Forgetting the Content and Other Michelisms

A Tribute to Michel Desjardins

Abstract

In this reflective essay, I revisit some experiences of being taught and mentored by Michel Desjardins in the interest of highlighting his pedagogical methods that impacted me as a student, scholar, and teacher. These “Michelisms,” as I have called them, include respect for all the voices in the room, the willingness for improvisation, process over product, self-interrogation, and extending teaching moments beyond the classroom walls. These Michelisms have helped Michel’s students, and now mine, cross the threshold from content-memorizing undergrads to critical thinkers.