File for later

It seemed like a long time ago, but not that long, I was made to attend a TA teaching workshop at CDTL. Ok.. so it was a graduating requirement. I took two days off and sat in workshops and lectures talking about 'pedagogy' and learning 'how to teach'. I think some of the newer TAs were quite taken aback with my teaching style when I related my anecdotes.

While I am enthusiastic, I do not spoon feed and tell my students that I will not engage them unless they engage me first. This leads to uncomfortable silences at the beginning of each term, but it is worth it as by the end of the semester, they will be more outspoken.

We also had a session where each of the TAs have to give a short ten minute presentation on any topic. I chose to show them my holiday pictures from the South Pacific. I thought I did a good job then (c0mpared with the engineering folks and their petroleum analysis charts), but having received the CD recording today, I think there is still much room for improvement.

1) I need to write a script - several times I waffled on some key points, and used the wrong turn of phrase to describe what I meant.
2) I use the word 'actually' way too much. Actually.
3) Smile more and engage the audience with eye contact!
4) Diction could have been better.

Never mind. More practice will make it perfect.

And.. I look so tiny in the clip! Must be the camera and its magic lens.