Rita Pierson, who has been been a teacher for 40 years, gave this outstanding speech on TED TALKS about pathos in the classroom. In this video she discusses her pedagogical views on teaching, many of her experiences, and she moves the audience with many pathetic techniques. Many of her stories are humorous and she uses these stories to connect with her audience and move them emotionally. A good example of her use of complimentary and derogatory language is at 4:25. Pierson tells a story of when a student received 2 out of 20 points on a quiz. Instead of putting a -18 on the top of the student's paper, she put a +2. As Pierson said at the end of her tale, "Minus 18 sucks all the life out of ya'! Plus two says, I'm not all bad."
This use of pathetic language, may or may not be intentional. As one of our interviewees said pathos is, "more of a happening than a planned technique"(Baumann). It also, supports how Beaumann feels on the use of derogatory and complimentary language. Beaumann, much like Pierson, feels that complimentary language should be used. Beaumann says, "I try for more complimentary than derogatory language." Although derogatory language can be useful, it seems that in the Elementary Education Culture, they find it more useful to mainly complimentary language to promote their students.
All of our elementary education interviewees agreed that while they often use pathos unintentionally they believe it is something all educators need to understand. Beaumann also said, "peope are (generally) emotional creatures; therefore, acknowledgement of, and incorporation of, our emotional lives is generally appropriate [in a classroom setting]." This corresponds with Pierson's use of pathetic language towards her students. She is aware of their feelings and what it takes to promote her students' confidence and academic success. Overall, Pierson and our interviewees both use pathos, have an understanding of pathos, and use it constantly in the classroom.
This use of pathetic language, may or may not be intentional. As one of our interviewees said pathos is, "more of a happening than a planned technique"(Baumann). It also, supports how Beaumann feels on the use of derogatory and complimentary language. Beaumann, much like Pierson, feels that complimentary language should be used. Beaumann says, "I try for more complimentary than derogatory language." Although derogatory language can be useful, it seems that in the Elementary Education Culture, they find it more useful to mainly complimentary language to promote their students.
All of our elementary education interviewees agreed that while they often use pathos unintentionally they believe it is something all educators need to understand. Beaumann also said, "peope are (generally) emotional creatures; therefore, acknowledgement of, and incorporation of, our emotional lives is generally appropriate [in a classroom setting]." This corresponds with Pierson's use of pathetic language towards her students. She is aware of their feelings and what it takes to promote her students' confidence and academic success. Overall, Pierson and our interviewees both use pathos, have an understanding of pathos, and use it constantly in the classroom.