Things on my mind:
SPRING SEMESTER.
I mean, ok, that's just one thing, but IT IS REALLY SO MANY THINGS.
The biggest thing I am obsessing about is a new-to-me class I am teaching-- the first time since 2008, when I didn't exactly teach the class but was a TA for it in grad school (at least until Jack was born when I basically peaced out for the end of the semester).
There are 3 TAs and 240 students. I HAVE A LOT OF PREP TO DO, is what I am saying, you guys.
And plus also! I am teaching my 150-person lecture on 19th-21st century feminist campaigns and revolutions. Yes, this class exists already, but the exams need a facelift in light of the age of AI, and the major assignments do, too,
I spent all day on the new class yesterday, and I like where it's going. BUT IT NEEDS TO GO THERE FAST. I also need to just lock myself in a room for like 12 hours so I can just workworkworkworkwork all at once and not have to keep stopping and reminding myself what the hell I was doing the next time I sit down at my computer.
Did I mention we decorated the yard? Ben is very into my new inflatable obsession. J/K. He hates it.
Those are big classes! I don't think I ever TA'd for such large classes, or if I did, I sure don't remember (it could be either).
ReplyDeleteSUCH BIG CLASSES
DeleteYikes- this sounds stressful. I hear you on wanting to lock yourself in a room for 12 hours to get it all done. I always think "I would have time for everything if I just didn't have to go to work." In your case it "I would have time for everything if I just didn't have any kids." Well- good luck! I know you'll get it all done, somehow.
ReplyDeleteDEFINITELY THE KIDS
DeleteI'm overwhelmed just reading this. Good luck. Facelifting exams in light of the AI times, well - I wouldn't know where to begin with that task. Also, that last photo of Minnie . . . she looks like mini-Jack in a dress, no? Is it just me?
ReplyDeleteShe DOES look like tiny Jack and also Harry
DeleteGood luck on the new class! We had fun going on a hot cocoa super moon walk. My 6-year-old is learning about the moon in school and is OBSESSED right now, so this was particularly fun.
ReplyDeletewe should have brought cocoa-- what. a great idea!
DeleteLOL about the inflatables. You are adorable. As is Minnie, FYI.
ReplyDeleteThe spring semester sounds stressful! I hope it works out much more smoothly than you are anticipating.
I think it will be really fun but the planning is stressing me OUT
DeleteSomeone (maybe Nance?) said that deflated inflatables - and they are almost always deflated - look like used condoms and now I can't unsee it. That is all. Welcome to my brain.
ReplyDeleteha! we leave ours up all the time because we're wasteful
DeleteWow, those classes sound like a LOT, and the AI brings in so much more. I would be a horrible professor, I would just do scantron so I didn’t have to grade shit. If I had TAs to help, I guess I would do blue books. But students need to know how to think out and write a paper. Are we losing that skill? Maybe.
ReplyDeleteyes! I do blue books! (used to be take home essays)
Delete