Today is the first day of classes. I’m teaching News Writing, Drama as Literature, and two sections of American Literature I. I also advise the student paper, The Setonian.
Similar:
My Freshman Comp Student Didn’t Recognize the Term ‘Word Processor’
Most of my students use MS-Word, but may...
Academia
Go not to the elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes.
First runner-up for the girl's Halloween...
Aesthetics
We Had the Vaccine the Whole Time
You may be surprised to learn that of th...
Current_Events
Life in Code and Software (Open Humanities Press)
This book explores the relationship betw...
Academia
When backwards newbie poets write
When backwards newbie poets write
Up rh...
Aesthetics
My 10yo Created Bookmarks to Express Her Complex Relationship with Reading
My 10yo has a complex relationship with ...
Books
Hah! Good one.
Um, I haven’t had too many jokes made the -intelligent- way. Most of the jokes end up making me feel like it’s my fault that I’m temporarily handicapped, but then I just remind the jokesters that my crutches extend my reach by several feet and that, though they may out run me, my arms are quite strong and can wait until they are within reach. I’m patient.
Anyway, I did make a joke with my father the other day. He called me the BWOC because I mentioned that I needed to set up a meeting as an RA. He meant “big woman on campus,” but I spat out “big woman on crutches” before he got to the punch :-)
At least my funny bone isn’t broken.
Wonderful!
Just curious, have you gotten enough “the die is cast” and “cast your bread” jokes? Because if not, I’ll hop to it.
It seems that I might be picking up Amanda’s column in the Setonian. Anne asked me today, and I accepted. I’m looking forward to being part of the staff again :-)
Enjoy! Beginnings are always fun. I love the “clean slate” of the class, even when it’s one I’ve taught for several years. Last night I re-read McKeachie’s book, TEACHING TIPS, with tips on running the first day. One issue he raises is clarity: how most “first days” the students are so anxious and uncertain that being ultra-organized actually can energize a class, since it gives them a way to focus all their angst. I bet your online syllabi works well for this regard, but he also recommends activities in class that go step-by-step through a process. I personally tend to spend too much time talking about the syllabus and will try to do more with activities on day one, if possible.
Anyway, have a good one!
In both classes (so far), I spent most of the time define a list of key concepts, which is possibly not the most exciting way to begin a class, but I worked in some class interaction.
The 9:am class stayed awake during my rendition of the prologue from Henry V, which possibly bodes well for the rest of the course.