In the Trenches How to Teach a Book All Wrong
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Jul 16, 2025 This podcast dives into the unconventional world of teaching literature poorly. It critiques outdated methods that sap the joy from classic texts like 'Paradise Lost.' The discussion highlights how unengaging lectures can alienate students, urging a more relatable approach to pedagogy. It emphasizes the need to connect literature with real-life experiences, ensuring that learning is both fun and meaningful.
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Learn From Bad Teaching
- Know and remember the worst teacher you've ever had to learn what bad teaching looks like.
- Understanding bad teaching helps you develop good pedagogy by avoiding those mistakes.
Bad Teaching Can Entertain
- If you want to teach Paradise Lost badly but keep students entertained, criticize the book relentlessly.
- Focus only on its theological errors to make students feel smarter than Milton.
Impress Professors, Not Students
- Choose themes that impress college professors, not teenagers, to teach Paradise Lost badly.
- Overwhelm students with scholarly debates and historical context instead of focusing on the story.
