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| Lew Ludwig caught Susan Villarreal in the act of good teaching, he writes: Last Monday, as I scrambled to finish my notes for the first week of class, I was kicking myself. I’ve taught this course many times before, but it had been three semesters since the last round. I can barely remember what I had for lunch yesterday, much less the details of what worked- or didn’t- three semesters ago. Nothing is ever perfect; we can always improve. But what exactly was I supposed to do better?
I should have followed Susan Villarreal’s advice: be kind to your future self. Susan lives by this mantra, updating a running file during the semester with notes about what went well and what could be improved. She adds to it at least once a week, turning reflective teaching into a sustainable habit. This simple practice doesn’t just help her keep track; it also ensures that she’s better prepared the next time she teaches the course. Why not give it a try? Start a Google Doc or a dedicated notebook to record ideas, adjustments, and observations while they’re still fresh. Whether you reflect after each class session or at the end of the week, your future self will thank you. When the next semester rolls around, you’ll find yourself better prepared and less stressed- and perhaps even kicking yourself a little less. |