July 22, 2005

To Err Is Human; It's Also a Teaching Tool

By DAVID D. PERLMUTTER

Some years ago, after I had filed the grades for a large lecture course, one student -- a loyal attendee and diligent note taker -- dropped by my office to thank me for a great semester. After some pleasantries, she produced a typed note and said, "Oh, by the way, professor, here is a point I caught where you were wrong."

I blinked, thanked her, and promised I would check on the matter. After she left, I consulted some media-history texts and discovered to my horror that,

Digital or Print Subscription

Web Pass

Already have an account? Log In Now.