End of semester!

Wow, I can't believe that fifteen weeks are over, and the end of the fall semester is here! This is the last week of classes. There is one week of finals, and then we are all off for an entire month! I am both looking forward to it and dreading it. But before we discuss the break, let's review the semester.

Overall, I guess it has been a good semester.... Nothing terribly bad has happened, and I am pretty sure my students have all learned something (and hopefully many things!). I have established a very good relationship with many of my students, which has made my job fun. One class, especially, has been an absolute joy to teach. The students quickly became friends, talked and joked with one another and with me, and we all had a blast! One student commented this morning, "Only three more classes..... I am so sad!" That made me feel really good. I should add that we also learned a lot in this class- students came prepared to report and discuss current events, as they were required to do (since this is an international affairs class), asked tons of questions during lectures (which put us waaaaay behind schedule, but hey, they were learning!) and never challenged me or complained about exams. The funny thing is that there is another section of the exact same course where things could not be more different: the students never became good friends with one another, never talked to one another, rarely asked questions and complained about everything (the fact that I don't post my lectures online, the format of the exam, the study guide....) after they did poorly on the midterm. Class dynamics are such an important part of student learning.... So I am trying to figure out how to create a comfortable, relaxed learning environment where all students feel free to express themselves, but where my expectations as a teacher are clear and non-negotiable.

As for the break.... I do not have definite plans yet, only some ideas of what I want to do. First, I am taking off to Atlanta for a few days right after Christmas. I need to get away for a while! It won't really feel like the semester is over unless I get of here. I am excited to visit Atlanta, which I have heard is a pretty fun place. I have been in its airport many, many times, but have never got out. I am fascinated by the Civil War, and there are lots of history connected with that (as well as with the Civil Rights movement) there.

When I get back home, I need to work on the research project that I am currently working on. I need to both finish the research itself and write it up, a tall order for the three weeks that will remain before school starts again. Oh, and I need to write up my syllabi and prepare lessons, too. So it promises to be a busy break! :)