Allow me a moment of teaching joy.

I love my students this quarter.  I truly do. 

They chomp at the bit to contribute in class, and they contribute thoughtfully.  Almost everyone contributes each class period.

They're not afraid to make mistakes.

They're not only understanding the differentiation I'm drawing between analysis and response, but they're slowly learning to see it in their own writing.  Several were able to look at their drafts during peer review on Monday and realize they were still responding (not analyzing), and others realized they hadn't fully developed ideas.  This is only their first draft of their first essay.  I never dreamed of encouraging this level of self-awareness in Week Three.

They are learning and demonstrating to me that they are learning.

Class energy has been positive.  The students who I thought might be disruptive or resistant are being anything but.

In sum, I am happy.  I almost wished I knew what portion of this quarter's success was due to having more experience teaching and what portion is sheer luck, but I don't think I care.  This class dynamic is exactly what I need during a quarter when I'm trying to get my PhD application act together!!