The problem I have with the start of semesters is that it is so easy. The workload is so light that I get lazy and fall into a false sense of security about the amount of effort and organization required to get stuff done. By the time the work starts to roll in i’ve become so used to the extra time that I don’t know how to start working–how to ramp up to get it done. So, I’ve decided to change the way I assign work in the classroom. I am going to front load the heck out of my classes so we start out with a heavy barrage of small, high feedback assignments that prepare the students for the mid and late semester game where the workload thins and the assignments become more valuable, nuanced, and meaningful.
I have the means to make this happen. I mean to plan to make it so.
First off, I’m going to need to have some structure–even in this off time. I’ve spent my christmas wallowing in a shallow pool of self loathing and relationship (fear) driven depression that has offered me little more than premature gray hairs. Basically, that has been my private life for the last year at least–especially over the past 5 months. The upside is that when you live in sadness and fear then everything in your life seems to occur in relative slowness. You are, in a sense, getting more time. The downsides are obvious. So, I’m going to focus on getting some structure and getting out of my head just a little. Some things you can’t change. Some things you can.
Step one: Let’s make a schedule and include in it the time required to build out this new plan…