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.
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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.