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!

[fourth_rose]

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

[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.

[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 :).

[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.

[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!

[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.