Week by Week

Bridgett Jackson is a Lecturer in the Theatre & Dance department focusing on voice and speech. She is a speech language pathologist, an accent couch, and a dialect coach. This is her first semester teaching at Muhlenberg College. Her postcard is a reflection on what she wishes she knew, what is going well, and what could be better.

The advice I would give myself at the beginning of the semester is, “take it week by week”! I felt so much pressure to put all of my content in Canvas before classes started, and that was unrealistic. It is wonderful to add content to Canvas as the discussions evolve during synchronous classes! During synchronous classes, I take time to check in with my students and find out how they are doing and what is going on with them. In addition, we discuss the readings and assignments they did on their own during the week. Each student has unique ideas and perspectives that are always valuable to everyone. The thing that makes me excited about online learning is the fact that most students participate in class in a comfortable space that allows them to be themselves while they learn and grow. The frustrating thing about online learning is the fact that we don’t have “in person” interactions in a classroom setting, which typically creates a more intimate learning environment.

One of my favorite moments with my students was when they announced the “Fish Project Play Festival” which was showcased on the Zoom platform. Almost every person in my class was in it, and they were so excited to do something creative despite the fact that they could not perform in person for a live audience! When they each shared about their particular projects and characters they were portraying, their faces were so bright and happy! I watched the festival and I was so proud to see them doing something they truly loved. I absolutely love teaching online and I am grateful for this unique experience.