When I started back to teaching with such an amazing group of students, I thought (and hoped) that if I picked up a second class, those students would be equally amazing. The second group amazes me, but mostly not in good ways. Today when I took attendance, half of them weren't there. Some straggled in late, some left early, and some didn't show up at all. And they had a final draft due today! It's the last day before break, so I had expected that they might be a bit distracted, but this was ridiculous. I'm so glad I don't have to deal with them for a week and a half. I need to address the issue (of why they think it's okay to come and go as they please, or not bother coming in), but I haven't yet decided how to do it. I suppose a strongly worded email is my best option. I hate playing the role of enforcer.
My other class continues to be my ray of sunshine. I wish I could put those students into my three-hour class and have the other bunch for only an hour and a half. They, the "good ones", interact with me, come to class prepared, and pay attention. By contrast, the earlier group stares sullenly at me, falls asleep, or chatters. One of my goals during spring break is to come up with more interesting material to fill the three hour classes. I get that it's a long time to be in class, but they knew that when they signed up. As did I.
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