teach a college class

I haven’t updated my 43things in over a year, but as I leave to teach my first ever college class, this Web site popped into my head. I’m so excited and nervous I don’t know what to do.

Ahhh!

I was invited to teach one class of Developmental Psychology at a college in Philadelphia because I have experience working with children and adults who had developmental disabilities.

I’ve got another section of Introduction to Psychology next semester. This one has 40 students! (I have colleagues with 15—imagine my envy!) One of my students just told me he referred all of his friends to my section—I’m not sure whether to thank him or tell him to take his recommendations back!

I didn’t think I knew enough, but when students ask questions, and you can answer, it is a great confidence booster. Lesson planning takes a lot of time, though, especially if you have to plan for a lab class.

I’ve taught college level Photography, Medieval History from a History perspective and Medieval History from a Humanities perspective. I love teaching because it gives me a valid excuse to go learn stuff! Also, it seems that there is very little that increases the depth of your learning on ANY subject more than preparing to present that information to someone else. I highly recomend the experience.

I love teaching college classes they give me empowerment. I’m a grad student that is a poultry science major. When I was a undergrad student I made friends with all the science teachers that were in charge of labs. So when I became a grad student I instantly got offered spots to teach various chemistry and biology labs. I also get to teach lower level science lectures when needed. You have to set your boundaries quickly with the students. Be strict but caring at the same time. But never vary your strictness. Try your best not to show your nervousness.

the class went swimmingly! I’m very pleased with the way my syllabus rolled and the scholars I had found the course easy to follow, challenging to complete and satisfying to have finished. It was mainly a performance-based studio class, so the challenge for most was to get up and feel the credibility to tell a story. And to meet that challenge we created a very supportive, cheer-for-each-other culture, and it flew like a charm (to mix my similies). I’m doing it again in the summer, and it’ll be interesting to see how Round #2 goes.

I found it pretty scary and it was extremely hard work preparing for the lessons. But it was a good experience. I’m pleased I’ve done it.

first week of fifteen went pretty well.

I’ve recently secured a gig with the Pierre Laclede Honors College (part of the University of Missouri – St. Louis) to teach a 15 week course in storytelling! Oh, great joy and trepidation! It starts August 17th for 3 hours a night. Pray for me and my preparation. I really, really want to do this right.