Let's set the stage. I walk up to the podium with confidence, set up all my papers, and then...instant technology malfunction. This is how my first teaching experience went on Wednesday. I was excited to begin my lesson that I prepared in 48 hours, but then my entire confidence dropped. I solved the technology malfunction, but my confidence did not restore completely. The lesson still went well, but there is plenty of room for improvement.
I know as I continue to teach there will always be those times where technology will not work the way it is intended to. As the show business says, "The show must go on." I was ready to adapt my idea of a presentation with a slideshow and use the handout that I had with me. There will be times in the future where I will need to adapt and overcome issues that arise in the classroom. It may not be with technology. It could be figuring out how to manage a welding class of 15 students with only 8 welders. I have growing to do to become the best teacher I can be. There is always room for improvement
I learned that teaching is not an easy task. There will be problems that arise out of the blue. I do need to learn how to control my confidence and not feel defeated as easily. To live this out, I need to calm my nerves when something goes awry. This is only the beginning of my journey. I am ready to take this challenge and become the best teacher I can be for my students.
Adapt and conquer!
ReplyDeleteYou are going to be nervous no matter what! That's a perfectly okay feeling to have. Recognize it and push on! It sounds like you did that which is awesome! What class was your very first one?
ReplyDeleteFor AEE 412 lab I had to plan and teach a 15 minute lesson on Heat Energy and Temperature. We all had random topics to teach/demonstrate.
DeleteNice reflection Luke. Though you may have seen the technology malfunction as a set back, I sat through your difficulty with the computer and I would actually give this to you as a strength. Your willingness to adapt at the drop of a hat was remarkable. After multiple attempts of getting that computer to display, you didn't hesitate to be flexible and teach without everything you prepared for. Well done!
ReplyDeleteIt takes practice and time. There are still days after teaching for six years I flounder. The good news is if you adapt and keep rolling so will the students. Nothing every goes exactly to plan is what I have found out and it is best to just roll with the punches. Some days I'm not so confident in the material I'm teaching but you have to realize most students are in your class for a different take on education from a "core" class. They will forgive you if you mess up and are honest with them.
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