Vensuvio wrote:
Though they could just be bad teachers.
They could be but, since I've never met them, it'd be unfair of me to imply so.
Even while mediating or allowing students to discuss things, there's nothing to prevent an instructor from seizing upon a path or train of thought and directing the conversation in that direction.
I don't really see where a student's "narrow world view" (and I'll admit that's often the case) is any less condusive to meaningful debate than berating a student, calling them stupid and mocking their faith until they cry. At least the former can be blamed upon a lack of worldly experience on the part of the students. The latter is just an egocentric power-trip at the expense of your position in the classroom.
There's probably a middleground in there between "reading a magazine while the students bullsh[Aqua][/Aqua]it their opinions on Iraq" and "Going on lengthy, polarized tirades and verbally abusing students who disagree with you". Mind you, I'm not accusing Mr. Bennish of the latter but rather directing my thoughts about Flea's previous instructor.
As for Mr. Bennish, I don't have the information to make an intelligent opinion on what should become of him and what should have happened. It's almost hard to muster enthusiasm. No matter the outcome, the Right will make him into a demon and the Left will make him into a martyr. I doubt either will significantly affect the status quo.