The students in that class are, for the most part, always actively engaged in the class an ready and willing to learn. They inspire me. I think I teach at my best in that class. The energy I brought to the classroom that first day set the tone of the class for the rest of the semester. If only it could have had that same effect in my afternoon section. I have been wracking my brain trying to figure out how to shake up that last section of the day. I have literally shed tears over it. How can I break through their complacency? The energy in that room is virtually non-existent, and I have exerted all I can.
Other faculty have told me that I am too vested in my students. "If they don't put forth effort, why should you?" For the sake of my own sanity, I might have to give into what I have previously viewed as cynicism. If they don't want to learn, why should I try to force feed it to them? I think from this point forward, that particular class period will be quite short. My lesson plan will consist of presenting the information, asking if they have questions (They won't because 75% of that class refuses to speak at all.), and dismissing class. This will be my own cut and paste experiment this semester. The students who really want to learn can stick around, and I'll paste the energy I cut from the students who don't give a shit into those who do.
it sucks that you had to have a class like that...you are an awesome teacher and i love attending your class and we always have a blast.
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