A short filler post before I talk about some really exciting stuff next week!
I’ve started a few new courses this week, it being the new term and all. One of them is Maths. I’ve always been a maths-oriented person so it’s no surprise that I’m taking this.
Our first lecture took place in a tutorial room. The reason for this isn’t that interesting, but it involves viruses and and full lecture theatres. The tutorial room has wooden desks – the kind we all had at school (it also has nice comfy green chairs; the kind we did not have at school). Everyone’s first concern was that the room had no projectors. However this turned out not to be a problem as the lecturer’s teaching method did not require any of that stuff; a good old whiteboard and marker was enough.
I think I am so used to the flashy powerpoint presentations and the stereo sound systems that I truly forgot what it was like to attend classes at school. Our maths ‘lecture’ felt so familiar in a strange way. The wooden desks. The constant copying everything down as quickly as possible before the teacher rubs it all off. My desk-mate Zafie and me switching from pen to pencil at the same time. The guy in front of us vigorously shaking his tip-ex. Everyone behind me so concentrated on what they are writing (or at least they gave that impression).
I love the powerpoint presentations our lecturers normally use: they are colourful, you can embed videos and in general they are extremely clear. I had forgotten how engaging a simple blackboard and chalk can be. Many of my friends felt the same way. I think it is because ever since our primary school the blackboard has been the Ultimate Teaching Tool. So, to me anyway, it feels friendly and comfortable :)
xx
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