Comparisons between Hector and Irwin's teaching styles

A comparison between Hector and Irwin's teaching styles

We first see Hector begin his lesson with Posner singing and Crowther playing Piano, "Posner sings some Piaf". Irwin begins his lesson by handing out textbooks, "Distributing exercise books". This is the first type of comparison that we see between hector and Irwin's teaching styles. Hector does more to enhance the boys, academically and emotionally, as opposed to Irwin who focuses purely on the small part of their lives that they live in the classroom. Hector is very open to alternative styles of teaching, he allows the boys to act out a scene in a brothel in french, purely so that they can work on their french grammar, which they do not need to be learning. Irwin however is solely focused on the boys success at getting into a prestigious university.

When it comes to teaching there is controversy about whether positive feedback or negative feedback is better for improving a pupils work. Irwin clearly agrees that negative feedback is the way to go as he gives the boys no praise for their efforts, "dull, dull, dull". Irwin believes this use of repetition will convince the boys they need to work harder. Hector however is constantly praising the boys for their efforts.

Hector dislikes the idea of teaching for the sole purpose of an exam. "I count examinations... as the enemy of education".Hector believes that by memorising pieces of literature, it is helping the boys to get ready to face the 'adult world', he essentially wants to teach the boys something that will stay with them long after they leave school.