Room with a view

It may seem as if this is turning into a photoblog. It's not, I promise, but I've just spent two days in a classroom with this here view:

Heading home from the second meeting with 'my class'. It's very interesting to be a student, I notice things I normally just walk by. I find myself being very critical, both towards myself as teacher and towards my teachers. Things like structure and correct information matter. It makes a huge difference to know ahead what'll happen, and to be able to trust that what's been said really is what goes.

I also find that it makes a huge difference to have a teacher who makes himself or herself available to the students, and one who's only there in the classroom but very absebt at other times.

I think these reflections will help make me a better teacher. I hope so, at least. What is the most important difference between a good teacher and a mediochre one?

Student again

So, it's time to go back to school. This year I'm going to study at a teachers' academy again, this time one located +450 km from home.

And now, the night before my uncharmingly early morning train leaves I wonder if this was such a wise move?