I'm teaching online during the pandemic

[struggle4progress]

The majority of students are young (though I often have some some wonderful older students)

I began my morning class today with a very short run-down on voting and early voting -- some basic facts, and nothing partisan since it's a state school

A nice boatload of students in the class cheered this announcement and told their peers how important it is to vote

[Nevilledog]

1. You rock!

[struggle4progress]

5. The kids are alright

[elleng]

2. Nice! Thanks!

We're with you!

[struggle4progress]

6. Stand by me

[sheshe2]

3. thank you.

[struggle4progress]

7. When the ship comes in

[FM123]

4. You are wonderful!

[struggle4progress]

9. Here comes the sun

[FM123]

11. Wow.

This song. Many years ago, when a beloved family member was going through a difficult time we finally received some good news about her health, prognosis was good - as I was driving home from the doctor's office this song came on the radio as if to affirm it. Thank you.

[Rhiannon12866]

8. K&R and kudos to you!

What they learned today is something that will stick with them from now on - and they can pass it on to their parents.

[struggle4progress]

10. Get up! Stand up!

[Meowmee]

12. I am teaching online as well

No live videos this semester though and no set schedule. I never discuss politics/voting etc. Be very careful what you do and say- an instructor got into trouble telling her students basically, don't vote for you know who. One of her students recorded it and posted it on facebook. And I have heard stories about students taking recordings either live or pre-recorded and altering them. I have only made one instructional video so far, all the rest is written instructions, visuals and online communications.

[struggle4progress]

13. I record all my live lectures. And I've taught at state schools on and off for over forty years,

so being non-partisan with my classes is habitual by now. But I manage to have my fun with some current events anyway

[Meowmee]

14. That is good

I have had bad experiences with sociopathic students so I am very cautious. Students can record you and alter it as well even if nothing partisan etc was mentioned.

[struggle4progress]

15. My working hypothesis is that students treat me the way they think I'll treat them

If they think I'm a small angry fellow, they'll do their best to act small and angry themselves, hoping for a reaction that they can use to confirm their preconception. Crooks, jerks, and liars operate on the the theory that everyone else is a crooked lying jerk. I don't try to win over everybody; I try to offer a hand to the confused, misused, and abused one-by-one; and when I get slammed, I usually aim to continue as if nothing happened. It's always a performance for the benefit of the audience, and the audience often appreciates it. A thick skin and a short memory sometimes works miracles.

[Meowmee]

17. That's great!

[struggle4progress]

16. Chimes of freedom

[Pluvious]

18. What's that sound...

[struggle4progress]

19. How can I keep from singing?