Today was my first day of teaching at Queen Mary's. It was terrifying. And exciting. And I it. I got on the train well before 10.00 this morning . . . which puts me into London around 10.30. And at Queen Mary at 11.00. And I had loads of time to get ready. So, I figured out how to attach my computer to the AV equipment. Made sure I had all my hiring paperwork signed. Submitted my paperwork for my id card. Got my syllabus copied. Found my classroom (nothing more embarrassing than walking around, lost, trying to find your own classroom!) Generally prepared for the day. Managed to get everything done and everything set up 10 minutes before class started.
The class arrived. Some 18 of them. Filled the (very small) room. I've been told there will be some 10 more by next Monday. That means? I'm going to need a bigger classroom!
I have a 2 hour block. The problem is? The first day of class, there isn't much to say. However, I managed to spend an hour telling them my name, what my area of research is, where I'm from, what the class will cover, that they'll have a midterm, a final, and a group project. Oh . . . and that they have to memorize all 50 states. No, really. Yes, that's what I said. Because I said so. Yes, it counts towards your grade. No, it's not a joke. It's only 50 names! Shut up now, or I'll make you memorize all the capitals -- and match them up with their State!
I'm really looking forward to next week when we can start talking about the meat of the subject! :D
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3 comments:
Yay! Sounds like you were very well prepared! :)
Why do they have to memorize the states?
Ummmm . . . Because I had to memorise all the Kings and Queens of England when I was an undergrad? And because, it's a course about the language across the whole of the United States, and it's difficult to study all the States, if you don't know what they are. But mostly it's just revenge :D
Hah! Love the revenge bit. :D By the way, congratulations (a bit late) on the job! Exciting new territory...
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