This week went much better--it's so variable. I think the students got into the cell lab--looking at plant and cheek cells in the microscope. We started with the opener, "What do you know about brain cells?" and many were curious about the effects of trauma/smoking on brain cells, and quite a few knew that brain cells can't be replaced. I ended with showing them golgi-stained neurons in the microscope, and they were definitely engaged, because many had initially thought that the image was of roots or hair, and were surprised to learn this was how neurons looked like. In a couple classes, some students even guessed that the cells had projections (axons/dendrites) because they had to connect to each other. In the other classes, I think they were interested to learn that this is why the cells look so strange. We used the analogy of passing notes between people as a means to describe how neurons pass messages back and forth to each other.
I think it's easier to not become frustrated when I remove my ego from the interactions with my students. That is, if I am less emotionally invested in how they respond to my efforts, and don't become offended if they're not engaged despite my "hard work," and if I try to just "go with the flow" and not take it personally, it's less exhausting. We'll see if this "new attitude" helps when they're actually *not* engaged :)
Next week: I will watch Victor lecture (POP) and HSP pilot.
No comments:
Post a Comment