Distasteful Rhetoric
I find the use of the pejorative "con-man/women" to refer to certain students rather distasteful. It seems reflective of a belief that some students are just bad people and not worth the instructional effort.
Marti,
I have received other treats, and appreciated them. It's the intent of the gift that matters. I joke w/ the students and tell them that they can't butter me up, I'm too old and crusty.
The concept of a student as con-man is a bit strong, as if there were malicious intent. I think of con-men as people who trick you in order to take something from you, usually in an illegal manner. A one-time gift or compliment is appreciated, but repeated behavior should be suspect.
I think that terminology was heavy-handed, too, but in the context of this entire course it also seemed out of place. That is, I didn't get the feeling that that "attitude" has been conducted throughout the course.
I was even concerned about the teacher's apple scenario. I've never received an apple, and I've never given one, but I always assumed apples were sincere compliments from good students.
