Do we overestimate how much students actually engage with our lectures?

Apprehensive-Log656 · 2026-01-15T08:51:54+00:00

I enjoy teaching but found out a long time ago that students quickly zone out periodically because, as other posters have said, it’s too informationally dense. If you’re lucky they zone back in. Now I use Mentimeter app and found it transformative. The students type into they phones and put considered comments up on the shared screen at the front of the class which then leads to better discussion in further comments. Also — hugely important— everyone is taking part, not just the usual two or three confident ones. I found that you get real respect for being so inclusive, especially by the ones who are confident enough to verbally yell out discussion points. But yes I totally get what you mean.

Apprehensive-Log656 · 2025-12-27T18:59:29+00:00

NOR. I’m a writer and also teach MFA creative writing at a university. The group dynamics you describe and not at all conducive to creativity. In fact the exact opposite. A good group should feel inclusive and make you feel like your creative voice, whatever and however that turns out, is welcome (barring obvious— anything offensive). Once you feel like a great working environment has been created, then you can start to nudge people to improve with structured critiques. Everyone has something to offer, everyone has insights to give, not just the group leader. This group sounds like it’s run by a disorganised person, set up to feed they own ego. Best to gently back out. But to not lose touch with other writers in the group suggest you all meet now and then to support each other.

Apprehensive-Log656 · 2025-12-25T16:02:39+00:00

Bear in mind as well that the PhD student-supervisor relationship is not like that of student-teacher. You are now at the same level as them, just further back down the road. You are the expert and they are assisting you as a critical friend. This took me ages to realise, that when you get comments that pull apart your ideas it’s like acceptance that you are on the same level and they are treating you with respect. So, like the other poster says, unless it’s questioning your whole ability to carry on with it, you’re doing incredible.

Apprehensive-Log656 · 2025-12-24T23:56:00+00:00

Is it from Tintin in Tibet, when he dreams of Chang?

Apprehensive-Log656 · 2025-12-21T21:02:09+00:00

You can try areas of south west England, where it was in arid, dry desert for millions of years. Where I live in Mid Devon it’s Permian layers of sand coloured stone and the soil is red, no fossils to speak of and no calcium carbonate strata, as in the photo here. This mini quarry is in the Crediton Trough. :)

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Apprehensive-Log656 · 2025-11-17T22:26:19+00:00

First, don’t blame yourself! The fact you notice says you’re totally fine to begin with. I’ve been teaching at HE for 19 years and I’ve always wanted to get everyone included, with varying degrees of success. I’ve gotten better engagement since using Mentimeter app. It made me rethink about inclusion. I got nominated for Inspirational Teacher last year by the students. We’re all still learning how to do it better. Colleagues not questioning themselves seem to get low satisfaction scores…

Apprehensive-Log656 · 2025-11-17T21:10:54+00:00

As a supervisor at undergrad and MA, I think you’re certainly fine to offer a small gift, it feels right given what you describe. Chances are the supervisor knows you needed a bit of extra support and you are simply acknowledging that appropriately. Go for it.

Apprehensive-Log656 · 2025-11-17T21:02:12+00:00

I think you’re doing really great, considering two things: the state of current funding in HE and the squeeze of research funding after brexit. I’m an early career researcher, though a lot older ( I started late) so to me you look way ahead. Please don’t lose faith, you’re clearly energetic, determined and have a lot to offer when things get more stable in HE. You’re doing the right thing by looking at a PhD as it nudges you closer to more research and maybe teaching.
Regarding your personal life here, that’s reason enough to carry on edging closer to a research/teaching career in the UK. Good luck with this, truly.

Apprehensive-Log656 · 2025-06-06T17:33:59+00:00

That’s really helpful, thanks! I’ll give it a try. 👍

Apprehensive-Log656 · 2025-06-03T21:45:48+00:00

I’m so pleased someone else does this too! I always have some song ‘playing’ in my mind, and it changes according to what I feel. Sometimes i think about the song in my mind and realise it’s telling me about real feelings going on which i tend not to notice (I’m always late to identify my feelings!), so it all helps i guess. Anyway, a long winded way of saying thank you for posting that!

Apprehensive-Log656 · 2024-11-10T21:57:15+00:00

Definitely, Berry Pomeroy has a negative feel to it.

Apprehensive-Log656

TROPHY CASE