Keeping up!

Week four has begun! So far so good.
Being critical of myself as I am all time I believe that my teaching is going ok but I could do better.
a) About the classes I teach!
What's working: the wiki in two classes has great results! Students are producing valuable articles. Other class has a bit more trouble. Wondering if I did something different?

What I need to do next: Create wiki scavenger assignment mandatory for all students! Here they will learn how to navigate and use the wiki through a practical assignment. This (I believe) will alleviate the various small issues that have come up. Not all students are self-starters and they should be provided with a how-to guide as the wiki workshop is not enough.

Get active assignments are not working, need to change that. I think it was a good idea but scheduling issues get in the way and I don't think it is fair to the students so I will announce that in class. In stead of 2 group activities and 3 out of class they will do 5 out of class activities of choice.

Free points is a good idea and working well. Those who like to work extra can receive free points towards their exam.

Not working: I need to uphold the absence policy more I think. I guess I tend to take the benefit of the doubt and allow for make-up classes. Perhaps a bit too lenient. Must create a solid one that is good for all my PEAC courses. This will be especially vital when I do my research!

b) About the courses I take
Research in PE is helping me jump start my research project that will begin in 4 weeks. I will investigate wikis with students in activity courses (fitness concepts) + check test performance and perceptions of students on using the wiki. I will use 4 classes this Fall and 4 perhaps next Spring. (depended on what I teach)
Oh btw I may be teaching 'team handball". If I do, I want to try to do the GPAI! Perhaps a small research project?

Adapted PE is interesting. Very practical and useful to anyone in PE. any activities I must and have been writing up on my wiki. I had to tour in a wheel chair once which was neat and I am learning about the different disabilities, which is more of a refresher but good for me!

Stats: Also refresher but this one is important! Dr. Dennis is a good teacher in that he can provide examples in a variety of ways and he is very patient. Also, we have a small class which makes it easier (FYI all my classes are small from 4 to 15 students which is nice). Tomorrow my first quiz. I don't think it is going to be easy but I seem relaxed even though I should be sleeping right now.

I am trying to sleep 6 hours a night but having class each night makes it difficult. In addition, I teach early every day so I can never get enough sleep. I think next 8 weeks will be better, only 2 early days! I must try to organize my courses better though so I can combine grad courses on 1 or 2 days in stead on 4, that would allow me to manage my time better.

As for my goal to balance my life as a grad student: that is still going strong!
During the week I focus on working hard for school (that is probably why my nights are so short). During the weekend I focus on relaxing and running. I guess it may be official that I am moving my running goal up to an earlier date. I am now planning to run my first 50K on December 5th and not in April. HA! Oh well, I will do it. I get excited thinking about it! I am so looking forward to the Traveller in October where I will be pacing a friend for at least 20 miles of the 100. Perhaps more, we'll see! That will be great training for my 50K. My longest run so far was 24 miles.

There you go, my mid course update! My mind is starting to drift to the winter at times and my cravings for snow and skiing has been popping up at various times. May teach skiing this winter. Who knows? Anyone need a private instructor! I sure need the money! (Let's NOT talk about the money concerns of international students)