> In 1983, Dr. John Patterson, self-avowed atheist and evolutionist, was serving as one of the members of the Iowa State University committee on instruction in the sciences and humanities.
One of the best teachers I ever had. I had him for only one class, his last semester there before retiring; I forget exactly what the course was supposed to be (materials science, I think), but he turned it into "how not to be a dumbass engineer." One of his common teaching tactics was magic tricks, which he was quite good at. A good engineer would figure out how such a trick was done *without* resorting to the supernatural or magic powers or the like. Those who refused to believe that a trick was just a trick (there were a few)... did't fare so well. As it should be, for engineers.
Another big aspect of his course was "how to be an *ethical* engineer." Not just how to do the math, but when to stand your ground with honesty. A firm recognition of what the facts say, even when they say you're dead wrong. And ignore people's feelings (including yours, your boss', etc.) when it comes to facts, as engineers hold peoples lives in their hands. When you design based on feeling, you get the Titanic.
We need more teachers like him.
He presented a proposal to the committee suggesting that any student who was enrolled in a science-related course, and who, at the conclusion of the course, continued to maintain a personal belief in creation, should receive a failing grade. Furthermore, Patterson said that if the university discovered that it inadvertently had conferred a degree upon a student who, upon having graduated, nevertheless believed in creation, the degree should be rescinded.
Proof you can be a good teacher and still be an idiot.