About me
The following was an open letter I gave to my students to introduce myself on the first day of school of 2011.
First of all, you should know this is pretty difficult. I am one of the least open people I know. In honesty, I would rather learn more about other people’s life story than tell my own. For example, in a party full of strangers, I'm the guy asking all the questions. I can't help it, I just love what other people have to say and the life experiences they have. My story is always boring in comparison.
Mostly, I just love to learn. Life, for me, is full of lessons. The stranger sitting beside me, a textbook on the shelf, or a cool video that’s sitting on my desktop, it doesn’t matter what it is, I just want to learn it. On some days, you’ll see me on the bus or walking down the street with my head in a book. Yes, I can walk and read at the same time. I must be a spectacle walking on crowded streets in Dalian, only a little aware of what’s around me. It’s not so bad in Edmonton where there are few people, but in China I’m sure people stare. At least that’s what I presume, if I ever put my head up.
I suppose the reason I love the walk-read is that it combines my love of learning with my love of exercise. I wouldn’t say that I’m athletic, but I take exercise seriously. Perhaps you’ve noticed, if you’ve ever been in my P.E. class. Yes, I know a lot of students hate running, but endurance, or that ability to exercise for long periods without rest, is a foundation of good health
My biggest academic goal is, as it is every year since I’ve been teaching, to become a more effective teacher. I’m not a great teacher, but I’m trying. I’ve been downright nerdy in trying to reach my goal. Every year, I read articles and books on what it means to be a better teacher, I watch videos of other teachers, and I try to make sure that I’m well prepared for all my lessons. I try something new all the time and incorporate all that I've learned in some form
If I have a weakness, it’s coffee. I’m rather protective about my habit. Coffee spilled is a great tragedy, coffee drank is a bliss. For all the new students in my class, please mind the coffee smell and be careful around mycoffee mug.
For more about me, you’ll have to come to class. Preferably with your homework done!
First of all, you should know this is pretty difficult. I am one of the least open people I know. In honesty, I would rather learn more about other people’s life story than tell my own. For example, in a party full of strangers, I'm the guy asking all the questions. I can't help it, I just love what other people have to say and the life experiences they have. My story is always boring in comparison.
Mostly, I just love to learn. Life, for me, is full of lessons. The stranger sitting beside me, a textbook on the shelf, or a cool video that’s sitting on my desktop, it doesn’t matter what it is, I just want to learn it. On some days, you’ll see me on the bus or walking down the street with my head in a book. Yes, I can walk and read at the same time. I must be a spectacle walking on crowded streets in Dalian, only a little aware of what’s around me. It’s not so bad in Edmonton where there are few people, but in China I’m sure people stare. At least that’s what I presume, if I ever put my head up.
I suppose the reason I love the walk-read is that it combines my love of learning with my love of exercise. I wouldn’t say that I’m athletic, but I take exercise seriously. Perhaps you’ve noticed, if you’ve ever been in my P.E. class. Yes, I know a lot of students hate running, but endurance, or that ability to exercise for long periods without rest, is a foundation of good health
My biggest academic goal is, as it is every year since I’ve been teaching, to become a more effective teacher. I’m not a great teacher, but I’m trying. I’ve been downright nerdy in trying to reach my goal. Every year, I read articles and books on what it means to be a better teacher, I watch videos of other teachers, and I try to make sure that I’m well prepared for all my lessons. I try something new all the time and incorporate all that I've learned in some form
If I have a weakness, it’s coffee. I’m rather protective about my habit. Coffee spilled is a great tragedy, coffee drank is a bliss. For all the new students in my class, please mind the coffee smell and be careful around mycoffee mug.
For more about me, you’ll have to come to class. Preferably with your homework done!