I'm teaching one section (24 students, lecture and lab) of an introductory biology course for majors this fall at our local community college. I'm both excited and nervous about it. Not really about the material, more so the amount of time it is going to take to do a good job at it. I picture myself trying to use methods other than straight lecture, and that will take a bit of time to prepare.
I'll have to carve out time in the evenings and weekends, and more or less gave up one visit to AZ in order to be here for class each week. I do get the week of Thanksgiving off from teaching, but CB's going to be in New Zealand. Thank goodness for Skype.
When I'm stressed out about something, I have anxiety dreams. I am amazed at the consistency of content of them. The play out in one of two scenarios. In one, I am back at my old job in Toledo, where I did environmental programming for kids. I've shown up for my first day, the group is coming in 30 minutes and I need to come up with activities right NOW. There is the feeling that I've been away for a long time, and it's great to see everyone, and I'm a little surprised to be having to do this, although clearly it's my job and something I'm supposed to be able to do.
The other one, and this is the one I've been having lately, is that I'm back in high school. Yup, I'm me as an adult, and it's the first day of school and I'm supposed to be there, and, guess what? I don't have my schedule, can't find my way around, and I keep wishing I would have prepared a little better for this. It's high school, and we are in our uniforms. Sorry for anyone who I went to high school with who is reading this, but I never recognize anyone in these dreams.
I think the dreams are mostly harmless, a way to give voice to the anxiety I feel over trying to add another thing to my already somewhat complicated life. But I have an understanding partner, an flexible boss who just wants my "real job" not to suffer, and Mr W's dad has indicated that he'll be flexible as to the parenting schedule. Just need to add the proper amount of caffeine in order to squeeze an extra hour of coherent thought out at the end of the day.
I'll have to carve out time in the evenings and weekends, and more or less gave up one visit to AZ in order to be here for class each week. I do get the week of Thanksgiving off from teaching, but CB's going to be in New Zealand. Thank goodness for Skype.
When I'm stressed out about something, I have anxiety dreams. I am amazed at the consistency of content of them. The play out in one of two scenarios. In one, I am back at my old job in Toledo, where I did environmental programming for kids. I've shown up for my first day, the group is coming in 30 minutes and I need to come up with activities right NOW. There is the feeling that I've been away for a long time, and it's great to see everyone, and I'm a little surprised to be having to do this, although clearly it's my job and something I'm supposed to be able to do.
The other one, and this is the one I've been having lately, is that I'm back in high school. Yup, I'm me as an adult, and it's the first day of school and I'm supposed to be there, and, guess what? I don't have my schedule, can't find my way around, and I keep wishing I would have prepared a little better for this. It's high school, and we are in our uniforms. Sorry for anyone who I went to high school with who is reading this, but I never recognize anyone in these dreams.
I think the dreams are mostly harmless, a way to give voice to the anxiety I feel over trying to add another thing to my already somewhat complicated life. But I have an understanding partner, an flexible boss who just wants my "real job" not to suffer, and Mr W's dad has indicated that he'll be flexible as to the parenting schedule. Just need to add the proper amount of caffeine in order to squeeze an extra hour of coherent thought out at the end of the day.
When does your class start? I am sure you will do fine, and you are right about staying away from straight lecture, the more hands on activities you can do the better all (including you) will like it. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteI start the third week of August. I have this coming weekend kid-free, so will be using it mostly to prepare.
ReplyDeleteJohn is starting on Aug 24 with students,... no wait he is on sabbatical... I am jealous!!!
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