If you had to teach a high school subject, what would it be?

[Mogura]

If you had to teach a high school subject, what would it be?

I am not really intending this to be a discussion on the merits of teaching high school as a career for INTJs, however, if you want to add your 2 cents worth on the topic, please feel free to do so.

This is really just a different take on the time old, "What was your favorite subject in high school?" thread.

And if you are an INTJ high school teacher (do they exist?), please stop by and introduce yourself.

[azelismia]

If you had to teach a high school subject, what would it be?

I am not really intending this to be a discussion on the merits of teaching high school as a career for INTJs, however, if you want to add your 2 cents worth on the topic, please feel free to do so.

This is really just a different take on the time old, "What was your favorite subject in high school?" thread.

And if you are an INTJ high school teacher (do they exist?), please stop by and introduce yourself.


history and/or earth sciences

[sriv]

Probably psychology/sociology. I love over-analyzing people. I also would like to give them wisdom. A teacher should teach life lessons as well as a single subject.

[notoppings]

Wood working shop, I love to turn raw wood into works of functional art. I built all the bedroom furniture in my house. I would love to transfer that passion to young minds making tomorrows craftsmen.

[dandylion]

I would teach English because that's what I think I'd be most comfortable with.

I definitely wouldn't teach art because even though I love it, it's not something many people appreciate and I know I would be driven to the brink of insanity. I'd always hated having to take any sort of art class. Once when I used to tutor second graders, the teacher asked me to help a bratty girl with an art project they were all working on. All they had to do was paint paper plates. Simple enough, right? There isn't a wrong way to do art I guess, but the chick just wouldn't listen to my suggestions. I told her to first make a solid wash of color, and then let it dry before painting anything else. So what does she do? Paint the background color and starts painting again before the first layer was dried, resulting in the colors to run together, an undesired effect. "Waah, now it looks ugly," she whined. I tried to be patient and encouraging but eh... she also kept holding the brush incorrectly and smooshing it roughly against the paper plate, messing and splitting the hairs and irking the living daylights out of me. "You have to respect the brush," I said, and I demonstrated the proper way to wield a paint brush and gracefully lay down strokes of color. Of course, she didn't listen... *sighs* High school students aren't second graders, but most of them act that way anyhow.

[Monte314]

In addition to my university duties, I do teach high school subjects:

Science and Mathematics

1.) Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus I, II, and III
2.) AP Physics with lab
3.) (standard) Chemistry with lab
4.) Propositional and Predicate Logic

Humanities:

1.) Western Philosophy
2.) Church History
3.) New Testament Greek

I typically teach one course per semester (Spring, Summer, Fall), for a total of three courses per year.

[AgentofGaming]

Computer Engineering class (It's not universal curriculum), it's pretty interesting. One time we learnt network protocol and to test it we got school computers and played games on the local area networks we setup.
We also got to build robots, do digital logic, write assembly program and studied computer architecture.

[Henry]

If you had to teach a high school subject, what would it be?

I am not really intending this to be a discussion on the merits of teaching high school as a career for INTJs, however, if you want to add your 2 cents worth on the topic, please feel free to do so.

This is really just a different take on the time old, "What was your favorite subject in high school?" thread.

And if you are an INTJ high school teacher (do they exist?), please stop by and introduce yourself.


At the high school level, history, psychology, or economics.

In addition to my university duties, I do teach high school subjects:

Science and Mathematics

1.) Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus I, II, and III
2.) AP Physics with lab
3.) (standard) Chemistry with lab
4.) Propositional and Predicate Logic

Humanities:

1.) Western Philosophy
2.) Church History
3.) New Testament Greek

I typically teach one course per semester (Spring, Summer, Fall), for a total of three courses per year.

Just curious, but do most high schools offer this variety of courses? I'm interested in teaching at the university level, but if you can teach material this complex at the high school level there'd be little need for a PhD.

[ThaiGreenTea]

At the high school level, history, psychology, or economics.



Just curious, but do most high schools offer this variety of courses? I'm interested in teaching at the university level, but if you can teach material this complex at the high school level there'd be little need for a PhD.

No, they do not. If you're lucky, a typical school will offer half of those. If you're lucky.

[kubrickfan]

I don't know about you other INTJ's, but I always thought global domination would have been a great college course! :wiseguy:

Nah, some sort of human study program, drawing up mathmatics on how to interprete and analyize human tendancies by using physics and geology.
I could never explain it to people. :(

[Monte314]

You will not see all of these courses offered in schools that use the conventional classroom setting. The school at which I teach these courses is exclusively for home schooled students. These students:

1.) proceed at their own pace (without being held back waiting for others)
2.) enjoy an individualized curriculum
3.) have essentially one-on-one instruction

Not surprisingly, once the artificial barriers of the 35-student classroom are eliminated, kids are able to operate at their full potential. My son (now a 28-year-old computer scientist) finished calculus III (multi-variate differentiation/integration, vector calculus, power series, etc.) his senior year in HIGH SCHOOL.

As a home schooled student, my older daughter (24, teaches mathematics) graduated in the top 1% of her class at the University of Central Florida, and begins graduate school this week.

My youngest daughter is 14; she will finish pre-calculus this fall as a home schooler.

These are normal kids, not geekazoids. As far as they know, this is what most kids do (and don't anybody go tellin' 'em otherwise!) Of course, by the time they reach their teens, they start to figure out that not all their friends are studying the same things they are...

[INTJoe]

Economics.

Other choices would be probably History, Geometry, Drafting, Physics... any of those. Not sure what order.

[Sara27]

2 cents.

[Elfrun]

Tough to pick one.

I chose Geography but Music, History or Psychology/Sociology would be ok to.

I'd enjoy teaching kids that the world is bigger then what they’ve experienced, I think learning about geography and other cultures puts things in perspective. Diversity should be embraced and people should look beyond their immediate community.

That said, I had no interest in geography when I was at school and don’t know how many kids would listen, maybe music would be a better choice!

[ssrprotege]

1) Based on reality: math and chemistry, I am good at those two. Physics will require me to fully understand some of the intricate concepts.

2) If it is assumed that I have capability to teach ALL subjects: music and exotic modern language. I love languages: if I have to choose one, that will be Irish. Like Trin[s]a[/a]ity, I can't live without music, especially classical music. I consider my love special because I checked the classical music tape out from my kindergarten teacher so that I can listen at home. It's sad that few people appreciate classical music. Hope I, as a Mastermind, bring some inspiration to young students to love classical music! It will be cool to become a conductor, eh? I used to be a wanna-be conductor. SSR in my username stands for Sir Simon Rattle.

I am voting based on the idealized circumstance; I am going for music.

[zief]

I would teach english. I like english and my favorite teacher is a english teacher.

[Homini Lupus]

Technology education if in secondary school, philosophy if in High school. In university international affairs or strategical studies.

[tp6626]

Physics, even though I'm a product designer and technology would probably be more appropriate. Quite a good spread of answers here. I know there's a lot of computing and science people here, but I think this shows that we have a broad range of knowledge in other areas, that we would be confident to teach at least up to high school level.

Pretty cool IMO.

[Double Victory]

I would teach art, as it was pretty much the only thing I focused on when I was in high school. Once I'm a little farther along with learning Japanese though, I would want to teach that.

Or, better yet, I'd like to teach a class on critical thinking/debating. That would be fun.

[iuniperus]

Actually, teaching is my future career goal. I want to teach history.

[PHS Philip]

You will not see all of these courses offered in schools that use the conventional classroom setting. The school at which I teach these courses is exclusively for home schooled students. These students:

1.) proceed at their own pace (without being held back waiting for others)
2.) enjoy an individualized curriculum
3.) have essentially one-on-one instruction

Not surprisingly, once the artificial barriers of the 35-student classroom are eliminated, kids are able to operate at their full potential. My son (now a 28-year-old computer scientist) finished calculus III (multi-variate differentiation/integration, vector calculus, power series, etc.) his senior year in HIGH SCHOOL.

As a home schooled student, my older daughter (24, teaches mathematics) graduated in the top 1% of her class at the University of Central Florida, and begins graduate school this week.

My youngest daughter is 14; she will finish pre-calculus this fall as a home schooler.

These are normal kids, not geekazoids. As far as they know, this is what most kids do (and don't anybody go tellin' 'em otherwise!) Of course, by the time they reach their teens, they start to figure out that not all their friends are studying the same things they are...

Lucky kids...life would be so much nicer if I could learn at my own speed. Even in Princeton, classes move unbearably slowly. Although, my high school does offer multivar calc now. I suppose that it being Princeton helps some. It's still not enough, though, and it's so late in school that they start real acceleration.

[bricklayer]

Either some sort of mathematics class or guitar if you'll include the arts.

[echoi]

Economics.

[ChrisM]

Latin or Calculus.

[Zirka]

Biology, or Law (my two favorite courses from high school)

[emanon]

I would teach Algebra. I could teach English, but I think grading high school english papers would drive me bananas.

I just noticed Geography. That would be a good option too.

[Mittens]

If I really didn't want to be teaching high school, history or an elective. At least at my school, the history teachers are there because 1) they wanted to coach a sport or 2) they failed at everything else in life (only a guess, but...). So history is basically a waste, and since there are no standardized tests, no one cares. An elective (home-ec, maybe?) for the same reason.
If I wasn't forced into the situation, biology, because I like it and there would be a ton of opportunities to point out real world applications and show the kids weird pictures (this is what it looks like if you have an extra thirteenth chromosome! Flesh eating bacteria! Cup fungi!).
I'd teach an exotic language if I knew one - the kids would probably only be there if they were interested, which would be cool.

[Max]

Art.

I would give my kids a canvas and some paint and say "Paint me a pretty picture." Then I would sit at my desk and get paid to eat mint candies.


Naw, I wouldn't do that. I would probably challenge them to reach inside their minds and create something psychological. It would be interesting and it wouldn't require a whole lot of effort on my behalf.

[Rafael]

Geography, history, economy or law. I'm actually studying law on university. :p

[Mogura]

2 cents.

So what are you teaching? What's it like being an INTJ in the education field? (High school teaching doesn't seem to be too high on many INTJs' career wish lists...)

[quest ion]

BIOLOGY. It's like telling an elegant story.

[Lupin]

Geography or Earth Sciences.

[Antares]

Social Sciences/History - I'm a very political person but also happen to love stories. For me, history is just one big long story and I see History class as 'story telling' class. The history class I'm in is dynamic, humorous but very effective. I especially enjoy discussing various historical events and people with my class (mostly my teacher though. I'm one of the most opinionated people you'd find). If the class I'm supposedly teaching is half mature and knowledgeable as the crowd I find on this forum, it'd be such a joy.

[OneBadMother]

Definitely Earth Science, though maybe Art. In terms of Earth Science I both figure that I have the technical know-how for it by now, and that it's one of the few subjects on that list I could see myself enjoying in high school. I think that I would actually be able to keep more students in class than usual.

I'd like to take Art more than I'd like to teach it. I guess I could just give them projects and grade them on artistic merit, but that would hardly be fair for those who just took the class to get a credit. "All right, mix two mediums in a still-life."

[muguly]

Common Sense 101

[Megalomania]

I would enjoy teaching chemistry, biology, history or english. I have a wide range of interests. I don't think I could choose one over the other.

[ElstonGunn]

Common Sense 101

I was thinking something like this, too. Except I'd probably title my class "How to be less of a jackass."

If that's not allowed, I'd like to teach a language if I were fluent enough to do so. I'd be the annoying Spanish teacher who never speaks English to the class.

Or maybe history. I'd be sure to frequently mention how most historical figures would have benefited from a semester in my "How to be less of a jackass" course.

[muguly]

I was thinking something like this, too. Except I'd probably title my class "How to be less of a jackass."

If that's not allowed, I'd like to teach a language if I were fluent enough to do so. I'd be the annoying Spanish teacher who never speaks English to the class.

Or maybe history. I'd be sure to frequently mention how most historical figures would have benefited from a semester in my "How to be less of a jackass" course.

How about The History of Jackasses?

[changos]

I just would like to hear the kids and talk to them... and try to teach them using history to bring good lessons to them. I think at present the kids have enough information... but they are kinda lost, needing understanding. (I know, their parents...) but parents do their job less and less...

We (45 kids together since 7 years old until being almost adults) remember with great appreciation our english teacher and the science teacher because they gave us the greatest lessons of friendship, fun, family basis and nobility.

They were able to redirect the rest of teachings with sense, moral and nobility (again).

But if you give me only one choice: history (It bores me, but it gives more chances to build confidence and moral using others as example).

[Terian]

Medical Biology.

[rawr]

I'd say chemistry since I can communicate the concepts well to other people. German is a second choice.

[szaxazs]

Other-Informatics!

Common Sense 101
That was nice.

[replicant]

Earth Science, Biology, Art, or Literature

[Erika Redmark]

When I was really into music, I thought maybe if I couldn't get into conservatories for performance, I'd study music ed instead. Neither of those happened–I'm studying linguistics–but I've since realised that I would have been a pretty crappy band teacher. You have to be really, really good at dealing with people, which I definitely am not. I think if I had to teach high school, I'd be a Latin teacher. I get the feeling you can get away with being pretty nerdy. ^_^

[Provoker]

If you had to teach a high school subject, what would it be?

None of the above. Two important subjects left out are political science and philosophy both of which I'd prefer to teach over any of the alternative subjects mentioned.

[athiah333]

Chemistry, maybe biology, physics or history.

[mind_wander]

I would say Language Chinese Mandarin or Asian History. It's very fastinasting and complex culture.

[True Rune]

History or Math.

[Airius]

Tough question.

I think I would teach Psychology or Biology.

Psychology because it's an interesting subject and at least in my school, it was one of the optional classes, so I would know that people were there because they wanted to be.

Biology because I think the labs are pretty fun overall.



English... though it could be nice, would be difficult in the end. I can see myself getting really frustrated with the students "not getting it". And I'd probably get fired or worse for laughing at them.

[imposter]

I would teach Algebra, Precalculus, and Calculus. I could also enjoy teaching the life sciences as well as American History.

[Nyuszi]

I would probably teach Algebra because it's such a great course for analyzing and is fun to solve. If I couldn't teach that, I'd love to teach Medicine or Chemistry. I'd stay away from History, being the least favorite subject of mine.

[Synnik]

Physical Education. It seems like the one with the least actual work involved. Either that or Art...

[NHere]

Wow - I'm impressed you even included my choice in the poll list - health education.

[Please note - this is *not* physical education.

This definitely wouldn't have been my topic of choice had I studied education in university (way too shy to talk about that topic and didn't think it "intellectual" enough), but I surprised myself by liking the course in high school (and learned to respect for my gym teacher as actually knowing something). For all of you that want to teach Common Sense 101, and Jackass Interventions, or Life Lessons, I'm with you.

Health Ed is a good place for that - most health problems result from life problems at that age. I've been teaching (or been involved in teaching) reproductive health, life skills, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS courses for the past 6 years and it's been a blast. Ironically INTJ works well, once you can get over the I part - you're open to new ideas, you're smart enough to keep up with them (you'd better have your facts right in this topic or they'll mow you down), you don't feel obsessed with "saving the kids" (hell, it's their life, let 'em screw it up if you want, but you know you gave them the chance and the tools) and you're detached enough to attract them through reverse psychology. They're too cool for school, you don't care, you can give 'em crap and they actually respect that.

Granted, teaching overseas is way different than in the US. Too many US teens have a sociologically-induced psychological problems that prevent you from even getting out of the gates with them. But I would still teach health ed.

[sam988]

I think i could give Economis, Physical Education, Psychology, and Foreign Language classes.

[Tocsin]

The two most important things young people need to learn are not taught in any particular secondary school class (that I've ever heard of):

How to deal with other people.

How to question, think, and learn.

The first is not taught, but there is an expectation that it is simply part of the process of "socialization," acquired by osmosis; as though leaving the development of social skills to peer influence and the occasional counseling session is the best way to instruct future citizens in matters of civilization.

The second is only rarely taught, and more than frequently frowned upon, because nothing upsets the execution of a structured lesson plan like spontaneous or contradictory inquiry.

Subjects like personal and social ethics; elementary logic; reasoning; debate; skepticism; conflict resolution; community ideals; individual rights and social responsibilities; citizenship; and even the nature of civilization itself are broadly overlooked in public secondary education (at least, in the United States).

There are "government" courses, but as far as personal experience goes, they have much more to do with the rote memorization of national history and the structure of government than they do with any examination of the purposes. The forms were explained, but the functionality and intent was never seriously examined or questioned.


"If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be."
--Thomas Jefferson

"A popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy, or perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives."
--James Madison

"The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty."
--James Madison

[NephilimAzrael]

Psychology. The subject itself allows for thorough questioning, which any student should feel absolutely comfortable with, as opposed to rote learning. It would also make psychometric testing less suspect, which could greatly assist in analyzing the best teaching approach to be used for EACH student.