The Era of Old-School Teaching: A Nostalgic Look Back

Old-school teaching methods and practices are a thing of the past. In this article, we explore some of the distinctive and perhaps surprising features of this bygone era, including corporal punishment, strict adherence to penmanship, and outdated educational practices.

Corporal Punishment in Old-School Teaching

One of the most notable aspects of old-school teaching was the use of corporal punishment, including paddling. This practice, which was often inflicted on students, involved using a wooden paddle or even a leather belt to administer physical punishment. While corporal punishment is now deemed illegal and unethical, it was once a common form of discipline in public schools.

Perhaps the most bizarre incidents involved male teachers paddling female students. One such instance, witnessed by an elementary-secondary school student in the late 1960s and early 1970s, involved a Physical Education (PE) coach, a male teacher, paddling the behinds of several giggling 8th grade white female students. This would be a major incident today, leading to jail time and a tarnished reputation for such a teacher.

Penmanship: A Priority of Old-School Teachers

Another key aspect of old-school teaching was the emphasis placed on penmanship. While electronic communications have reduced the importance of neat and legible handwriting, teachers like those at Lenoir Rhyne University recognized the value of neat and legible writing. Good penmanship can leave a positive first impression, and well-scripted notes, even in the digital age, are always appreciated.

Outdated Educational Practices

Old-school teaching methods often included outdated educational practices. For instance, one teacher at Lenoir Rhyne University added penmanship to her already extensive curriculum, emphasizing the importance of neat and legible handwriting. These teachers recognized that the first impression matters.

Another common practice was the banning of cell phones, a move that was made to prevent students from becoming distracted. While these rules were often unpopular with students, they served to limit distractions and ensure that students remained focused on their studies.

Old-school teachers also retained outdated curricula and materials, often sticking to 19th-century scientific principles. While this was once beneficial, it can now be counterproductive. The best teachers in the old-school era would extend their teachings to incorporate modern advancements and research.

Other Uncommon Practices

Worth noting are other uncommon practices from the old-school era. For example, one teacher even brought out a dusty Nintendo GameCube, allowing students to play Smash on it, as an unexpected treat. Another common practice was placing cell phones in phone jails, but these measures were often not well-received by students.

Detentions were also a regular occurrence in old-school classrooms. While they were eventually deemed useless, detentions were a frequent and regular part of discipline practices. In today's highly communicative and complex social environment, detentions may carry less weight.

In conclusion, while old-school teaching practices and methods may seem outdated and even harsh by today's standards, they offer a unique glimpse into the past. Understanding these methods can help current educators better appreciate the changes in teaching and learning over time.