Inspiration and Lifelong Learning

Malcolm attributes his successful teaching philosophy to the lesson imparted by Mr. Lawson: the focus should be on self-directed learning rather than merely pleasing instructors. Throughout his 30 years of teaching, he aimed to instill this ethos in his biology students, encouraging them to embrace learning passionately and independently. He metaphorically describes his career as setting 'lit matches onto piles of leaves,' illustrating how once students grasp the essence of learning, they ignite their own curiosity and desire for knowledge. Malcolm’s heartfelt gratitude culminated in a letter he wrote to Lawson, hoping to convey how deeply this philosophy shaped his life and teaching career.