The answer to the student evaluation problem!
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Pirate modeThis is beautiful. It's a simple, elegant solution, the Jedi mind trick:
One of the grad students who was there is well-known for always getting good evaluations. We asked him what his secret is.
Part of it, I'm sure, comes from his young-and-hip image. And he's not as socially inept as your typical mathematician. Probably doesn't hurt that he's kind of tall.
His secret, he told us, is the Jedi Mind Trick.
He will say, in class, things like:
"I'm explaining this very clearly."
He does this all semester, for all the questions on the evaluation form.
I should try this. I'll stand in front of the class, look at them all, and with a wave of my hand say, "You understand how to analyze a triple-point cross now" and "Your chairs are very comfortable."
This is a pretty smart class, unfortunately, and I'm afraid they'll just intone back, "We are all 'A' students."
::waves hand:: You will cancel class for St. Patrick's Day.