I always say that I enjoy teaching. Yes, it is true in general, but not for today.
I planned to go through random variable and probability distributions in the lecture this morning. The class started as usual, but it was so hard to move forward. Everytime when I asked them a question, I rarely got any response. Then I thought they didn't understand the question. So I explained it again to make sure that they understood, and worked with them together step by step. Very slow. After I finished the binomial distribution, it was already 40 minutes passed. I thought I would finish the lecture with Poisson distribution, but I was behind. Anyway, I didn't rush into Poisson distribution. Instead, I gave them another example of binomial distribution. (A very good choice!)
I was very frustrated after the lecture: 1. behind the schedule; 2. lack of response from students; and 3. my own attitude (tried to cheer students and myself up, but it was not a success).
What should I do? Ignore the students, just deliver the lecture anyway? I doubt ...
Through lectures I want to make sure that students get the main idea and the big picture of the subject. For the details, if they do not get them in class, they can work out by themselves, with the help from textbook and etc (this is also an important part of their learning process). When I ask them questions, I just want to get feedback and check if they get the big picture or not. When there is a lack of response, I dont know where they are. (I cound not tell from their faces this mroning. BLANK!) Maybe I need more preparation. Think about the challenges students may encounter ...
(I tell myself it is OK not to be perfect.)
