The TA’s first day running the classroom on our own. With Dr G gone, I think everyone was a bit nervous about how the day would go. I know I was. I was hoping the students would have a similar respect for us as they show for Dr. G. For the most part, we had no problems with the students. I did notice a bit more texting, more people running late to class, and there were a few more people with their laptops out at the beginning of class, but that may be because it is starting to get further into the semester, so the students are returning to their old habits from the previous semester.
Today, I again had to address the same student as I had last class. Again he became a bit argumentative, and I had once again tried to reason with him, but he still did not budge. He at least put away his laptop, but I saw him pull it out during the movie, and was on his cellphone much of the time. After the movie however, when he approached me to turn in his index card he apologized for his comments that he made to me before class. I feel a bit better now about this situation, but we will see next class if he still continues with this same behavior.
Other than that, today was a very good day. Tonya did an excellent job of taking control when the other TA’s and I seemed a bit unsure and a bit nervous about talking in front of the group. I am very glad she stepped up, and hope that the next opportunity that we have to talk in front of the group, that I will be able to step us as she had.
All in all, I believe we did a very good job today! We all helped out where we could, and worked very well together as a team! This second week has been an excellent one and I am anxious to see what the rest of the semester will bring!
Do not worry too much about our friend at the back. Some guys (and I mean guys) like to do their own thing. I bet we will find out more about him before too long. He almost always has a question and they are very specific and almost like he is trying to find an exception to a finding….or is just curious (and he is thinking).
Now to give you some mike time to get that voice loud and projecting. : )
I never really noticed that his questions do tend to be very specific and he does seem to be curious and critically thinking about the material.
I am nervous and excited for the first day that I get to talk in front of the class 🙂