(This is in a classroom situation)
2006-07-21 22:30:06 · 13 answers · asked by lady in red 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Generally it is impolite and can not only be embarrassing for the teacher but can show a lack of respect for the teacher. You have to realize that teachers can make mistakes too and that it could just be a slip of the tongue.
However, there are exceptions. For example, if the grammatical error can effect the meaning of information or an assignment, a student should ask the teacher to clarify the meaning of the sentence. In my classroom, students correct me sometimes but we have the kind of relationship where we can poke fun at each other and I generally don't take offense to their corrections.
2006-07-22 02:59:38 · answer #1 · answered by crimson_aurora 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This depends on the situation. If you're taking a class and you know the teacher's character then it can be done. Teachers are people, so you have to be the judge of character.
If the teacher seems like the type that would be embarrassed by the situation, then maybe you should mention it after class. If the teacher has great character, then it's shouldn't be a big deal to mention in class. Most teacher's won't look at this negatively since like I said: we all make mistakes.
I also know a few teachers who do this sort of thing on purpose, to see if the students are paying attention in class.
Take into regard that if you word things the wrong way, it could make you seem a little elitist in the long run. If the teacher does get offended then just remember to not mention it in the long term.
However, your speaking up may also show the teacher that you care about the topics you're learning/discussing and that you are avidly paying attention in class.
We live in a country where voicing your opinion is a given right. Speak up, listen to what others have to say and formulate your own theories and opinions. Voice your thoughts, ideas and concerns about topics. This is probably one of the best ways to gain the most from your educational experience.
2006-07-22 05:45:09 · answer #2 · answered by mroof! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I don't find it impolite. I've made my fair share of mistakes, and having a student correct that mistake shows they're paying attention and have learned something.
With such poor grammar and spelling skills today, I think a student who demonstrates proper use of them is to be commended.
Now of course it all depends on how the student corrected that teacher. If the student yelled out "You stupid idiot...!," then that would be inappropriate. But if the student was nice about it, no harm done.
And if the teacher was an English teacher, then it could give the class a nice chuckle, which may help keep them interested and show that we're not perfect. We have some additional knowledge that they lack, but we're just as human as they.
2006-07-22 20:07:27 · answer #3 · answered by msoexpert 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not only may it be considered offensive, linguistic theories now suggest it is counterproductive. I have been reading a new NCTE publication by Rebecca S. Wheeler and Rachel Swoards (Code-Switching: Teaching Standard English in Urban Classrooms) and have attended a workshop by the presenters.
Studies (and experience) show that the practice of either pretending not to understand when something "non-grammatical" is said or repeating what is said in Standard English has virtually NO transfer to the students' speech.
Students are more likely to respond with the desired result if they are taught to compare their home speech and Standard English dialect and learn to shift or "translate" from one to the other.
Swords is an early elementary teacher and has seen immense improvement even at that level.
2006-07-22 12:10:17 · answer #4 · answered by Huerter0 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be awkward for the teacher, if he/she is not open-minded enough.
In Asian classrooms, it's not common for students to correct the teachers unless the teachers are not focusing enough and give seriously wrong answers. And usually we ask respectfully, else it will be considered rude to just shout the comment across the room.
My opinion is, if your teacher is always making the same grammatical error, maybe you can correct him/her if you principally believed that everyone will benefit from the episode.
A really devoted teacher will see your point and also turn the lesson into something worthwhile for everyone. A teacher with too much pride will take it personally and act defensive. If your teacher acts defensive, I suggest you quit attending his/her class (if you have the choice), this teacher has nothing to offer you outside the textbooks.
2006-07-22 05:44:55 · answer #5 · answered by TEsha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I accept correction from my students..... after all, we all make mistakes. But..... I try to turn my errors into a humorous situation. For example...... if I insist on something being true and then find I was wrong, I tell the students I need to "eat crow." And then I let loose with a "caw, caw" bird call. We all laugh and move on. But, this only works with middle school kids. Younger than that would not get the reference...... and older than that would probably think you were an idiot!
Having said all of that...... please try to be careful with your grammar in the classroom. We need to take seriously our role as mentor, and that means our English speaking and writing skills need to be perfect!
2006-07-22 13:19:18 · answer #6 · answered by Katie My Katie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends upon the teacher and the rapport with the class. If you are the student, I'd tread lightly if you're not sure how it will be received. If you're the teacher, try to take it well and use it as an opportunity to show that we're all human, even teachers. It can't hurt.
2006-07-22 05:33:43 · answer #7 · answered by Arrow 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was going to say the same thing esther said, but she has already said it. I'm here just to second her opinion. I am going to be a teacher soon. I would encourage my students to correct me. I also teach dance classes, I tell the students to correct me when I'm wrong.
2006-07-22 05:47:45 · answer #8 · answered by kynamdoan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a teacher, too, and will admit that I'm not perfect. If I make a mistake, point it out, but don't be rude. I'm a nice person and will probably make a joke out of it.
2006-07-22 21:25:40 · answer #9 · answered by meowww58 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the students makes his/her remark in a polite manner like, "excuse me sir, I think it should be..." or "excuse me sir, shouldn't it be...."
I accept correction from my students and I even congratulate them for being on task.
2006-07-22 16:06:38 · answer #10 · answered by wazup1971 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋