Watching Myself, Part II

Just as my FANTASTIC roommate commented about herself in her critical film analysis, I, too, use a lot of superlatives when I talk.  Just as when I recorded myself the first time, I use words like "FANTASTIC" and "FABULOUS" almost too frequently.  While I am ALL ABOUT positive reinforcement and encouragement, I do not want to overuse it (is there even such a thing?  Maybe the value of positive comments diminishes if they are overused?). 

Overall, the biggest difference I noted between my two recorded lessons was in the context of content knowledge.  When I was teaching history, I could just roll with the punches.  I could and would interject interesting and random factoids that either relate the material to 21st Century MS or are just plain entertaining.  I am not as equipped to do this with biology.  I was enthusiastic when I taught history because I truly LOVED the subject matter.  When I watched my second movie, it was apparent to me that the excitement was a mere facade.  While I doubt the students have picked up on this, it was one of the first things I noticed.

Wearing flats makes a lot less noise when walking around the classroom than wearing heels.  Today was the first day I wore flats; I sort of missed the clicking.  (There's no place like home, there's no place like home...)  In general, there was not a remarkable change in my teaching when comparing the two lessons.  It was, however, like comparing apples to oranges, since the subject material was very different.  I can definitely tell when I am exhausted during a lesson.  One of my primary goals for the year is to get to sleep at a reasonable hour every night!

And speaking of no place like home...  Happy Last Day of Classes!!!  I'm excited to fully move into my new humble abode and then go home to see my favorite little sister!