Vocal disagreement

> I'm intrigued.  Can you say more about the certain kinds of 
> resistance that are signs of engagement?  And about how you put 
> it to use?

Vocal disagreement, where the disagreer responds with counterarguments
to my arguments, is a resource for any classroom full of people who want
to learn something important. This is true because of the nature of the
class I teach: 

A) I am teaching the art of software testing; testing is about doubt.
People who question what I say are practicing their doubting skills.
That's good for them, and also a resource for the other learners, who
see them practice. So that's a resource for the class.

B) I teach the class in three days, then I'm gone. My goal is to
facilitate the students thinking for themselves, not copying me. When
they argue with me, instead of regurgitating things I say, I get a
better feel for how they are thinking. That's a resource for me, as I
teach the class.

C) I want to be a better thinker, and better able to articulate my
ideas. When students talk back, I get to practice. So that's a resource
for me, personally.

In most cases, I can turn strong-minded, opinionated people into allies.

The people I have touble with are the apathetic and the sullen. That
kind of resistance is private, and beyond my reach.

-- james


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