And my world was turned topsy-turvy in other ways. I have been to numerous conventions, meetings and seminars, often listening to and even debating with the masters of my discipline. These meetings, conventions, presentations and debates reek with competition and one-upmanship. People sometimes laugh, but usually at someone s expense. This strange world where smart people talk about teaching is a different kind of place.
Laughter erupts continuously, but no one is the butt end of jokes.
People argue but no one wins or loses, no points are scored, no tallies are kept. Prominent scholars humbly say, I am here to learn. Maybe smart people do talk about teaching after all.