Your Transport Tales

I used to ride my scooter to school every day. I had a teacher who was definitely my favourite. He taught geometry and trigonometry, and his method of instruction was unique in my experience. None of the other teachers ever let us drop rocks (tied with string) from the roof of the school to measure the angles of descent.

Once he had me bring in my scooter and showed us how to build an odometer that would measure the distance I traveled to school and back each day. I'm extremely clumsy, but even I was able to construct a fairly decent odometer under his instruction. Hooking it up to my scooter was a different matter, however. It broke almost immediately when I tried to use it, but I still thought it was a brilliant lesson.

He always used a practical method of instruction when he could. When we studied aerodynamics, he got us balsa wood and paper, and had us build paper airplanes. Then we went outside, and threw our creations at the giant skip bin hire sign on the building next to our school. I don't remember if there was a prize for hitting the sign, but I know we all tried our very best, and built and rebuilt our airplanes in an effort to impress him.

It wasn't as if he was particularly handsome, either. He was rather plain, with glasses and a rather bookish air. But he treated his students as equals, and gave us practical lessons that made the subject matter seem real and relevant to us. After school, there was always a cluster of kids around him, asking him questions and discussing the course materials. I still remember him pushing his glasses up on his nose and addressing every question and every questioner seriously.

It was a rare thing, to have a teacher who took us seriously and seemed to really care about his subject matter. Most of our teachers talked down to us and made comments that revealed their lack of respect for their students. But he never did.

I can't even remember most of my teachers now without making an effort, but I know for sure I'll never forget him. And I know most of my fellow students feel the same way.