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DatNewbChemist 5 points ago +5 / -0

How am I suppose to change your mind when all the facts clearly argue that they are?

Best professor I've ever had was the following...

  • Very tough (there was no "well you kinda got it right" and to get a 100% on an assignment or project from them was brag worthy)

  • Very well versed in their field and knew the many viewpoints people from different camps held

  • Taught a very rounded and incredibly intense subject where one week you'd be reading a couple books about XYZ and how that's the best and then the next you'd be reading about how XYZ actually sucks and ABC is the best.

  • They actively argued with you. Not "pushed you along" or "guided you", but almost came at you trying to tear down your argument and expected you to defend it; meaning you had to know your material walking in. It felt like a full on debate and you'd be a fool not to come in with prepared notes and counter points.

The point of me hoisting this professor so high is because - in my (very long) experience in the college system - this professor was the exception to the rule. I knew exactly where they stood on certain topics but there was never a moment where I felt like I was being told that their standpoint was the undeniable truth. I was always being challenged and told that I need to think for myself and develop my own viewpoint on these things - one capable of standing up to scrutiny and criticism. That is not the common situation in public schooling.