Pedantic pedagogy

Abstract

It is fair to say that our perceptions of what is the norm have changed drastically since 2020. Simple things like going to the shops became a daunting task, predetermined by the mask you had to wear, the amount of sanitizer you carried with you, the application of alcohol rub as soon as you entered, and being watched by eagle-eyed supervisors to ensure social distancing was in place. Gone were air-kisses or hugs when you met a friend, substituted by a cursory elbow thump, if that. Thankfully, we finally seem to be staggering towards a light at the end of the tunnel. This is not to say that the pandemic is over, more that as symptoms and deaths have subsided, the acceptance that this is just another thing we have to live with has emerged. [excerpt]