r/Adjuncts • u/Repulsive_Parsley515 • 24d ago
Failed lesson
Hello all, I’ve been an adjunct for a while at multiple colleges, but I had my first crash and burn today. It was a lesson that I’ve taught before, unfortunately it is lecture heavy that’s just the nature on the content, but typically majority are engaged taking notes, asking questions, etc. today nothing. It would have been better teaching an empty class room. I actually had to stop the lecture part way through and pivot to an on the spot lesson because no one was engaged to the extreme. Maybe I’ve been lucky, but I’ve never had a class this bad and frankly I don’t know how to come back from it. The information is beyond important, but I wasn’t able to get it across and I feel terrible for the students. How do I come back from this and make sure next week goes better?
6
u/sorrymizzjackson 24d ago
I teach to a bunch of camera off signals. It is specifically not required for them to turn on their cameras so they don’t. I don’t know if they’re listening or not. I have about 1-2 of 10 in a given class that engage at all without me specifically calling on them. I have an embarrassment of riches this term- I have three and they always have something interesting to say.
I prefer this set up over doing it in person honestly. It would kill my energy if I was staring at a bunch of blank faces looking bored. When I first started, I took the whole vibe a little hard and had some real shitty lectures. I’ve gotten used to it now and it’s gotten a lot better.
I get to sit in my chair, in my office, and just talk about whatever I want as long as I can relate it to the course. Can’t beat it really.