In my opinion, we probably mis-calibrate this all the time, estimating the value of what we SHOULD say as higher than it is, and the value of the digression as lower than it is. Personally, for most of my teaching career, I've had a list of digressions that appear to be nerd-sniping but are actually content or concept-rich. That is risky: some students don't see the value of the pseudo distraction and complain, and the next thing some dean is leaving a message on your answering machine...
Ha! I find it so much easier to go on these tangents during "enrichment" or homework-based tutoring. I don't mind if the student does not immediately see the connection -- that can actually make it hit harder when they do see it. But more and more I am seeing my role in test prep as a sort of manager who helps a worker understand their abilities, their goals, and the best paths to achieving them. So I guess I would indulge a tangent in this direction (goal-setting, self-understanding), but not so much in a pure instructional area, because it's so rare that any one area is worth all that time.
In my opinion, we probably mis-calibrate this all the time, estimating the value of what we SHOULD say as higher than it is, and the value of the digression as lower than it is. Personally, for most of my teaching career, I've had a list of digressions that appear to be nerd-sniping but are actually content or concept-rich. That is risky: some students don't see the value of the pseudo distraction and complain, and the next thing some dean is leaving a message on your answering machine...
Ha! I find it so much easier to go on these tangents during "enrichment" or homework-based tutoring. I don't mind if the student does not immediately see the connection -- that can actually make it hit harder when they do see it. But more and more I am seeing my role in test prep as a sort of manager who helps a worker understand their abilities, their goals, and the best paths to achieving them. So I guess I would indulge a tangent in this direction (goal-setting, self-understanding), but not so much in a pure instructional area, because it's so rare that any one area is worth all that time.
Your friend is appreciative of both what you did and of learning the term “nerdsniping.”