What's a pun?
I listened idly to some radio programme earlier today which posed the momentous question: "What makes a good teacher?"
Well I would say a good teacher is someone who is not only on top of their subject - but also has that extra spark of humanity that allows them to smile with - as well as at - their students.
I remember a time at secondary school when a particularly good English teacher pounced on the class jester - who was not paying attention at the time:
"What's a pun, Bradley?", asked Mr Drake.
As quick as a flash - and without hesitation - Bradley replied:
"About 16 ounces, sir."
Instead of being punished or taken to task for his 'insolence', Mr Drake - as I recall - could not contain his admiration for Bradley's wit - and ability to think on his feet.
The whole class was rewarded in some way - which I can't recall - but that's what I always think of when think of a good teacher.
Well I would say a good teacher is someone who is not only on top of their subject - but also has that extra spark of humanity that allows them to smile with - as well as at - their students.
I remember a time at secondary school when a particularly good English teacher pounced on the class jester - who was not paying attention at the time:
"What's a pun, Bradley?", asked Mr Drake.
As quick as a flash - and without hesitation - Bradley replied:
"About 16 ounces, sir."
Instead of being punished or taken to task for his 'insolence', Mr Drake - as I recall - could not contain his admiration for Bradley's wit - and ability to think on his feet.
The whole class was rewarded in some way - which I can't recall - but that's what I always think of when think of a good teacher.
