[atmosx]

I've read the blogpost. I feel sorry for the kid, to tell you truth... But I guess that's what you get when asking a 'Field's medal winner' to explain something you don't understand.

I recall reading about Feynmann, he was very eager to help students as long as they were prepared. If they presented a question to him, partially or totally unprepared he was extremely pissed. But then again, he is a Nobel prize why should he waste his time with someone who didn't do his homework?!

[keithpeter]

Yes, I can see what you mean. Your Dad says "My mate will help you out" and he turns out to be a major mathematician.

Gowers' point is to do with 'teaching to the test' which is happening far too much at the moment in the UK if you ask me (but no-one is asking us).