The syllabus says that we can post almost any experience in teaching–freak-outs included. Mine occured last Friday. I belated got the email with Dean Hoch’s picture and warning that he might come to observe a class. Most of you probably know him, but if you’re curious as to what this fellow looks like, check out Andrew’s weblog page. This bearded man breezily walked into my class in the Classroom building, asked to sit in the back of the class and observe. I readily agreed and when he showed me his business card, I freaked-out. I grew hot, flushed, shaky, and my students were staring at me blankly. I couldn’t even remember to call roll. Such a simple, everyday thing to do! My mind went blank. Eventually I regrouped, but it took several minutes of frantic thinking. In class we discussed “The Beautiful Places” by Kathleen Norris (our first, real class discussion with a reading from The Engaged Citizen). I had no idea how it would go, but the students, I think, sensed my unease and helped the situation. They were troopers. They raised their hands, discussed the essay, and had really great things to say about it. Overall, I think the class was a success, a nervous, stressful success. But this whole experience has made me wonder…would I have taught the class differently had I known in advance Dean Hoch would be observing? And how might that same class have gone had we not had this silent, unsmiling spectator in the back of the room?
Hello world! Wednesday, Aug 22 2007
Uncategorized 6:35 pm
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