Crazed Scientists and Nutty Professors

Historic Hump-Day

Crazed Scientists and Nutty Professors

You pay your money and you take your chances. - Dr. Bill Murnane

Are you a “nutty” professor or a crazed scientist? Within mainstream media since the early 1960’s, the “nutty” professor engrossed in his work and displaying few positive social skills, has been the predominant characterization of those of us who teach within higher education. That stereotype, and the one of the evil mastermind, like Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz of Phineas and Ferb fame, tend to be the primary portrayals of people with a Ph. D. (If you know of others, please share – especially if they are positive!)

Think about the professors you have experienced in your past as teachers, colleagues, friends, or adversaries. They all had an impact on the impressions you hold of yourself and your chosen profession. Their input has created your output. Were they nutty or bent on ruling the world? “The teachers who have had a significant, positive impact on us represent a wide variety of developmental positions or teaching perspectives” (Robertson, 2000, p.118). These perspectives defined their teaching methods and relational habits, whether they were student-centered, teacher-centered, or somewhere in between. 

As we construct personal teaching philosophies, it is important to look back at our educational experiences and the teachers we still remember and ask ourselves these questions:

• What were their perspectives? 

• Were your favorite teachers seasoned professionals or excited newbies? 

• What do you still hold onto concerning them?

• Who do you model yourself after or aspire to imitate?

 

My two favorite teachers were Dr. Kaye Warren, my high school Latin teacher, and Dr. Bill Murnane, Egyptologist and Ancient History professor at the University of Memphis for many years. Dr. Warren’s class in the mid-1980’s was pure anarchy. She believed that you would study and pay attention if you wanted to learn, or play if you did not. She really did not mind either way, and did not discipline the players, but rather tolerated them. This made for a challenging learning environment in a way I had not expected. The responsibility of learning lay with the student even amidst the classroom chaos. My love for her and her subject matter was a derivative of her own love for her work. 

Dr. Murnane’s class was business all the way. He spent the summers, and sometimes years, in Egypt living his profession and his passion was evident. Geography was as important to him as the dates and names of the ancient people. He encouraged courageous thought, held students to high standards, and was always very thoughtful in his responses. My favorite phrase of his was, “You pay your money, and you take your chances.” This was his way of saying that we can never be certain.  

These two teachers inspired me like no others, and still do. They were both what I would consider “nutty” in their own ways, preoccupied thinkers who truly enjoyed their subject matter. I strive every day to live up to their example of dedication to their craft. 

I encourage you to revisit your school days. Remember the good times and the bad. What made them so? How did they impact you? Also, reflect on your teaching. Are you intentionally providing students with positive memorable experiences? What do the students say? What changes would you like to make? Why? 

Feel free to share your thoughts about teaching and your favorite professors below in our Comments. 

Please take the time to complete the 10-question, 3-minute survey for January, and join me tomorrow for our Weekly Wrap-Up!

See you then, 

Melynda

@Melynda_Conner

#TCBHigherEd

Reference:

Robertson, D. R. (2000). Professors in space and time: Four utilities of a new metaphor and developmental model for professors-as-teachers. Journal on Excellence in College Teaching, 11 (I), 117-132.