What is normal?

I find myself wanting "normal."  I don't know who I feel like I need to be "as normal as" or why.

I heard on a podcast that expecting normal (pre-Covid) to return is offensive.  We've been changed and normal won't return.  Wow.  I hadn't thought of that.

For me, I feel like I don't enjoy things as much as before the pandemic.  I have a deep sense of worry now that I didn't feel before.

I'm also prioritizing balance more than I did before.

I worked hard this past semester to not push myself so hard.  To rest.  To prioritize self-care.  I'm proud to report that I'm taking this time between the end of spring 2022 and the beginning of Summer 2 to be "off."

Unfortunately, "off" is hard for me.  On the Ennegram scale I'm a 2 with a strong 3 wing.  The 3 in me really doesn't do "off" well.  But I'm learning.

Pre-pandemic I had just transitioned my hybrid classes into the flipped model.  It was a rocky transition.  Post-pandemic we were told not to make attendance mandatory.  I had been giving a grade (10% for attendance and participation pts).  

Some professors made attendance mandatory again last semester.  I chose not to.  I found that many students are having to work long hours at their jobs and it felt wrong to penalize them.  Also, everything students need in my classes is online.  I've worked hard to create classes where all is easily accessible.  Why penalize them for using it?

I used to give a participation grade for each class session.  Everyone got all 100% for the day if they were prepared for class.  I've found it's extra work on my part and not worth the effort.  So, I'm dropping these daily grades for next semester.

Instead of chasing my hope of "normal" I'm allowing myself to try new things that will better fit my students and help them find success in class.

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