Classroom
Sometimes, and probably more frequently than I think, or at least admit, I really do enjoy teaching.
Today was one of those times.
I’m not entirely sure why; it certainly had something to do with the subject matter—we were trying to establish the plausibility of numerological and astrological predictions and character analysis—it also related to how little lecturing I did—hardly any—and probably the weather figured in as well—it’s been pretty sunny and mild today and I could open the windows in the classroom without anyone complaining.
Was it a profound and meaningful learning experience for students? I have my doubts. But did they have an opportunity to engage in some critical thinking and conceptual analysis? I think so, but who can be sure?
Everyday, I write some proposed outcome on the board for the day’s lesson. Today, I said that students would come out of the class better equipped to judge whether astrology is plausible to them. Now, while I believe they took part in an exercise that gave them the opportunity to practice doing that, I’m not sure what I hoped would be accomplished really was.
Often, I think, I just create opportunities for students to simply rehearse the views they already hold in a new way. That might not be such a bad thing, but if my job is to enlighten, then I’m probably falling way short.
It’s clear to me though, that what works best for me as a teacher is trying to create a space where learning can take place; I usually get rather flustered when I have to lecture; even as the words come out of my mouth, I find them hard to believe.
There were some funny moments today; a couple students found the descriptions on the astrological profiles they created for themselves so spot on as to be pretty hilarious.
I guess if I can create a space for people to laugh, that’s good enough.
Today was one of those times.
I’m not entirely sure why; it certainly had something to do with the subject matter—we were trying to establish the plausibility of numerological and astrological predictions and character analysis—it also related to how little lecturing I did—hardly any—and probably the weather figured in as well—it’s been pretty sunny and mild today and I could open the windows in the classroom without anyone complaining.
Was it a profound and meaningful learning experience for students? I have my doubts. But did they have an opportunity to engage in some critical thinking and conceptual analysis? I think so, but who can be sure?
Everyday, I write some proposed outcome on the board for the day’s lesson. Today, I said that students would come out of the class better equipped to judge whether astrology is plausible to them. Now, while I believe they took part in an exercise that gave them the opportunity to practice doing that, I’m not sure what I hoped would be accomplished really was.
Often, I think, I just create opportunities for students to simply rehearse the views they already hold in a new way. That might not be such a bad thing, but if my job is to enlighten, then I’m probably falling way short.
It’s clear to me though, that what works best for me as a teacher is trying to create a space where learning can take place; I usually get rather flustered when I have to lecture; even as the words come out of my mouth, I find them hard to believe.
There were some funny moments today; a couple students found the descriptions on the astrological profiles they created for themselves so spot on as to be pretty hilarious.
I guess if I can create a space for people to laugh, that’s good enough.
posted by Professor Dave at 5:50 PM
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