Wednesday, July 19, 2006
What I've learned lately...
Okay, so I'm supposed to teach a course this fall and I'm beginning to panic a bit. My first full-semester course. I've been doing a lot of reading and believe I'm learning a lot but I don't feel I know enough to teach the class. So, I find that I always do something that complicates matters. I meander around in the citations looking at the articles and papers referenced, read them and think I need to include them in what I'll be teaching. I also do this when I'm writing articles. What happens next is I end up feeling overwhelmed and lose interest in writing or teaching because it ends up being way toooooooo much. I struggle making a plan and sticking to it. So, then I end up feeling compelled to research writing research papers and applying what I find to teaching.
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3 comments:
Hey I know it's a far cry from teaching a class, but this sounds just like every project I undertake. I've learned to have a general plan and then jump in. Like the first day of school thinking about how scary it is and trying to prepare for every contingency can drive one crazy. Sometimes you just got to get on the bus and go to school.
Best wishes with your endeavors. Doesn't it seem that something new is always a little bit scary, a little bit exhilarating, and a little bit wondering what you were thinking when you said "yes"?
Thanks for the comment Rosie. I don't know what I was thinking when I said yes. Well, actually I do. I have always wanted to teach and there's no better time like the present to dive in! I think I have to relax with it and believe I'll do okay.
What class will you be teaching? Remember one thing - the students will know zip. You will be the one with the knowledge. Try to keep the class interesting and engage your students in their learning. But let me know what you will be teaching, because it's tough to talk about it - different subject areas require different methodologies. You can e-mail me directly at walisabeth@yahoo.com.
I loved your pics of Cape May, now I am even MORE excited!
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