The Art of Bullshitting

I had my first lecture yesterday and I just need to discuss the amazing Sue Cowley!

Sue came into Uni to give a lecture about Behaviour management, and I have to say it was one of the best Lectures I have ever attended! Now my recollection of lectures (not all, but most) were that they were full of far too much heavy information and went on for far too long, to the point that about halfway through I was always doing one of three things.... planning a pub lunch with my mates to recover, planning my outfit for the night ahead or quite frankly....sleeping!

It was only on the rare occasion that I was inspired enough to come straight out the lecture and head straight to the studio or mac suites, I could normally be found straight after walking around in a daze while my brain begun to try digest being talked at for the last two hours.

Sue's approach however had me hanging off her every single word, and not because of the content as interesting as it was, it was Sue's refreshing honest "no bullshit" approach that had me from Hello.
She was honest about her teaching experiences, she explained that on several occasions as she put it she wanted to "kill the bastards" which I could relate too.

She taught us about the "death stare" a technique I remember only too well, and letting the children come to you, not chasing them to learn, giving them the choice and then letting them make the decision for themselves. All things I think I need to get on board with.

Quite often I find myself pandering to the needs of my students, when in reality they will only find their respect for me when I have respect for myself. I in many areas need to be more assertive unfortunately I have often not spoken my mind with those closest to me and stood up for myself when nessercary and this has lead to feelings of depression and anxiety at the consequences... I resent myself for not staying true to the person I really am and what Sue did was inspire me....

I can be assertive, and stand my ground when I need to all I need to do is remember that when you teach, you project a different version of yourself, so I plan to take all my frustration from past mistakes and channel it into creating my teaching persona "Miss Hoare Super teacher".... brought to the classroom to deliver knowledge, inspire creativity but more importantly to Take No Shit!!!!