What is a "good" class?

What is a "good" class session?

This is a simple question but one for constant reflection for the professor. In fact, I suggest that a continuous self-evaluation is important for a professor at any career stage.

I find this an interesting question and I cannot say that I have an answer. However, I can certainly say that I do know when we’ve had a good class, when it was OK, and when it didn’t work as planned. I might term the “good” class with an analogy to the famour Tiger Woods “fist pump” moment. “Yes, that worked!”

In the past week, I’m had two classes (out of eight) that had a specialness that I classify as “good,” most were OK, and one was less than I would have liked. Why, why, why?

In one class, it clearly was the interaction with the students. Early in the class, a student asked a question that opened up a lot of things I had intended to discuss… but I did them in a different order than planned! And I liked it. I know that m enthusiasm peaked and I probably was able to link concepts together in a new way. I enjoyed it, the students were engaged, and I left feeling very energized! (I’m assuming they did too.)

In another class, it was actually an error. I was working a complex problem (one I’ve worked many times) but it took an interesting twists--- and for a second, I did a second look and it wasn’t working out. Then I took a different approach and it worked with a check! A new approach to an old problem.

I’ve noticed that these special class sessions do not happen in the first two weeks of the term, because it takes a while to establish communications with the class and to have shared common material. Linking concepts that have been well developed begins to occur in the third week. These are exciting and special times.

The commonality in my opinion is the freshness of a class---student interaction, or perhaps a newness for the professor. Powerpoint slides can have good information but do they provide the ability to be responsive? …… think about it, what happens when you depart from your notes? Give it a fresh approach.

When I feel connectivity with the students, these are very special teachable moments and contribute to a good class session. What is your definition of a good class??