think this is a problem. First of all it becomes homework for me. Typing thoughtful responses is more difficult than simply talking with a student. Isn't one of the skills of journalism asking questions and taking down the responses? Condensing them and double checking that you have quotes correct? I think it is a shame that these students are allowed to do all email interviews rather than do one in person.

I Wish I Was in Your Class Again

As the year progresses previous students at times make their way back to my room to say hi. While they visit I ask how math is going for them this year and many of them utter the phrase I hate "I wish I had you again this year" or "I liked your class so much better." Now you might say why in the world do I hate that phrase. What a wonderful compliment. Here's what I don't know. When they say that it means one of two things

1. You were such a great teacher and I learned so much from you.

or

2. Your class was so much easier and I didn't have to try as hard and you didn't yell at me as much.

I hope when they say that they mean number one but I always fear they mean number two.