Training and Teaching

So, I had training Mon for the new portal ...it's got all access in one swoop to things like email, class lists, etc. We had it at grad school...it's new here. The training was about passwords and such. I was embarrassed for the trainer...she had little to work with, but to give validity to a project, they must assess and train. I get it. I hate it, but I get it.

Tuesday, I finished schedules for syllabi. I'm going to be gone alot for conferences, so I had to schedule Blackboard stuff, too. And I did Habitat bill paying and finished the letter of recommendation I promised.

Wed, school started. I'm in the swing, and I like my classes so far. 2/day instead of 4 on MWF is better, I think. I'll be a better teacher. It'll take awhile to get into the swing of 75 min classes for T/Th, but I prefer those...more time to write in class...

Today I taught the Intro to Linguistics class, and it's FULL...27. And, it's a different format than the writing classes I have, so it'll be a change of pace AND the students seem somewhat excited. Then, Comp 2 with alot of farmboys which is a different animal entirely than my MWF class...both are in the afternoon, though. I also dealt with the Incomplete student from last semester and read for tomorrow.

I'm tired, of course, but that goes with the stress of the first week. It'll settle down by MLK day and things will cruise through Spring Break.

Tonight I begin my 5k training, again, so think good thoughts about breathing and leg fatigue about 6 central time.

Oh, and for the Fall semester, I had a 16% F rate. 26% D/F/W rate. Not good statistically, but I gave what the students earned. I have the highest rate in the dept - maybe even my "school". Whatever. Maybe I am the nazi (see previous post) they called me last semester. I have standards...students must meet them! Geez. Bye bye merit pay.