Communication and Asking For Help
Sometimes in conversation with several of my colleagues, one of them will use a big word that I don't understand. The temptation I have is simply to nod and smile and hope that the context will make it clear what my friend is talking about. But I'm trying to change, to ask on the spot (at the risk of embarrassment) what the other person actually means. That little bit of communication has cleared up a lot of potential misunderstanding. I'm less and less embarrassed to ask about something when I don't understand. It's hard as an instructor to admit I don't know something—especially to other instructors—but doing so allows others to help clarify their meaning.
Some of us think asking for assistance is an admission of weakness, but I disagree. It's a sign of self-confidence that we can ask others to help and not be threatened. One of the saddest days I've had took place some while ago. A student came up to me and confessed to not understanding anything that had gone on in class. What made me sad was the timing of this confession: five minutes before the final.
Let me know early if you're facing difficulties, technical or otherwise. Please communicate with me and together we can get you the support you're looking for.
What should I do next?
Well, thanks for reading! Next, after you've clicked on the Syllabus menu button on the left and have read the syllabus/course calendar carefully, and have printed out the complete file, click on the first Learning Module (LM01) to get started on the first projects. Enjoy!