Rough week and we're only half way through

When I was a student, I was on the Winter/Summer track at BYUI. I guess I always thought I was a good student, maybe not always the brightest in math or science, but I worked moderately hard. I never noticed a difference in my work ethic whether it was the winter or summer semester, but boy oh boy...In my experience, summer students are just not up to par.

I asked some of my collegues if they noticed the same lack of interest from their students and found a resounding "yes." The good thing is that I'm not alone. In my experience, this summer and last, my students just seem apathetic. A lot of them skip class, and I currently have more students with failing grades than any other semester. It's been pretty hard on me because I want every student to gain something from this course, and hopefully that something isn't a bad attitude or a sour memory. I want to help enlighten the minds of my students. 

I asked one of my students today is he had any constructive criticism to help me. He explained that it really helps if the students can feel the teacher's enthusiasm for the subject and sometimes that enthusiasm can be contagious. This was another slap in the face or rather, a wake up call. In my past evaluations, students have noted that I am VERY enthusiastic about the subject and very willing to help in any way possible. 

But this semester has been different. I feel like there is a barrier between me and my students. I feel like they don't want to be figuratively "touched" by whatever I say or try to teach or accomplish in the course. I think because I am feeling this sort of distance and isolation that I have developed a coping mechanism. I feel as though maybe I am withdrawing from them as a leader and teacher. I think I have temporarily lost my enthusiam. It's almost as if my discomfort is telling me "if you show that you care, they will think you are stupid. Take the easy way out. Pretend you don't care."

So it's up to me now that I've had this sort of epiphany. I need to do the very best job that I can. It doesn't matter what other people think of you. Come prepared, come with your heart on your sleeve, and give it everything you have. Some will respond positively and some won't allow you "in." You at least need to do your part and come ready with your game face on.

Okay, I'm sure you didn't need that little pep talk, but I really did.