Classes are wrapping up, and I can sense my students' anxiety and excitement about the end of the semester, but can they sense mine?
I have come to a point when I just want to be done, yet I know this is the time I need to keep up the class's moral and energy. The last ten minutes of class seem to loom on my head as my students' faces droop and their palms find their cheeks, like little resting stools. Is is wrong that sometimes I just want to shout, "I don't want to be here either, just leave!"? I know that wanting to do it, is different than doing it; I feel that I need to shake things up. Last week I started doing ice-breakers again, and it has been helpful. I've pulled in some theatrical elements and clever youtube videos, but my will is faltering. I'm hoping Thanksgiving break offers a reprieve and refresher. Have you tried any new tricks to bring life back into the classroom, or have you had similar experiences?
I'm sorry to hear you're having End of the Semester Blues :/
ReplyDeleteI'm not experiencing this in the classroom because I'm not teaching anymore, but I've noticed it in my own classes where I'm a student. I'm mentally and physically exhausted. I can't seem to figure out if I'm tired because PhD school is harder or if because I'm in a new place at a new school with new people.
I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving when I can see my family and my dog.
As for what to do in the classroom, I like what you've done already...ice-breakers, youtube videos...those seem to be interesting. Maybe you could visit the Art Museum as part of a class activity or do a library scavenger hunt or hold class online one day (I don't know if the writing program allows that last thing...)
Excellent idea about the library, thanks.
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