monoceros blogsI've finally stopped being a sloth...I think. I've done considerable clearing of my bedroom floor, and the luggage in the living room has been emptied and put away.
Today, I organized my teaching notes and used paper clips to separate them into sections. The planning has begun. Fourteen weeks of class this fall semester. Two lessons each week. That makes 28 lessons I have to prepare for. Uh, I can feel my confidence faltering and my head starting to whirl. What will I do in front of my class for three hours every week? Will I conduct the class standing or sitting? I think I'll stand, to give me that false sense of largeness. Right, but will I have enough to talk about? I don't really speak well. I mean, I can talk and talk, but sounding intelligent is another thing. When I'm nervous, words fly out of my mouth in fragments and with faulty syntax and with little coherence.
I got past reading two sample syllabi before spacing out on what's the worst thing that can go wrong in the classroom. I came up with several scenarios.
1. I don't ask the right questions relating to an assigned reading. That is, I don't ask the right questions to lead or draw out responses from the students.
2. A student has an interesting interpretation of a reading and I don't really know what the kid is talking about. What will MY response to his response be?
3. Several students ask the same question, and I have absolutely no idea how to answer it.
4. I start stuttering.
5. While walking round the class as I speak, my ankle gives way and I tumble into the Inferno below.
6. I have no idea what I'm talking about.
7. I contradict myself.
8. Someone asks me a question about US politics.
9. Someone asks me a question about Singapore politics.
10. I ask a question, and no one answers.
Enough spacing. Back to the planning.
all sounds familiar.. u will managed to overcome it all... experience is best dealt with while experiencing it! at the very least you learn how to circumvent these problems... no one can really know EVERYTHING....so, just be honest. i think students like that.
Posted by: tiggie at June 9, 2004 9:00 AMyeah, May's right. Just be honest....there's nothing wrong in not knowing something. For one thing, it shows you're only human. Relax! :)
Posted by: joan at June 9, 2004 9:56 AMwhoops.... excuse my typo!
Posted by: tiggie at June 9, 2004 7:21 PMOoh Vannie, you are so self- deprecating...
You are a whole lot better than you think.. :)
a huge ball of nervous energy.. hehe...
And unlike you, I think I'll choose to sit down so I'll look smaller.. heheh slimmer? *grin*
Posted by: Bunny at June 9, 2004 8:02 PMokay, i will try to relax *taking deep breaths* and be honest with my students. i guess the whole experience is new so i'm a little terrified. *gulp*
Posted by: V Heng at June 9, 2004 11:14 PMvan, i think its ok to contradict yourself.. other than a certain Someone, nothing would be absolute. However, it is also wise to make a stand. Contradiction could be seen as 'seeing the pros and cons'. Knowing u, i think u will do just fine.....
Posted by: airhole at June 10, 2004 1:30 AMinundate them with work! muahaha. then make their papers bleed with your red ink.
i hope you're at least a little bit excited about the shaping of minds ... i mean the crushing of spirits =)
Posted by: noob at June 13, 2004 6:55 PMairhole: thanks buddy. will remember that. =) pros and cons...as long as i know i'm contradicting myself and letting the kids know I'm deliberately contradicting myself, then i guess i'm okay. ha ha!
noob: shaping minds...ha! right now i'm trying to shape a schedule. i'll see about crushing spirits...i'm usually more used to crushing my own, not anyone else's. =)
Posted by: V Heng at June 13, 2004 9:47 PM