![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rebeccmeisterGave my students their final exam yesterday. I always include two "treat" questions on the final. The first asks them to identify and talk about one of the physiologically "exceptional" animals we've learned about over the course of the semester. I always enjoy hearing about which animals stand out the most to the students. I highlight a lot, ranging from the fact that bears don't experience muscle atrophy during hibernation, to the fact that tuna breathe using a method known as ram ventilation. Anyway, I always enjoy seeing which animals stand out for any particular group of students.
The second question asks them to identify three things that they think will stick with them from the course, 6 months from now. The things aren't limited to concepts, so it's also fun to see what everyone has to say.
These questions are actually a super important part of the course; inasmuch as we are learning lots of concepts and information, learning is also inherently relational. The personal connection to the ideas is what helps keep everyone engaged.
Anyway, I am really proud of myself because I managed to slog through the exam grading right after I finished giving the exam. Part of my motivation was wanting to be able to work from home today, which is what I'm now doing.
That said, I am also intentionally not working very hard today. Instead I am drinking extra coffee, doing some prep work for the bike valet this weekend, and catching up on various other odds and ends at home. Because frankly, by the end of the semester I'm running on fumes, and I know I need the time to regroup and recover.
I'll be back at work again tomorrow, because I'm not completely done yet. I have a student who needs to finish up a research paper, animals to continue taking care of, and some other stragglers, too.
And it's just about time to start getting ready for the summer. Another busy one, at that.
The second question asks them to identify three things that they think will stick with them from the course, 6 months from now. The things aren't limited to concepts, so it's also fun to see what everyone has to say.
These questions are actually a super important part of the course; inasmuch as we are learning lots of concepts and information, learning is also inherently relational. The personal connection to the ideas is what helps keep everyone engaged.
Anyway, I am really proud of myself because I managed to slog through the exam grading right after I finished giving the exam. Part of my motivation was wanting to be able to work from home today, which is what I'm now doing.
That said, I am also intentionally not working very hard today. Instead I am drinking extra coffee, doing some prep work for the bike valet this weekend, and catching up on various other odds and ends at home. Because frankly, by the end of the semester I'm running on fumes, and I know I need the time to regroup and recover.
I'll be back at work again tomorrow, because I'm not completely done yet. I have a student who needs to finish up a research paper, animals to continue taking care of, and some other stragglers, too.
And it's just about time to start getting ready for the summer. Another busy one, at that.
no subject
Date: 2026-05-07 06:38 pm (UTC)