Finally, I was “in” the classroom today. The course is co-taught, an my colleague taught the sessions today. So, while I was technically in the classroom, I wasn’t teaching. But I arrived early, and three of the guys brought a bag a apples for me, pretending to butter me up, but really giving me a welcome! It was a warm welcome, and there were good conversations during breaks before, during, and in the middle of our three, 90-minute sessions today!
I also scored points with the class, because there is a chapter of a book that is required for the class, but I was told that the book was no longer in print. So, within permitted academic use, I scanned it and uploaded it to the Moodle page for this course. That was appreciated.
While my teaching in English is no problem for many, I know there are a few who are less comfortable speaking in English. So, I tried to explain with those I talked with and a post on Moodle how I would have bilingual PowerPoint slides and small group exercises where they would speak Swedish. I sense they are optimistic.
I see how my approach will be able to engage the students in meaningful ways and incorporate pedagogy beyond lecture and white board. I’m looking forward to not just being in the classroom but facilitating a lesson and engaging students in a few active learning exercises.
The afternoon had a special fika (coffee/tea break), partially to help build community after talking through some transitions and challenges this fall.
We had our first snow today! The flakes were outside the breakfast window and fell all day. However, they only stayed on the grass while melting on any pavement or sidewalk. That meant biking was still safe. Eventually, I need to see about getting studded tires on our bikes!
Time for ping pong!
Beth