Teachers generally have a specific plan as they go to a class. However, it is not necessary to rigidly stick to the plan. Often good teachers change their plan according to learner response. Here is a story of a teacher whose rigid adherence to her plan ended in disaster.

The teacher was planning to teach the two related structures “too…to” and “so…that”. She gave a few examples of how one structure can be changed to another.

Example :

Mina is too short to reach the blackboard.

Mina is so short that she cannot reach the blackboard.

After practicing a few examples, she started asking questions.

Teacher: Ram, can you carry the table?

Ram: No, madam. This table is too heavy for me to carry.

No, madam. This table is so heavy that I can’t carry it.

Teacher: Rhea, would you like to eat this chili?

Rhea: No, madam, it is very hot. I can’t eat it.

Teacher: you are wrong. Mani, could you correct it?

Mani: Yes, madam. It is too hot for me to eat. It is so hot that I can’t eat it.

Teacher: Good, Mani. Now, Rhea, repeat what Mani said.

The teacher makes an unpardonable mistake in rejecting Rhea’s response (in her enthusiasm for her own agenda). Though Rhea’s answer is communicatively perfect, Rhea is puzzled and shrinks into herself and will never again open her mouth.

RESPECT THE LEARNER DON’T PREPARE FOR A CLASS

Saraswathi’s wisdom wall: Be ready to change on your feet.

Bonus point : Respect the learner. Don’t wear blinkers.