[etni] Quoting with caution

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An interesting quote was posted on ETNI with an approving wink at the NBA:

"If we had to overcome every possible objection before we got started, then
nothing -- absolutely nothing -- would ever get accomplished."
- Richard Carlson -

Interesting indeed in a possible reference to the NBA, where the quote is a
double-edged sword.

From what has been stated on ETNI by teachers objecting to the NBA, it does
not seem as though their opinions came before they attempted to implement
it. On the contrary, the most engrossing cris de coeur came from those who
did start and found the NBA, either (1) almost impossible to implement, or
(2) not helping in teaching English, or (3) both.

As for the quote itself, it certainly makes a point when applied to a
systematic, pedagogical change. It is, surely, reasonable to have expected
the Inspectorate to overcome every possible objection before it got teachers
started on the NBA, not after. Perhaps something, then, would have been
accomplished.

A far more apt quote would be: "To be forewarned is to be forearmed".

Ronald Green


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