Yesterday we discussed culture - the rituals, taboos, and symbols that support the values underneath. Looking back, I wonder how I could help the class see that all these components of culture support something. Rituals are not empty - they exist to ensure that the key aspects of the culture are preserved. Did we miss that amidst a smorgasboard of activities and discussions? Did we all learn as much as we could in the time we were given?
Ah... the worry again. I can't help but worrying after each class, wondering whether I'm giving my all, wondering whether my all is enough. I reread the last paragraph, however, and notice the word "we." Did "we" learn? Did "we" get there? Did "we" miss something?
Teaching is a team activity. A course is not built by the professor alone. Instead, a course is built as the group interacts, vibrates with the new knowledge, responds. A course is taught by the collective power of the class.
Perhaps that's the answer to my worry ... make it a collective worry. We should all worry about using the class time as productively as possible, learning as much as possible, going as deep as possible. We have 5 weeks - let's make them count, guys.