The Buzz About Beekeeping
Lecturing on Hive Inspection
During the spring of 2017, I was approach by a member of the University's Communiversity through twitter about the possibility of teaching an introductory course on beekeeping. I have been keeping bees for several years and it had quickly become a passion I shared with my father. Communiversity is a function of UC centered on Lifelong learning. It specializes in non-matriculating adult night courses. For me this class became the opportunity not only to share a passion and hobby, but also interact with members of the community I normally wouldn't have a connection with. Because of these chances, I decided to pitch the class as a self design experience through the honors program and make the most of the opportunity.
Going in, I was unsure what to expect, I had never taught a full scale course, and my coaching experience was limited to grade school children. This was incredibly intimidating and something I was unsure of how to prepare for. Furthermore, I was nervous that my experience in beekeeping was not sufficient enough to teach a valuable course. I had just started three years ago, and was not confident that someone would actually be willing sign up for my course.
Overall, the class far exceed my expectations. Although there were several stressful nights preparing lecture material, researching good teaching techniques, and trying to assemble to items of was demoing, the experience was truly rewarding. First, I was struck by how dedicated to learning the adults in my class were. They asked educated questions, came wanting to learn, and even stayed late each night so we could cover the necessary material. Also, I realized how much I enjoy talking about beekeeping. The hobby is much more than way to spend my time, and in talking about it I realized how much I appreciate the nuances of beekeeping, the simplicity, but also even discussing the more complex topics. Everything about beekeeping nerds me out and I love sharing that passion. Beyond exploring my own passion, the class provided experience in several transferable skills.
In terms of professionalism, the experiences taught me how to effectively communicate with adults. One of the most valuable lessons of the course was how to effectively communicate with individuals significantly older than myself. There is something intimidating about attempting to teach a group of much older individuals. Despite my own experience, I was worried my youth would prevent me from being taken seriously. I was wrong, if someone is truly interested in learning, and a instructor can effectively convey their knowledge, age is a non-factor. Learning to speak, teach, and work with elders is a transferable skill I hope to carry with me for the rest of my life.
Also, the experience showed me the benefits of taking a chance. This entire opportunity started a a direct message from a stranger on twitter. If I hadn't taken a chance in responding and following up by email I would have never had the chance to have such a great experience. Sometimes opportunity comes looking for you, and I was willing to take the chance and had great rewards.
Overall, I had a positive experience with my first self design proposal. It allowed me the opportunity to dive deeply into a passion and share that with members of my community. Also, I gained experience in several transferable skills. This experience has made me a more rounded individual, and also has the opportunity to result in a second class.
Going in, I was unsure what to expect, I had never taught a full scale course, and my coaching experience was limited to grade school children. This was incredibly intimidating and something I was unsure of how to prepare for. Furthermore, I was nervous that my experience in beekeeping was not sufficient enough to teach a valuable course. I had just started three years ago, and was not confident that someone would actually be willing sign up for my course.
Overall, the class far exceed my expectations. Although there were several stressful nights preparing lecture material, researching good teaching techniques, and trying to assemble to items of was demoing, the experience was truly rewarding. First, I was struck by how dedicated to learning the adults in my class were. They asked educated questions, came wanting to learn, and even stayed late each night so we could cover the necessary material. Also, I realized how much I enjoy talking about beekeeping. The hobby is much more than way to spend my time, and in talking about it I realized how much I appreciate the nuances of beekeeping, the simplicity, but also even discussing the more complex topics. Everything about beekeeping nerds me out and I love sharing that passion. Beyond exploring my own passion, the class provided experience in several transferable skills.
In terms of professionalism, the experiences taught me how to effectively communicate with adults. One of the most valuable lessons of the course was how to effectively communicate with individuals significantly older than myself. There is something intimidating about attempting to teach a group of much older individuals. Despite my own experience, I was worried my youth would prevent me from being taken seriously. I was wrong, if someone is truly interested in learning, and a instructor can effectively convey their knowledge, age is a non-factor. Learning to speak, teach, and work with elders is a transferable skill I hope to carry with me for the rest of my life.
Also, the experience showed me the benefits of taking a chance. This entire opportunity started a a direct message from a stranger on twitter. If I hadn't taken a chance in responding and following up by email I would have never had the chance to have such a great experience. Sometimes opportunity comes looking for you, and I was willing to take the chance and had great rewards.
Overall, I had a positive experience with my first self design proposal. It allowed me the opportunity to dive deeply into a passion and share that with members of my community. Also, I gained experience in several transferable skills. This experience has made me a more rounded individual, and also has the opportunity to result in a second class.
Artifact: My Class Lecture Powerpoints
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Power Point Lecture from Class 1
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Power Point Lecture from Class 2
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