Hot for teacher
That's what the t-shirt Capt Mike wears to my graduation is going to say. We've already started looking for one. That's how confident we are that I am going to survive this year.
It's been a hard transition though, from career woman back to student. It's a very different type of school and learning from what I remember of my undergrad years. The biggest difference is the lack of pressure. I mean, I have work to do, and I want to do it well, but not because I need to earn a certain grade. The Faculty of Education has a pass/fail system. I either get my B.Ed., or I don't. You have no idea what a huge difference that makes to my ability to learn and retain the information I am being given on a daily basis. It's wonderful. I am still incredibly busy with work, readings, and assignments, but it's because I want to be, not because I feel like I have to be to accumulate percentage points.
The classes are all pretty much set up as seminars. There are very few lectures, and lots of collaborative learning and discussion. There is zero competition. Most of the major assignments are done in groups or in pairs. The idea of collegiality is strongly reinforced in all of our classes. That is a stark contrast to the win-at-all-costs mentality that was so pervasive in the Life Sciences program.
Yes, returning to school was probably the best (though also the scariest) decision I've ever made. I just wish it left a little more time for blogging.
Comments
See? You can do it! You are doing it! I never had a doubt :-)
Posted by: heather at September 20, 2008 08:07 PM
Collaborative learning is the buzz-word these days. Glad you're enjoying it so far.
Posted by: Dee at October 7, 2008 02:21 PM