Things have been going fairly well this second year, but now a month in, I am recognizing some warning signs that I need to readjust; The students are getting too comfortable and talkative, I have been getting less formal, and I need to keep up the strict discipline of schedule and procedure in the classroom.
All of the little things count–are the directions for the warm-up on the overhead, do I notice the little chats, amI at the door to greet each student, is every student acknowledged during the class; and I must ensure that I am as well-prepared as possible every day.
Those things seem simple, but when you’ve been sick over the weekend, or you are worried about a grading deadline, and stay late a few days in the week, suddenly keeping up with the little things can be overwhelming, and something is likely to slide. I must discipline myself to “attack” the grading in chunks, and get out of school by 4:00 most days.
Some days I need to stay later for the sports players, but it cannot be every day. I need to re-equilibriate, and have time to reflect on the classroom process. It is critical to take time to think about how individual classes and students are progressing, and also to be creative in providing moments of wonder and enough “margin” in the class that the key concepts can be grasped and absorbed. With the continual press of schedule, it is difficult to keep that priority in mind.
I can provide a peaceful and predictable learning environment, I will be able to head off most of the discipline issues. That is a challenging combination of careful planning, intense preparation, and a ready flexibility, because no day will every go completely according to plan.
At least this year, I feel as though I am able to “swim” well enough to keep my head above water and readjust my course. It amazing how much more than last year I can see the connection of the content across the entire course. It is an exciting feeling to be able to encourage anticipation in the students for next semester’s units and to have so many more examples of how chemistry impacts everyday life.
