Judy Barnes, by e-mail: While I appreciate what Professor Jonathan Jansen said in his column "Those who can't, shouldn't teach" (September 2), I would have thought he would have had a modicum of appreciation for the efforts of adults who rushed to assist primary school children with the basics, at least. Teaching has changed, but if these people are prepared to help, they should be given a medal.

They might end up showing the children something in a different way; a way that will make the knowledge stick in their minds forever.

My father made me learn my times-tables by singing them, as he had to do in school early in 20th century. Other adults falter when asked what 7 x 9 is, but I will never forget my tables by the way I was taught - an additional method to how I learnt them in the classroom.

Let's not be smug about our professions in a temporary situation. Hats off to those helpers. Many of them are well able to teach and do it well. A certificate does not guarantee a good teacher is at the helm.