Sean D. Kelly - Teachers Make a Difference

The speaker reflects on influential teachers throughout their life, starting from early childhood in a Montessori school with Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Little, who fostered a love for learning. In fourth grade, Mrs. Schaffner reignited this passion despite social challenges. In middle school, Mrs. Loo and Mr. First led a memorable oral history project. Finally, in graduate school, Professor Hubert Dreyfus at Berkeley profoundly impacted the speaker's approach to learning and teaching, emphasizing the importance of mutual learning between teacher and students.

What was the unique aspect of the Montessori school that the narrator attended?

• Strict discipline and structured learning

• Freedom to explore and supportive teachers

• Focus on competitive exams

• Emphasis on sports and physical education

How did Mrs. Schaffner help the narrator in fourth grade?

• By focusing on art and crafts

• By organizing sports events

• By offering individual support and enthusiasm

• By providing extra homework

What was the main activity in the project led by Mrs. Loo and Mr. First?

• Creating a science fair

• Building a community garden

• Gathering and publishing oral histories

• Organizing a school play

What was the key teaching philosophy of Professor Hubert Dreyfus?

• Encouraging mutual learning with students

• Focusing solely on lectures

• Using only traditional teaching methods

• Teaching only subjects he had mastered

Which discipline did the narrator eventually move into after being influenced by Professor Dreyfus?

• Mathematics

• Computer Science

• Philosophy

• Biology

What was the narrator's initial field of study before switching to philosophy?

• Mathematics and Computer Science

• Art and Design

• Physics and Chemistry

• History and Literature

What did the narrator find most exciting about Professor Dreyfus's classes?

• The emphasis on exams and grades

• The focus on rote memorization

• The possibility of contributing new insights

• The use of multimedia presentations