Teller's Argument Analysis

The writings presented by Stewart and Teller present vastly different views on composition instruction. While Teller presents an argument that criticizes many of the techniques implement in a composition course, Stewart defends most of them. Both authors convey possible solutions to the problem, however, Teller, definitely presents an overtly pessimistic tone throughout the article. Assuming the blame for the failure of the students is one of Stewart’s main points, however, Teller shifts the blame from himself to the students and their irresponsible behaviors. I gravitate towards the points made by Stewart in the article. She looks for solutions to the problems while Teller simply critics everyone and everything except for himself. For example, while Teller dismisses the idea of importance of incorporating critical reading,

I want a professor that wants to help me become a better writer. In my opinion, Teller makes himself look like a pompous, arrogant individual. As Stewart points out in her article, “If students consistently fail at something in my classroom, it’s not their fault. It’s mine.” (Stewart, 2016) Conversely, Teller closes out his argument by saying, “If they show up, do the work, turn off their phones, they just might leave my class able to write a sentence.” (Teller, 2016) The idea of having a professor with such a negative of his students repulses me. I believe that Teller may be working in the wrong profession. While Stewart conveys a passion for teaching and helping students, Teller seems to feel that his students are incompetent and helpless. He arrives at the summation that most of his students will find his course arduous and boring. I cannot think of anyone that wants to be around such a toxic person with such a negative