I finished my first semester teaching at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga about two weeks ago. Overall my experience teaching was good. I tend to feel uncomfortable speaking in front of large groups, but I think I gained confidence in this area this past semester. There are still things, however, I need to work on (such as not saying “um” so many times).
There were frustrating parts to the semester, as well. In one of my classes, almost all of the students flunked the first two exams, and many students flunked the 3rd, 4th, and final exams as well. In the end, I failed about a third of the class, and another third got a ‘D’. There were some ‘A’s, ‘B’s, and ‘C’s, though. In the other class I taught, about a quarter got failing grades and about a fifth got a ‘D’.
On the one hand, I think many of the students weren’t sufficiently prepared for the course. Many were lacking in basic algebra, geometry, and trigonometry skills, which are essential for a college-level introductory physics course. On the other hand, I think I need to learn to communicate the material in a way that is closer to the students’ level. Next semester, I plan to have the students turn in a sheet once a week with a question they have about previously-covered material. That way, I can gauge where the students are having difficulty.
The head of the department told me that I am welcome to continue teaching at UTC for another year, but I would prefer to have a job that focuses more on research. I am not against teaching, but if I do end up teaching full time, I think I would be a better teacher/adviser if I have more experience doing research. I recently applied to a job at 3M, and I plan on applying for more positions there. 3M is a company that is very innovative, and I think I would enjoy working in that environment. I would appreciate prayer that I would trust God more as I look for jobs. He has provided me with two jobs so far since I finished my Ph.D., and I know that he will continue to provide; still, the process of finding a job has been quite stressful.
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We will continue to pray for you Seth!! a. janie
Thanks for the update Seth. Did you ever get my latest revision to your cover letter?
We will be praying for you.
It’s cool to see how the Lord is helping you grow in the area of talking in front of people. I will continue in prayer for you as you look ahead and seek to trust the Lord as you take steps of faith.
Yes, Uncle David, I did receive your latest revision of my cover letter, and it was very helpful. Thank you so much! You really helped me get past some writer’s block.
You will be remembered in our prayers. Grandpa Tom
Thanks for the update, Seth!
I’ll be praying for your continued job search. I know the Lord will provide.