The Learning Curve Summary and Analysis

In this essay, Sedaris reveals that he did in fact return to art school. Upon finishing his degree at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he is offered a job teaching English. Armed with no formal training, no previous teaching experience, and no official publications of his own, Sedaris is somewhat intimidated by the endeavor. Of course, Sedaris is offered the job just two weeks before the start of class because the person initially given the job backed out at the last minute.

Naturally, Sedaris utilizes his two week preparation time to its fullest. Mostly, he spends his hours in front of the mirror practicing various tones of voice and phrases for his introduction to the class.

Sedaris initially uses a number of unorthodox methods for teaching college students. On the first day he asks...