Only one class today. Java programming. Seems like it's going to be pretty easy. The teacher is aiming the class at people with zero programming experience. Personally, the last time I wrote a program it was in BASIC on my Commodore VIC 20, so I don't mind taking it slow. Things got off to a rocky start when our classroom door was locked. We decided to commandeer the adjacent room, and began the lecture. It soon became apparent that the lesson plan was dependent on the LCD projector locked next door, so we waited on security to come with a set of keys.
In addition to the aforementioned snafus, there were many stupid questions asked by my fellow students. I need someone to tell me how I can get over my immediate and transparent physical response to these inane queries? As a teacher, I can't afford to react this way.
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4 comments:
I've been enjoying reading your blog for awhile. I couldn't help but have a few secret giggles to myself over the past few months as I read your posts about going back to school. You see, I returned to college at age 35, and was filled with similar feelings of excitement.
Oooooh, Tony, your Java class was just the beginning. Practice a good poker face, if you're not imbued with natural reserve like me. Most of your classmates will shortly drive you nuts. You will be amazed at how people who are PAYING to learn will skip class, refuse to do homework, never study, cheat on tests, and take the same class over because they failed the first time. PAYING again.
There are serious students, as you will find out. Focus on them, or you may lose your faith in the next generation! Have fun, learn lots, and do us proud!
Lynda
I have to echo some of Lynda's comments. Having just finished my certification last spring, I had some similar experiences. (I watched one student sleep through the real analysis final & he was taking it for the second time. I hope the third time was better for him).
I tried to laugh my way through those trying times - it was better for me than crying. Of course I was laughing on the inside. As for reacting (or not) in front of the students, I don't know. I just do it... then vent/laugh later.
I'm pretty sure that other students were one of the contributing factor to my hating school so much. I have trouble dealing with learning at someone else's pace.
I still have a TRS-80 Pocket Computer, Model 1. All I need are some earplug batteries to make it come back to life.
4 whole K of onboard memory, and it can store problems on an *ordinary cassette tape*!
State of the art, circa 1981.
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