Overall, I was delighted with how the classes went yesterday. Students seemed engaged. They appeared energized by their small group discussions. Their subsequent reports on their work showed that enthusiasm. They smiled. They laughed. It was fun!!
More specifically,
- Yesterday I had difficulties with the PC in the classroom. Because I arrived early, I had the time I needed to fix the problem. More broadly, I make it a habit to arrive 30 minutes prior my first class. I usually don't need that much time to set up, but when I do, I do (like yesterday).
- I assigned students to meet in their assigned groups to discuss specific topics based on the readings. I set time limits for their group discussions. I didn't get a clear sense of whether they had too much, too little, or just enough time. That's something I'll need to monitor for future group work in class. However, I did not set time limits for their presentations to the class. These reports ran longer than I anticipated. I believe that reflected a level of engagement and creativity that I don't assume will happen. I am delighted when it does, and I adjust my teaching schedule accordingly.
- Because class discussion ran longer than I had anticipated, I postponed my discussion of emotional intelligence to our next class (on Tuesday, July 15, 2025). Then we'll pivot back to continue our discussion of motivation.