First class, first post...

Much as I do on the first day of class, let’s start with some mundane things that I must state before we begin in earnest. Keeping a journal or diary has always been awkward for me, and I’ve never had much luck sticking with it for long. I’m hoping this new format (a blog, as opposed to an easy-to-misplace paper journal filled with intimidating, blank pages) will encourage me to keep at it. A recent change in employment (I’m now half way through a 1-year Visiting Assistant Professorship) has made it more important to keep a better record of what I do in class; not just so I can remember the wonderful experience I’m having, but also so I can better refine my approach to what I do in the classroom. I imagine this blog will sometimes be rather dull (How long did a certain lecture take? How well did students respond to a particular assignment?), but I hope it will rise to the level of “marginally interesting” at times, too…

Speaking of the first day of class: I go over the syllabus, course policies, and supply list. I do my best NOT to read these things word-for-word, but feel I must verbalize at least the main points. I emphasize that the syllabus is a contract between teacher and student; it states what I expect from them, what they can expect from me. I also try to give them a glimpse of my personality as a teacher (at least as I perceive it): someone who expects discipline and hard work, but who also has a sense of humor and wants them to enjoy what they’re doing. With that in mind, I have a few jokes, practiced and refined over the years, which usually get some laughs. I also try to give them a clear impression that I won’t tolerate laziness or mediocrity. In some ways I think I’m trying to cultivate a reputation for being a somewhat wacky-but-lovable, demanding-but-understanding taskmaster. I wonder if my approach is working?

Studio classes at my current institution run 2 hours 45 minutes; this semester, my introductory spiel on the first day ran about 2 hours. Whew!