RL TMI

[kennahijja]

Sometimes, I love my students!

For yesterday's Northern Ireland class, I had scheduled an election-debate style podium discussion with subsequent election, sorting the participants into the five major parties, and having them select a speaker and prepare questions from the floor.

Although I desperately wanted them to do it, because putting them into the position of a particular party, making them look through their eyes and argue their viewpoint would be useful to get a better understanding of matters, I was panicked to no end because well, if it didn't work (i.e. if people were not prepared or the 'audience' or speakers would just go dead silent), there would be very little I could do to salvage things.

Then I had a panicked email the night before that one group had not managed to prepare anything due to lack of communication, and consequently I slept about two hours that night because I was so panicked.

And then they *rocked*! There's no better way to put it. *Especially* the group who'd had the preparation troubles. They brought up all the controversial political issues, and really got into things, tearing through everything from economy to identity to the meaning of democracy, including a bit of (good-humoured) personal sniping. Even the one group that was practically silent did so in an amusing way that wasn't disruptive.

I finally had to stop them just because the time was over, and, well, they bloody *awed* me! It also looked as if they were quite enjoying themselves. I was so relieved, and on a high for the rest of the day. So yes - I really love them :).

Comments

[lazy-neutrino.livejournal.com]

Oh, excellent</>! And well done you, for bringing out the best in them - they wouldn't have rocked if they hadn't had confidence in you!

[kennahijja.livejournal.com]

I honestly did very little - they really surprised me :).

[lazy-neutrino.livejournal.com]

Rubbish! You created the climate. Don't knock it - I've seen bad teaching too often not to recognise good teaching when I see that. And most of good teaching is encouraging a culture of risk-taking among the learners.

No I haven't sent CW3 yet. *is ashamed*

[kennahijja.livejournal.com]

Thanks ;).

And no problem at all - I promised a fic tonight and then blew the whole day going out instead of working, so I'd have no right to whine even if I wanted to (which I don't!).

[fourth_rose]

Congrats! I think students never fully realize how happy a good discussion makes their teachers ;)

[kennahijja.livejournal.com]

I sure never even thought about that as a student :)

[hibernater.livejournal.com]

Excellent! I know there's no better feeling than that of accomplishment, and there's no better accomplishment than that of bringing it to the fore in others. I wish I could've seen it, I bet I'd've liked it.

[kennahijja.livejournal.com]

*smiles*
It was definitly fun ;).

[annephoenix.livejournal.com]

Geez, when I click on "work TMI", I expect to read about ORGIES!
....
Well done though - sounds like a successful class/tutorial :).

[kennahijja.livejournal.com]

*snickers*
Sorry for the let-down ;).

[the-dark-twin.livejournal.com]

That's lovely - exactly what's so rewarding about teaching, isn't it? You're right to be proud of them and of yourself. :)

Is May 31 still happening? *g* As far as I'm concerned, it is. I'll get in touch by e-mail.

[kennahijja.livejournal.com]

Yup - that was my best experience yet (not that I had many altogether). I also found that not having a class from six to eight at night (like my first) is a grand improvement - I come to life at that time, but most rather don't ;).

[sylvanwitch]

Isn't it great when things come together like this? Once a semester for my college class, I require them to do a panel discussion on some controversial issue. Inevitably, one group says that it didn't have a chance to get together or that they aren't happy with one another, yet I've found that the groups with the tension are often the most creative and energetic in their presentations. In fact, one element of group work is conflict--either negative or positive--because conflict can create new perspectives.

Anyway, congratulations on the success of your debate!

[kennahijja.livejournal.com]

Thanks! It sure was controversial, but never hostile - they were pretty much smirking while insulting each other ;).

[chthonya]

Nice one you!

including a bit of (good-humoured) personal sniping

The good humoured part is perhaps not such a realistic simulation though - the sheer depth of historical bitterness in NI always leaves me stunned, not least because there's not a lot that can be said (and heard) rationally in the face of such ingrained pain.

[kennahijja.livejournal.com]

Yes - it goes quite a bit beyond the rational, and there's just so much hurt on both sides that I personally feel reconciliation (if it's going to come) will take a very, very long time.

The students handled it rather well, I thought. They *did* get quite personal, but still managed to make clear that it was in their 'role', not *personally* personal towards their fellows.