OK, so maybe I'm a little sad

So I went to class last night and accomplished everything I set out to do: return old papers, collect new ones, take a vote for the top three student blogs (winners got extra credit), touch on money-making opportunities available in the blogosphere, and wrap things up with a discussion about blogging overall.

Except that last one happened not so much seeing as my students just wanted to get the hell out of there. I dismissed them after forty-two minutes.

I'm sure this makes me a big dork, but I was really hoping to facilitate a thought-provoking dialogue about what they gleaned from blogging, info they were most surprised to learn, their guestimates on how the medium will (continue to) affect other societal niches, and what they hoped to do with their own blogs long term. And there was a little of that, but getting my questions answered was not unlike pulling teeth, which, I'm not stupid, it was the last day, they knew they could end class faster by keeping quiet, but still. I've really liked having flesh-and-blood individuals in my life to jabber on about the Internet phenomenon that's had such a huge impact on my life. I'll miss that.

And I'll miss them. Some of these guys really were a lot of fun to have in class, and most of them were quite gracious to me while I struggled to find my academic groove. Knowing I may never see them again tugged on my heartstrings a bit.

Luckily, afterwards I was able to console myself at Maia's, where we feasted on two servings of chocolate fudge pudding apiece. That was definitely a good thing.

Comments

[daddy d]

Students many times have a short view of what they are to do with their chances to learn. You are right about their not talking to make class shorter. But they lost the chance that you gave to them. But that happens time and time again in the teaching business. It not the teacher's fault.

[mjd]

That sounds like a perfect last class - handing papers back, a few moments to recognize excellence, discussing career opportunities, summarizing the course study, and getting out of class early too.

[Molly]

It was the last class for you, and the last of your teaching run (at least for this time in your life,) but it was a Thursday night for the kids, and one of the many classes they're juggling. Also, well, it was a Thursday night at St. Joe, and we all know what that means.

Don't let it bother you that they wanted to wrap up quick. I'm sure, though we hadn't looked at it from the other angle, we did it as college kids too. I'm sure they enjoyed your class. I would have!!

Bring on more pie. And bring on that baby! :o)

[Emmakirsten]

Sounds like a good last class.

I'm still obsessing on the chocolate fudge pudding........