Relief: teaching is still fun!

[luzula]

I started my multivariable calculus class today, and I was surprised and relieved by how much fun it was, despite being on Zoom! Whew. This is so common for me: I feel stressed when preparing a course, but then when teaching actually starts and I get to interact with the students, I love it. So relieved it still happened, even so far into the pandemic and the distance teaching that comes with it.

Also, I got a lovely email from a student afterwards, saying how much she appreciated that I took the time to answer questions and also made breathing room so that they could consider whether they had any questions. ♥

Comments

[analise010]

Congratulations! As someone with an undergrad degree in math, I can tell you that multivariate is closer to calculus 1 than calculus 2 (one of the hardest math classes I've ever taken). I'm glad that the virtual format is working for you.

[luzula]

Not sure what calculus 1 and 2 mean where you are! Anyway, I do prefer a physical classroom, but I'm glad I can manage to get enough interaction on Zoom to bring some joy into it...

[isis]

Aw, that's great!

I too tend to feel more stressed in anticipation of an event than during the actual event itself.

[luzula]

Yes, it's such a relief! I mean, it's not stress as in being nervous, more as in having difficulty motivating myself to do stuff like preparing the course home page, before I get to the thing that actually motivates me.

[solo]

multivariable calculus class

What? You teach... omg.

So I just hit up Khan Academy and that actually looks really interesting and also like something that would blow my tiny brain. I can't imagine ever understanding that enough to teach it. Colour me impressed.

(I did a Junior High maths module with the OU a few years ago to prove to myself that my maths failures at school had been the teacher's fault. I did manage to prove that but it proved also that I need three times as long as any normal human to get a grip on what's going on.)

[luzula]

Hee, I guess your brain didn't have space for both the math module and the language module! : P

I've always had an easy time with math, I guess my brain is just wired for it.

[jesse_the_k]

Ahhh, teacher satisfaction is good news any day and great news at the current moment!

[luzula]

I'll take any joy I can get at the moment!

[regshoe]

Aww, that is good. I hope it keeps on going well :)

[luzula]

Thanks! I think it will; I'm looking forward to it, anyway.

[abbylee]

I'm so glad that it's gone so well! I suspect that you'll find some things you can do in your pandemic classroom set-up that takes advantage of the video or more willingness to be asynchronous or just... something new for this year. But also don't forget to give yourself more space for how much more draining the medium can be.

That email sounds so nice! What a good feeling for both of you :)

[luzula]

Yes, it will be interesting to see if, when the pandemic is over, there are things that carry over and change the way that I usually teach.

And thanks, yes, it was a very nice email! I don't know if students realize how happy such a thing makes the teacher.

[tei]

ah, this is great!

Something I really like about the online classes is that it is a lot easier to ask questions, especially in classes that in-person aren't particularly "open to discussion"-- nobody wants to raise their hand in a lecture hall and admit they don't understand, but typing a clarification into a chat box is a lot easier.

[luzula]

Yes, that's definitely one of the advantages! They can also choose to send the chat question to just the teacher, not everyone. Another advantage is that it's so easy to do anonymous polls.

That said, I do prefer an actual classroom...