Thursday, October 9, 2014
So far...
So good. I haven't exploded into tears, made a complete fool of myself, or done something embarrassing like loudly passing gas while in front of the class. Luckily I have an awesome mentor and super supportive students, which has made my teaching experience thus far pretty darn decent. I'm feeling more and more comfortable by the day, filling the class time with more useful information and activities. I was actually feeling alright about having to teach next semester, and then the class assignments were emailed out. My first freak out moment happened when I read that I had two classes in a row. This worries me since I want to make sure I'm prepared for each class before stepping into the room. I'm assuming though that this won't be too big of a deal since they're both 104. This leads me to my next issue though- 104! Not 103- the class I've been learning how to conduct- but the next level up! GAH! Not only will I be dealing with not so fresh freshman, which could be problematic since they may believe they'll be more in control of the classroom,but new information as well! In addition to this, the book orders are do soon! There's so much happening and we're not even at fall break yet. Not that I'm extremely overwhelmed (watch me jinx myself saying that), but it's just so much responsibility to think about and start to think about. It's crazy, crazy, CRAZY, I tell you!
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Relax, you'll do fine. I think 103 is more challenging than 104. In 104 the students usually have similar basic skills involving rhetoric and mechanics. Thus grading can be easier and lesson planning isn't as much of a struggle since most students are at the same level.
ReplyDeleteI think what is most comforting to me is knowing we have so much time to familiarize ourselves with the 104 requirements and materials. Come January you'll be prepared! No worries about that. While we have been in 103 classes, I think 104 is a great class to start teaching. I agree with Danita, having the students on more or less the same level is helpful.
ReplyDeleteAbout two month ago, you did not even know you will say 'so far so good'.
ReplyDeleteBut now you are pretty good shape, aren't you?
I totally understand how you feel.
I also feel same anxiety toward 104.
But you should be ok next semester, just how you are doing now.
I should be ok too. Knock on wood.
I have only taught 103 equivalents, so I am nervous (although equally excited) about teaching 104 courses. I have faith that the students will have learned (at least basic) writing principles in 103, so I am excited to introduce the students to new ways to research, make connections, and display research and analysis.
ReplyDeleteDon't freak out about classes back to back. I love having classes back to back (especially if you luck out and they are in the same room)! The information is already on your mind, and if something didn't go exactly as planned you can always alter an activity for your second class.
Everybody is going to do great! Lots of resources and people to go to for help--including 12 cohort members. One thing I would add for everybody to consider, though, is that many students in 104 received credit for 103 without taking it, so assumptions are hard to make. Some students have never completed real library research before, and some (like biology majors who have put 104 off until their junior year) have extensive experience with secondary and primary research. Still a great class, but you should know.
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