What is a "friendly" class session?

I’ve noticed while observing other professor’s teaching and sometimes with myself, that adding a “friendly” element to a class session is a good thing. It sets the students as ease, shows them that we are all in this together, and can take an individual student out of the self-imposed situation of thinking the professor links a grade to a face. Let me explain.

One day this week we had a snowfall. Our campus was especially beautiful for students walking to our building. I was disappointed with myself for not having my camera with me---because I wanted a photo. So I told my students to make sure they noticed the special beauty of the day….. and if anyone would sent me a jpg, I’d really like it. Then we went on with the class.

As the day went on I got friendly e-mails from students who had never talked to me before personally. As I checked their names, some were in a difficult grade position and struggling with the subject. Yet, this allowed us to discuss a “neutral” topic and agree. I asked these students to wave at me at the next class session…. and now I have a friendly face to go with the photo. We could agree on a topic...the weather! One student told me that he had never taken a moment to look closely at the scenery.

Attached is one photo sent by a student. All of us (180!) walk over a little bridge with this view as we come and go. Rather beautiful at any time of year, but truly special with fresh snow.

So, adding a friendly touch is a good idea. Try it!!

What is a "bad" class session?

You knew it was coming……. What is a “bad” class session?

Again, this is a simple, but complex question and I don’t have any concrete answers. Perhaps it is just in the eyes of the beholder. However, here are some elements that contribute to a “less than prime” class session.

Students are disengaged. The day after a mid-term exam clearly means that the students are not focusing on the “new” or the “old” material. They have not read ahead and they are may be preoccupied with the results of the exam. They may be fearing a bad grade or excited in anticipation of a good one. Attendance is down (unless the word is out that the exams will be returned at the end of class) and those present are in body only!

Often Fridays are a hard day to teach, but when the students get to know me, they know that I ALWAYS do something important on Fridays. Yes, it is true. In the real world, people work a full week…. And students need to learn sooner rather than later that Fridays are a work day.

Equipment mal-functioning can be a factor in a “bad” day, but I have some back-up plans. Normally I have at least one photo/diagram that can help if the video equipment isn’t working. We have a problem in that sometimes the previous user makes settings that can only be reversed on complete start-up. And sometimes, I do have to restart, but it is a distraction for the presenter and contributes to a bad day. It happens to all of us.

The reason I have this as a blog topic is that RECOVERING from a bad day is essential. What can you do? Make sure the next class goes well! Be super prepared, have all bases covered, and take charge. Normally students are forgiving when the inevitable “bad day” happens, but a good recovery is essential!