I Am Oz
So I've been monitoring the student evaluation process for the 1st year students and I realized something--I am a presence in the classroom.
Now, don't get me wrong. I know that as a teacher I'm supposed to command presence, to be "the sage on the stage"--or at the very least, I should be distinguishable from the students. But today I was struck by the total change I can bring about in a mood. Students filed into the labs chatting, laughing, giggling. They left quiet, subdued, pensive.
Perhaps it was the evaluation process. But I couldn't help but think that my tone in giving them their instructions, coupled with my RELENTLESS talking over their noise until they shut up set the whole process in motion.
I don't think that I've damaged them or anything. It just struck me today what presence can do.
Comments
love the title on your entry --- just make sure your curtain stays closed!
Posted by: ann | December 1, 2004 11:33 PM
I love teachers. My grandmother was a teacher. I don't know the details but you did good. Thanks for being a teacher.
Posted by: Prudent Purl | December 2, 2004 04:55 PM