instructors

pooltchr said:
The problem is a result of the changes in the government school system. When I was in school, if I turned in a paper, it would come back with red circles and arrows identifying any spelling or grammer errors. (it also affected the grade the paper received)

Now, papers can get an A, based strictly on the content, or what the student "meant to say". If people aren't taught proper writing skills, how can we expect them to be able to write?

Steve
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This thread is spiraling way off topic, and for that I apologize. Steve, I completely agree with you. What you said goes hand in hand with that "No one is a loser, everyone wins, let's not keep score" mentality being shoved down kids' throats now. That makes me sad.

Kids are being taught that in life, as long as you put forth an effort, you won't lose because no one is keeping score. Life keeps score. People lose. It scares me that kids are going to get out of high school and have no idea what's in store for them. It can be one hell of a wake-up call.

It's no wonder people are dropping out of college at alarming rates. This brings us back to what Steve said. Many people are just lacking the fundamental skills to read and write properly because they should have been taught to them at an early age, and they weren't. Each grade expects the next teacher to help them figure it out. That's why when a 10 year old can't read, he still gets to move onto fifth grade. His teacher isn't allowed to fail him, and is just praying that he'll learn what he needs next year.

It's sad, really.
 
9BallMarksman said:
Or maybe it's just another case of learned helplessness that plagues our society. I have no regards correcting adults who do not know the difference between "to" and "too" or "your" and "you're" just to name a couple. America is widely regarded as one of the stupidest nations in the world, and it all starts with basic literacy. Reading and writing.

Granted, I know this is a billiards forum, and perfect spelling and grammar aren't required, but there's also nothing wrong with being in the habit of writing properly. If you're going to write at a third grade level, then be prepared to be treated like a third grader from time to time.
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From a proper grammar standpoint, I believe this should read "one of the dumbest" or maybe even "one of the most stupid", but definitely not "one of the stupidest"

Best,
Brian kc :duck:
 
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pooltchr said:
The problem is a result of the changes in the government school system. When I was in school, if I turned in a paper, it would come back with red circles and arrows identifying any spelling or grammer errors. (it also affected the grade the paper received)

Now, papers can get an A, based strictly on the content, or what the student "meant to say". If people aren't taught proper writing skills, how can we expect them to be able to write?

Steve
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I agree. The better you write, the better people understand what you meant to say.

Uh, did I just use improper grammar?

Roger
 
teacher warning

my only advice on pool teachers is this: don't select one who is too sensitive about conversation. mine fired me the first day because (he claimed!) my gf and i spent too much time chatting away. his so-called proof was that a game of nine-ball shouldn't take longer than a game of one-pocket.

he really harshed my mellow!

further proof? ok, my bf has this pool teacher come to our loft to teach him about billiards. after just two lessons my bf told me that mr. uppity instructor felt more comfortable when just the two of them were there. some nonsense about distractions.

now that i consider it, perhaps the entire pool-teaching community is made up of anti-social loners ... no, i guess i'm not ready to indict an entire profession. yet!

so if i take any more lessons, i'm going to use my full spidey-sense to suss out character and personality before i worry about teaching talents.

you're welcome!

sunny
 
Student warning.

Instructors. Be aware, that if you get a socialite, you may not be able to do the job you've been asked to, and are being paid, to do.

Socialites do not have any priority other than to socialize, and any thing that gets in the way of this socialization will be considered, by them, to be very rude of you.

The upside is (only if you're being paid by the hour) is that you will not actually NEED to teach anything. Now, I know, for most of you, this is an ethical issue. You actually want to teach others about pool, get enjoyment on teaching pool to others, and receive satisfaction when students learn from your knowledge and experience, and don't want to take money for a product you don't feel as if you've delivered. But when your student is a socialite, they are not there to actually learn about pool. Their priority is socializing. Pool lessons is just the setting for socializing and is not the main focus.

It may be in your best interest to turn down this job, in lieu of one that will be from someone interested in learning to play pool, and not from someone who is interested primarily in socializing.

Also be aware, that perspective students, who are serious about wanting to learn about the game, may be in a relationship with a socialite, and again, will consider you rude, if by teaching, you take attention away from them, that their significant other would normally be paying to the socialite.

Socialites will not consider that you are actually working, and trying to do a job, much like any professional instructor.

Best of luck when your job takes you into contact with socialites.

Now.. if you just a guy who knows about pool, and have been roped in by a socialite to teach her and her friends about pool.... well.. you're on your own. Again.. best of luck.


** with any luck.. this will be seen as a playful poke, that was meant to be humorous ** :duck:
 
sunnyone said:
my only advice on pool teachers is this: don't select one who is too sensitive about conversation. mine fired me the first day because (he claimed!) my gf and i spent too much time chatting away. his so-called proof was that a game of nine-ball shouldn't take longer than a game of one-pocket.

he really harshed my mellow!

further proof? ok, my bf has this pool teacher come to our loft to teach him about billiards. after just two lessons my bf told me that mr. uppity instructor felt more comfortable when just the two of them were there. some nonsense about distractions.

now that i consider it, perhaps the entire pool-teaching community is made up of anti-social loners ... no, i guess i'm not ready to indict an entire profession. yet!

so if i take any more lessons, i'm going to use my full spidey-sense to suss out character and personality before i worry about teaching talents.

you're welcome!

sunny
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Sunny,

You threw me there when you said, "mine fired me." I thought for a minute that you was the teacher involved, but then I realized you was the student. How can a teacher fire anybody? He doesn't fire you, you fire him (or her). You're better off without an inflexible prude like that.

Roger
 
Bert Kinister. Niels Feijen took lessons from him and is in some of his videos.

The other would be Little Joe. His students have had a lot of success.

i think another would be Ernesto Dominguez since I am sure that he taught his son Oscar.
 
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You should check out RandyG's or Scott Lee's pool school when it comes to your area. Both are very nice gentlemen and the pool school atmosphere is very laid back. Just a thought.



sunnyone said:
my only advice on pool teachers is this: don't select one who is too sensitive about conversation. mine fired me the first day because (he claimed!) my gf and i spent too much time chatting away. his so-called proof was that a game of nine-ball shouldn't take longer than a game of one-pocket.

he really harshed my mellow!

further proof? ok, my bf has this pool teacher come to our loft to teach him about billiards. after just two lessons my bf told me that mr. uppity instructor felt more comfortable when just the two of them were there. some nonsense about distractions.

now that i consider it, perhaps the entire pool-teaching community is made up of anti-social loners ... no, i guess i'm not ready to indict an entire profession. yet!

so if i take any more lessons, i'm going to use my full spidey-sense to suss out character and personality before i worry about teaching talents.

you're welcome!

sunny
Click to expand...
 
Hmmm

9BallMarksman said:
Or maybe it's just another case of learned helplessness that plagues our society. I have no regards correcting adults who do not know the difference between "to" and "too" or "your" and "you're" just to name a couple. America is widely regarded as one of the stupidest nations in the world, and it all starts with basic literacy. Reading and writing.

************
Really ?? The USA is considered one of the "stupidest" nations in the world. The fact you even said that shows you are thinking at the 3rd grade level.

Is that what they teach in those liberal schools up there in MN. Give me a break. I guess the scientific and medical advancements over the years, putting a man on the moon, saving Europe during WW2, not to mention that many (ones that have the cash) from around the world come to the USA for major medical treatment that they can't get back home. Ummm isn't the Mayo Clinic in MN? Not to mention those from around the world that come to American universities for their education. Hello! Lights are on but NOBODY is home.

I love when someone hears a soundbite and then repeats it as fact for the rest of their lives. You probably heard this on MSNBC or heard some politician blather on about US education, etc. And now you put it out there like it is a fact.

Your rant has no place here. This is a pool forum, who gives two craps on how someone spells or uses grammar. And then you have to rant and insult the entire nation with no evidence to back it up, because somebody here did not use proper grammar. In a business setting, yeah, I'm going to kick back a poorly written report, and make the guy write it over, but lighten up here, were not at work, this is our hobby !!!!!!!!

Artie B posts on ONE POCKET.org and a first grader could spot Artie the
"c" and the "a" to spell cat and the kid would be stealing. But who cares. I'm reading to learn what he has to say about one pocket and other pool stories.

So relax, we are all now aware that you are much smarter, richer and probably better looking than the rest of us !! KUDOS to you... Now lets get back to the discussion at hand.
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ChicagoRJ said:
************
Really ?? The USA is considered one of the "stupidest" nations in the world. The fact you even said that shows you are thinking at the 3rd grade level.

Is that what they teach in those liberal schools up there in MN. Give me a break. I guess the scientific and medical advancements over the years, putting a man on the moon, saving Europe during WW2, not to mention that many (ones that have the cash) from around the world come to the USA for major medical treatment that they can't get back home. Ummm isn't the Mayo Clinic in MN? Not to mention those from around the world that come to American universities for their education. Hello! Lights are on but NOBODY is home.

I love when someone hears a soundbite and then repeats it as fact for the rest of their lives. You probably heard this on MSNBC or heard some politician blather on about US education, etc. And now you put it out there like it is a fact.

Your rant has no place here. This is a pool forum, who gives two craps on how someone spells or uses grammar. And then you have to rant and insult the entire nation with no evidence to back it up, because somebody here did not use proper grammar. In a business setting, yeah, I'm going to kick back a poorly written report, and make the guy write it over, but lighten up here, were not at work, this is our hobby !!!!!!!!

Artie B posts on ONE POCKET.org and a first grader could spot Artie the
"c" and the "a" to spell cat and the kid would be stealing. But who cares. I'm reading to learn what he has to say about one pocket and other pool stories.

So relax, we are all now aware that you are much smarter, richer and probably better looking than the rest of us !! KUDOS to you... Now lets get back to the discussion at hand.
Click to expand...

Ease up, friend. I was merely commenting on a study done a few years back that rated the intelligence of all students in a particular grade (I believe it was 10th grade), and America ranked something like 109 out of the 180-some countries involved.

No need to attack me personally, or the "liberal schools up in MN." I'm actually in quite a conservative area. However, a recent study showed that one in five Americans cannot find America on a map of the world. And 70% of Americans polled were unaware that the sun is actually a star.

I'm not trying to downplay or disregard all of the advances made in recent years, including the ones you mentioned, but there is undeniable proof that education is on the decline.

Enough, I need to stop myself. You're right, this is a billiards forum. Let's talk about anything but this.
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kickin' Chicken
From a proper grammar standpoint, I believe this should read "one of the dumbest" or maybe even "one of the most stupid", but definitely not "one of the stupidest"

Best,
Brian kc :duck:


9BallMarksman said:
Ha! Touche, Brian. Well played.
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Thank you sir, most especially for taking my comment how it was intended, as simple humor. :)

Best,
Brian kc
 
ShootingArts said:
Several of the smartest men I ever met could barely read and write, never knew how to turn a computer on. Another grand old gentleman of the game wrote like he was barely literate on a computer. I had far too much respect for his abilities and niche knowledge to ever hint at his posts being lacking in the first few years I knew him. I was very glad I did, Not only did he have a PhD, he was the head of a school at an ivy league college!

If somebody can't write well enough that we can get the gist of what they are saying it is their problem. If we can understand their posts then perhaps they write just fine.

Hu
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Well put Hu....Some people have a paper degree but they will never have class or character.....
 
ChicagoRJ said:
9BallMarksman said:
Or maybe it's just another case of learned helplessness that plagues our society. I have no regards correcting adults who do not know the difference between "to" and "too" or "your" and "you're" just to name a couple. America is widely regarded as one of the stupidest nations in the world, and it all starts with basic literacy. Reading and writing.

************
Really ?? The USA is considered one of the "stupidest" nations in the world. The fact you even said that shows you are thinking at the 3rd grade level.

Is that what they teach in those liberal schools up there in MN. Give me a break. I guess the scientific and medical advancements over the years, putting a man on the moon, saving Europe during WW2, not to mention that many (ones that have the cash) from around the world come to the USA for major medical treatment that they can't get back home. Ummm isn't the Mayo Clinic in MN? Not to mention those from around the world that come to American universities for their education. Hello! Lights are on but NOBODY is home.

I love when someone hears a soundbite and then repeats it as fact for the rest of their lives. You probably heard this on MSNBC or heard some politician blather on about US education, etc. And now you put it out there like it is a fact.

Your rant has no place here. This is a pool forum, who gives two craps on how someone spells or uses grammar. And then you have to rant and insult the entire nation with no evidence to back it up, because somebody here did not use proper grammar. In a business setting, yeah, I'm going to kick back a poorly written report, and make the guy write it over, but lighten up here, were not at work, this is our hobby !!!!!!!!

Artie B posts on ONE POCKET.org and a first grader could spot Artie the
"c" and the "a" to spell cat and the kid would be stealing. But who cares. I'm reading to learn what he has to say about one pocket and other pool stories.

So relax, we are all now aware that you are much smarter, richer and probably better looking than the rest of us !! KUDOS to you... Now lets get back to the discussion at hand.
Click to expand...

What you just told me was we have more money so we can use it to dump into programs. Thus letting our engineers, physicists ect run wild and actually practice these expensive programs/procedures.
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This thread is turning entertaining ^^

I do think educational standards in america have gone down from what they used to be. They were higher when we were putting men on the moon and 'saving europe'. There does seem to be a weakened emphasis on simple spelling and grammar. The only real problem with that is that poor spelling and grammar can make it more difficult for an otherwise-smart person to sell themselves and their ideas. People tend to dismiss those who write poorly.

I guess the flipside of that is that some dumb statements, if presented nicely, manage to get more credit than they deserve.

Ponytail: I wanted to rep you for that post but needed to spread it around. Instructors will probably have more success if they get along with their students, but ultimately the only way someone can learn is if they have an interest. If the instructor detects a lack of interest it would be less frustrating for him (and more economical for the student) to admit defeat.

Sunny, when you were learning algebra or your ABC's, did those instructors tolerate you chatting with someone else during the lesson? Could you bring in a friend?

Chicago: Artie B posts on ONE POCKET.org and a first grader could spot Artie the
"c" and the "a" to spell cat and the kid would be stealing. But who cares.

That cracked me up :P
 
fyi

i am no more a socialite than i am a socialist!

however ... if i were both? i could be a socialistic socialite!

and, mr. creedo? as i recall, i was a perfect student ... beloved by teachers, administrators and fellow captives!

sunny
 
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