A class discussion was being held on “Backing Bread”, the teacher was at the front of the class and the students spread out in the room. Teacher asks the class “which dry ingredients do we add?”. A simple question, and for the class of experience bakers someone calls out “flour” and is curtly told “no not flour” by the teacher. Immediately a hush ran through the room as a tension formed. Clearly flour is an integral dry ingredient. Time stretched, and the teacher offered up “Sugar”, then a brave student responded “Yeast”, and time dragged on again. The only other dry ingredient is flour. After a time the teacher proudly explaims “flour! you knew that didn’t you?”

KA teachers are assertive, they know the content thoroughly and are passionate about sharing their knowledge. I think these teachers must make good learners as well, because they would constantly be seeking new information on their topic. I’m noticing however a rub between them and their students. KA teachers don’t allow for very much student freedom, and if the participation isn’t exactly as planned, then there can be conflict.

I think that the solution for this scenario would have been to clear the white board and to write the suggestions up as students were asked to contribute. This way the teacher could have control over the size of the ides contributed or the grouping or something that would represent the relative importance and relationship of connected ideas.

There is a lack of freedom during these activities, and despite it being a lesson, it can feel very condescending to the students. I think that this persona finds it’s place where teaching very specific content such as definitions, lifesaving skills and equipment handling (shops, foods, labs ect…). It does not belong in lessons that involve discussion, play, or inquiry.

Knowledgeable Authorities are important and have a place in education. I wouldn’t pay for a university degree from someone who makes it up on the spot, and I’d rather an art or athletic instructor critic my skill for improvement than rest at a low level.