Lots of things happening and other stuff

[Dillon]

I have taken a hiatus from here since last summer but recently I haven’t had many people to talk to and been feeling isolated for the past several weeks. I live in an apartment on my own and it’s been difficult to interact with people especially when taking classes through virtual learning and not having to be at school at all. I basically have a one year old Labrador retriever who keeps me company. My favorite things to do are fishing and making art that is when I do have time to do those things.
I’m rambling but let’s move on.

For some who may know and may not know me, I am an aspie like a lot of people on here. I have received my bachelors in marine biology back in December and I am currently doing a masters degree, however I am being encouraged by several of my professors to start on a PH.d degree starting in the fall semester of this year (which I never knew you could entirely skip over you masters and go straight to a PH.d). I am currently doing a research project that involves in marine pollution/marine debris and looking into the social vulnerability toward marine litter how socioeconomic factors such as population growth, income, education, and tourism all influence debris accumulation in coastal communities and metro areas. I will potentially be using this kind of project for my dissertation for my PH.d degree. I had been intrested in Sharks and shark tagging for a few years but my field of interest had changed from study biological systems of organisms to actually wanting to learn about the sustainability and resilience of marine ecosystems from anthropogenic affects and environmental management

I am also being considered for a teaching position/teaching assistant in either teaching in a lab based in chemistry or physics. I have never really taught in front of group of people before but I do feel
Like I know various subjects pretty well that it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. I do tend to stutter but only when I do something new, talk to people I do not know or if I get nervous and I’m hoping that doesn’t become a problem in making a first impression. I do tend to have a blank moment when I know I have something to say in my mind and when I’m about to say it, I immediately forget it and that’s been happening quite a bit lately especially in one of my classes when we have reading discussions and we have to share our though of the reading verbally. With all of this I am kind of nervous but excited at the same time to actually teach. I don’t know personally of any aspies who teach students and I may be the first.

I don’t have much more to talk about and I know the post is kind of short but, If anyone is doing a doctorate degree or a teaching position or anything else, I like to know your experiences.

 

[Skittlebisquit]

I dont have much of an education. I heard about a giant floating mass of mostly plastic trash in the Pacific Ocean. It was a show about microplastics being introduced into the marine food chain, and how it affected various species, i think it was on pbs.
I had a question about the floating pile of crap. Most west coast american recycled plastics get baled up and shipped to china( this is only a rumor i heard) is that where all this floating mess comes from is some deliberate action? Did it all come from cruise ships?
Im just curious. Congrats on achieving your educational success, i wish you well in your continued efforts

 

[Dillon]

I dont have much of an education. I heard about a giant floating mass of mostly plastic trash in the Pacific Ocean. It was a show about microplastics being introduced into the marine food chain, and how it affected various species, i think it was on pbs.
I had a question about the floating pile of crap. Most west coast american recycled plastics get baled up and shipped to china( this is only a rumor i heard) is that where all this floating mess comes from is some deliberate action? Did it all come from cruise ships?
Im just curious. Congrats on achieving your educational success, i wish you well in your continued efforts

well from what I’ve learned plastic pollution is a global problem coming from non-point sources (mainly upland/terrestrial areas) such as manufacturing facilities, businesses, neighborhoods and other places that produce plastic. Cruise ships actually generate pollution discharge from their basalt water that circulates in and out of ships which in terms causes changes in chemistry in particular parts of the ocean. I live on the southern Gulf coast of Texas and I am close to one of the largest bays in the state which is Galveston bay and it gets polluted with stuff that comes in from the ship channel and other places further inland and stuff that empties from near by rivers and streams emptying out into the bay.

 

[Skittlebisquit]

Thank you. The film i saw frightened me. Perhaps it was meant to dk. There is supposedly some impressive new tech in development to scoop it all up somehow, it looks very similar to the spill booms they use for petroleum spills in the ocean

 

[Xerces Blue]

I've done some teaching in the military.
Not the same environment but none the less.
Some of the differences being that the students are more likely to pay attention seeing as how if they don't they or someone else could die.

I don't stall when nervous instead I ramble and tell jokes.
If your students don't perceive you as confident in what you are teaching they will not pay attention.

I'm not trying to tell you that you can't do it.
I'm saying these are some things to consider before you take a teaching position.

Can you keep a class engaged?
No-one learns anything if they're not paying attention.

Can you explain concepts in multiple ways?
It doesn't help someone learn something if you just explain it the same way over and over again.

When someone asks something you don't know, can you admit it?
If you come up with some made up response to "save face" you do your students a disservice.

 

[Progster]

I'm a teacher and I second @Xerces Blue 's excellent post. I'd like to add, make sure you are organised and have everything prepared, but also have a plan B or extra supplementary materials in case you need them. Write lesson plans/lecture notes with key parts highlighted that you can refer to at just a glance, that will help you keep on track and stick to your plan. If you are well organised, that comes across to the students and helps your confidence, too.

 

[Thinx]

My main career has been teaching, first in further education which is catch up for adults 19 + and/or 16-19s post school, in UK, doing qualifications to advanced level that's university entry level. Did that for 12 years, then later, university post graduate trainings at levels 6 and 7, that's Bachelors and Masters level.

I think you'll find many Aspies teaching in universities, whether they know they are or not, I recognised some for sure. Take a look at some of your professors, remembering that we didn't get diagnosed back in the day.

My experience was, I liked the work, but aspects of it were quite a stretch for me, in different ways in each environment, but I did work out strategies, ways around, and some personal ways to come over that worked quite well. Mature students in further education tended to lack confidence and respect tutors, albeit I was young looking! But the 16 to 19s were a handful, I had to rethink my game for them, and work out how to engage their interest.

In higher education, I taught mature students many of whom had or had had professional careers in other disciplines and were confident and excellent communicators. Having relevant knowledge and expertise in the area of study was what gave me confidence but I also had to project some version of confidence they would recognise, that can be tricky for an introvert and for some Aspies.

Usually I achieved it through a supportive attitude with attention to how each specific set of students was as a group, there's different dynamics in different groups, and the group values and needs differ. If I was contributing to a course, I would think about who the main tutor was, and what their style was, and in any teaching I would try to find out from the class how they preferred to be taught, what worked for them.

Never bad mouth other staff, however, you can learn from what the students tell you they don't appreciate or find helpful in others classes, or what they generally find works well. Some groups are confident and like more discussion to develop their learning, others want input and more input, but then you have to encourage them to grow, often with praise and encouraging them to try giving short inputs to each other, etc.

You may be doing lectures and/or seminars I guess, and obviously techniques vary according to numbers, the subtleties are really for seminars, as big lectures just have to be clear, efficient, and useful. Show illustrative slides, and make a few funny observations maybe. I used some humour.

I sometimes used quizzes to keep groups on their toes, and tried to get people contributing at least by asking questions. There isn't time to let them ramble on though, you need to get good at polite interruption. 'Ok thanks Jake, interesting answer! Now I need to tell you more about bla bla...'

Every group is different, and also there's some big picture guidelines, like clarity, audibility, handling talk or interruptions, having a realistic lesson plan with accurate timings, stopping at the end of the session, yes really, giving necessary breaks, consulting the classes views and ideas in every session in some ways, not getting sidetracked by minor worries such as the couple of guys at the back looking at their phones or asleep. Tackle them at the end or by tutorial input, or by phone or email.

I guess any teaching you do just now will likely be on Zoom or similar? So probably some subtleties of how that'll work. Basically, be interesting and not boring is what it boils down to. Have a plan. And if you are rattled, try not to show it. Always a smile, don't react or tell the class you are upset or nervous. Tell them you love the area of work and are fascinated by it, and why.

My iffy issue was time keeping, I sometimes had too much content for sessions, but if you summarise well and have a good handout that's a way round that fault.

I had a one year teaching training, but most of my real learning was through experience of what goes a bit wrong! Remember it's a learning curve, and I sometimes think universities do new tutors a disservice by not offering or providing some basic training, as teaching is a skill.

As noted by others here, preparation is key, as is delivery, but everyone is different, and you can structure sessions to your strengths. Always have a backup plan for what to do if technology goes wrong. Bring your own white board markers. Stay calm and good humoured, even if it's an act. Top tip: Set tasks, ask questions, get them talking, don't do all the work yourself.

 

[Wolfgangus Faldestolius]

I'm sure I've had lots of teachers and lecturers who were Aspie. They were every bit as good as anyone. Get all the suggestions on methods from everybody.

And talk to your imaginary best friend in the invisible row behind the back row so that i ) your voice will be loud enough ii ) you don't get put off by people staring (which is actually only them hanging on your every word) iii ) you keep smiling and seeing the light side of it - you are helping those people as well as helping the wet world.

As to diction being on the slow side - and above all steady rather than blurts interspersed with drawls - helps more people keep up.

If you divide your subject of the day into chunks on a separate sheet or A4 card, and write every point under that chunk, clearly labelled in the right sequence and with keywords at the top (in case they blow or fall out of order - and even if you string / staple them) you may less likely leave bits out. I know this because I am "perpetually" preparing to give a short talk in an amateur context.

Some shops have thinnish ring binders suited to smallish modules in case you don't want to lug giant ones with lots of dividers. If you're lucky they will have a range of colours so you can colour code your modules.

Some establishments allow you to project charts / bullet points / summaries from a computer (I've seen it done). You'll probably get the pace for students to have the right amount of time looking and listening.

Alternatively I always appreciate a handout in print or by e-mail.

Can you get props to hold (skeletons, shells)? Photos out of copyright or free to copy, or on which your institution has a concession?

 

[unperson]

I wonder if you're being used by your faculty as a cash cow with vague promises of a teaching position. they seem to be encouraging the 'professional uni student' thing, but maybe be more assertive about a real paid job and see if they fold.

 

[Dillon]

I wonder if you're being used by your faculty as a cash cow with vague promises of a teaching position. they seem to be encouraging the 'professional uni student' thing, but maybe be more assertive about a real paid job and see if they fold.

If I was being used as a cash cow I wouldn’t have been considered for a position and they would just let anyone be a TA just to experiment off of them; besides being a University TA is actually competitive especially for doctorate students. The professors who have been encouraging me are basically ones who have known me for quite a while during my undergrad. One of my professors who I had before is wanting me to TA for a class the professor teaches however it is not paid at all. When you look at it, it all boils down to your qualifications and qualities in what it takes to be in a position like this.
Also I would be more than likely teaching freshman college students or people straight out of highschool and even though some people in that demographic can be jerks I want to make a good influence on the ones who want to be there to learn and have fun.

 

[Stardust Parade]

I wondered how you were doing. I’m glad to see you again, and congrats on earning your degree!

 

[WolfSpirit]

I have taken a hiatus from here since last summer but recently I haven’t had many people to talk to and been feeling isolated for the past several weeks. I live in an apartment on my own and it’s been difficult to interact with people especially when taking classes through virtual learning and not having to be at school at all. I basically have a one year old Labrador retriever who keeps me company. My favorite things to do are fishing and making art that is when I do have time to do those things.
I’m rambling but let’s move on.

For some who may know and may not know me, I am an aspie like a lot of people on here. I have received my bachelors in marine biology back in December and I am currently doing a masters degree, however I am being encouraged by several of my professors to start on a PH.d degree starting in the fall semester of this year (which I never knew you could entirely skip over you masters and go straight to a PH.d). I am currently doing a research project that involves in marine pollution/marine debris and looking into the social vulnerability toward marine litter how socioeconomic factors such as population growth, income, education, and tourism all influence debris accumulation in coastal communities and metro areas. I will potentially be using this kind of project for my dissertation for my PH.d degree. I had been intrested in Sharks and shark tagging for a few years but my field of interest had changed from study biological systems of organisms to actually wanting to learn about the sustainability and resilience of marine ecosystems from anthropogenic affects and environmental management

I am also being considered for a teaching position/teaching assistant in either teaching in a lab based in chemistry or physics. I have never really taught in front of group of people before but I do feel
Like I know various subjects pretty well that it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. I do tend to stutter but only when I do something new, talk to people I do not know or if I get nervous and I’m hoping that doesn’t become a problem in making a first impression. I do tend to have a blank moment when I know I have something to say in my mind and when I’m about to say it, I immediately forget it and that’s been happening quite a bit lately especially in one of my classes when we have reading discussions and we have to share our though of the reading verbally. With all of this I am kind of nervous but excited at the same time to actually teach. I don’t know personally of any aspies who teach students and I may be the first.

I don’t have much more to talk about and I know the post is kind of short but, If anyone is doing a doctorate degree or a teaching position or anything else, I like to know your experiences.

I don't know about your University, but at the one I was at, there was a "Masters to PhD" option, in fact, in the program I was most interested in, it was assumed you would be doing your PhD, and that only those who were deemed not capable of doing a PhD would be given Master's degrees. As I never actually did the grad school thing, I don't remember exactly how it worked, but I believe you got your Master's first, but then were automatically entered into the PhD program fairly early one, and you were assumed to be working on the same (or similar) project for both, or something. It seemed to 'streamline' the process somehow and make it shorter to do both. Anyways, maybe this is what they are talking about?

 

[Dillon]

I don't know about your University, but at the one I was at, there was a "Masters to PhD" option, in fact, in the program I was most interested in, it was assumed you would be doing your PhD, and that only those who were deemed not capable of doing a PhD would be given Master's degrees. As I never actually did the grad school thing, I don't remember exactly how it worked, but I believe you got your Master's first, but then were automatically entered into the PhD program fairly early one, and you were assumed to be working on the same (or similar) project for both, or something. It seemed to 'streamline' the process somehow and make it shorter to do both. Anyways, maybe this is what they are talking about?

so at my university you can either once you start you masters degree you can transition to a PH.d the very next semester or got straight from a bachelors to a PH.d. there are requirements to that though. Since I am doing a research track I have to build a advisory committee of who will over see my work. The chair of my committee and myself would have to agree on the transition and I have to write a personal statement/objective letter stating what my objectives/goals are for the project. I have to do within this what’s called a petition where basically you change your degree or major and that process does take a while. I would actually be forfeiting my masters degree once I am in the PH.d program since you can’t have both degrees at the same time but if for some reason you don’t want to do a PH.d after a while of doing it you can always switch back to your masters. I wouldn’t be working on the same project for both since if I did this project for my masters thesis I would have to come up with another project for my PH.D dissertation so I just assumed why not just go for a PH.d, I feel like it will be worth it.

 

[Mary Terry]

Congratulations, Dillon! We'll be calling you Dr. Campbell in a few years.

My only advice is to watch the movie "My Octopus Teacher". It's on Netflix.