Discussion Overview
The thread discusses humorous and absurd comments made by professors and students in academic settings, particularly in science and mathematics courses. Participants share anecdotes that highlight misunderstandings, miscommunications, and amusing situations that arise in educational contexts.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
- Meta-discussion
Main Points Raised
- One participant recounts a professor's incorrect assertion about proton NMR, leading to confusion about nuclear spins.
- Several participants express opinions on the phrase "there's no such thing as a stupid question," with some arguing that there are indeed stupid questions based on their experiences.
- A humorous incident is shared about a professor mistakenly writing "S&M Tips" on the board, leading to laughter from students.
- Another participant describes a professor's failure to recognize a diagram they drew resembled a phallic shape, leading to an awkward moment in class.
- A story is shared about a professor discussing atomic stability, where a student's theory about photon absorption was met with seeming acceptance from the professor.
- Participants reflect on various misconceptions taught by teachers, including incorrect classifications of turtles and misunderstandings about gravity and molecular forces.
- One participant mentions a professor's strong stance against the existence of magnetic monopoles, citing Maxwell's equations as the basis for this belief.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a range of views on the nature of comments made by professors and students, with no clear consensus on whether certain statements are inherently "stupid" or not. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the validity of various claims and experiences shared.
Contextual Notes
Some anecdotes reflect personal interpretations and experiences that may not align with established scientific understanding or educational practices. The discussion includes a mix of humor and critique of academic communication.
Who May Find This Useful
This thread may be of interest to educators, students, and anyone involved in academic settings, particularly those who appreciate humorous or absurd anecdotes related to teaching and learning.
