Focusing in tough times
I have had some great times when I was well-rested and focused on the students but I have also had times when I was teaching too many hours and going to clinical sites and having a hard time of just getting enough sleep. My work at home was grading papers and my family / social life was next to nothing. Focusing on students happens best when I am well-paced at work and not overloaded with tasks.
Hi Renee,
I like the way you are trying to get students into a "bubble" if only for 4.5 hours. They can concentrate, learn and focus before they go back into the other parts of their lives.
Gary
i tell my students to pretend that my class room is an island and they are on vacation from the every day stressors of life... the fight with the girlfriend/boyfriend/wife/other... the flat tire... the late train... leave at the door and let this be your 4.5 hour break from your "real" life... i encourage them to just be here and enjoy the moment here. what ever it is will be waiting for them after class
it's like a mini vacation for them... i practice it too... i work to not let my bad day enter my class room...
