Teaching.

[sechan19]

The first day of recitations went fairly well. My teaching style developed throughout the day, but was generally even (so everyone pretty much got the same information). I have some good, interested students--some of whom even laughed at my minor jokes. The sessions for the most part ran shy of the allotted time, so I'll probably need to do something to pack them a little fuller in the coming weeks.

Overall, I liked doing it--which is good--but I'm going to reserve judgment on whether or not I like teaching until the entire term is over. I was fortunate enough not to face any major snags on day one, but I know they're waiting in the wings.

So, the jury is still out.

In other news, my non-teaching responsibilities are worrying me. I really cannot wait to get through this term to the summer on the other side. Nor can I wait for the Japan that's waiting across that coming summer.

I have several applications outstanding for that trip that I won't hear about until sometime in March. (March is also the date for the Grad Expo.) For the next two months, I'll undoubtedly be more than a handful. I apologize in advance.

Comments

public servant

[alonewolverine.livejournal.com]

I would've LOVED to have been there.

[samsamsamantha.livejournal.com]

That's very cool! I have to admit, the first time I do a lesson plan I normally feel like a comic bombing on stage... So, you are actually one up on me, there. If/when that feeling comes, know that it is normal and once you work out the kinks of the lecture/exercise it really does get way better.

Hopefully your students are sponges who have figured out how to absorb the information you (and their text books) offer them. If you feel like you start to loose their understanding/attention/interest/etc. look into different ways of offering your information so that it appeals to all 3 major learning styles/preferences (kinesthetic, auditory, & visual.) Obviously, kinesthetic is the hardest teaching method to offer, since it can be difficult to make book work something your students can touch, feel, and do. However if you manage to incorporate all 3 learning styles into your teaching methods, you will not only reach more of your class, but almost all of your class will be more likely to remember what you have taught them.

Also, at a convocation at my school about a year ago, there was a speaker that talked about how beneficial giving options can be in the classroom environment. Basically, if students have a choice on how they learn they are more likely to buy into the learning process and pay attention. Simple things like: I need to teach you both topic A and topic B, but which one would you like to cover today; or You can write a 5 page essay, do a photo essay, or do a classroom presentation on this subject. 5% of your grade on this assignment will go to the quality of the media you use to express yourself. The rest of the grade will be based on how well you convey understanding of the subject and how well you cover the necessary key points.

Anyways, you may not need any of these tips (especially if you are working with individuals who have already proven their ability to learn from standard teaching methods... or if someone else has already covered these ideas.) At the same time, it good to have something up your sleeve for those times when teaching doesn't go as planned.

Overall, it doesn't surprise me that you are good at this. Standing up in front of a group to teach them takes believing in your knowledge and in yourself. It takes courage and you have always had the confidence needed.

[unapperent.livejournal.com]

Awesome =)