Lasting Impressions

I learned many lessons from Mr. D. Mr. D. taught Spanish and coached boys track. He was tall, lean and possibly the most intimidating teacher I have ever had. Although young and hip, Mr. D. was very traditional in his teaching methods. He was a classic essentialist. There was certain information that we, as students, needed to know and were required to take tests on. Projects and alternative assessment methods were not a part of Mr. D's curriculum. I can remember class periods where we would be quizzed or tested two or three times on various Spanish topics. These quizzes were both written and oral. Throughout the year, I became very good attacking grammar quizzes and learned many mnemonic devices to remember random facts but, I never enjoyed going to class. The task in Mr. D.'s class that haunts me to this day is the oral examination. I hated speaking in Mr. D's room. When quizzed orally students were picked at random and asked questions. I would sit in terror and hope that Mr. D would forget to call on me. Although I could often answer other student's questions, when it came to my turn, it always felt like my mind go blank. I can also remember my horror at Mr.D's version of classroom management. Mr.D. used to stand by the door and say that anyone who misbehaved or did not do well in his class would get kicked out. As he said "kicked out" he would dramatically kick his leg up to his head. Mr. D's flexibility and this trick were notorious among students. Subconsciously I knew that Mr. D. was joking when he did this but, his actions made me uncomfortable and afraid that if I did not do well he would make a big scene in front of the class. Now that I am a teacher, I think about Mr. D. often. Although my class experience was miserable, he taught me a lot. Academically, Mr. D. could not have prepared me more for college-level Spanish classes. While at Duke, I never encountered a quiz that was trickier than Mr. D's. The social aspects of the language were however, lost for me forever. My college professors always tried to get me to speak more in class but I could not seem to overcome my fear and self-consciousness about speaking Spanish in front of others. Even after six years of studying the language, I never felt free to converse with others. Mr. D. taught me many things. He taught me grammar, history and Spanish culture. He also taught me fear and the long-lasting power of intimidation. Mr.D. gave me an outstanding academic education but his actions and me away from loving his language. From Mr. D. I learned the tremendous influence teachers have on the atmosphere of the classroom and the importance of a school environment where students feel free to make mistakes and learn at their own speed.

-- Stephanie N., American University