It’s that time of year everyone dreads — final exams. Everyone? Yes, including teachers. Not just because we have to write and grade exams, which would seem to be a just punishment for giving exams in the first place. But also because we don’t know what’s going to happen. Every class is different, every semester is different,… Read More Ask Sensei: End Of Term Edition
Well, the school year is progressing nicely, and I’ll be darned if I don’t see everyone hard at work. Sensei is impressed! Even Shiraishi-kun is opening his textbook and handing in homework on occasion. Do you think he might actually pass? I certainly hope so. Not that it matters. After all, every class has a… Read More Ask Sensei: Shiraishi-kun Edition
Spring break is coming, and you know what that means for students of all ages: Time to forget everything you managed to learn the previous seven weeks. No, of course I’m just kidding. It’s time to kick back for a week and not get into more trouble than you can live down during the next… Read More Ask Sensei: Spring Break Edition
It’s about halfway through winter, which means life here in east Texas is chilly and rainy. And yet I’ll take it gladly over the Minnesota snow and ice that I braved for 16 years. Moving closer to the equator: I recommend it highly. This time, three readers have asked questions via Instagram. First, @gablumpot wonders: How… Read More Ask Sensei: Midwinter Edition
2018 is waning and 2019 is coming near as I type. It is also a few days before Christmas as I type, though you will no doubt be reading these words after Christmas. I am planning on travelling with friends over Christmas, and hope you enjoyed your time over Christmas as well. Meanwhile, I have… Read More Ask Sensei: Happy 2019 Edition
Well, ’tis the season, folks. Of course I don’t mean that season: however, there are still two seasons before that one, and this coming one will probably involve my doorbell ringing. I will let Bella the cat answer it, of course. So what do you all think of this new anime season? I must admit I’m… Read More Ask Sensei: Trick Or Treat Edition
Ah, fall. That special time of year when young people’s thoughts turn lightly to … exams. My first one is tomorrow as I type. Are you ready? This time, our very own Samuru asks, Do your students know you watch anime, or have you shared that with them? If yes, what were some of those experiences… Read More Ask Sensei: “Will That Be On The Test?” Edition
So the end of the summer approaches, along with that dreaded thing that begins with “s” and ends with “chool.” I hope that, like me, the rest of you are getting as much relaxation in as you can afford, before the familiar rhythm of the school year begins again. Today I thought I’d go back… Read More Ask Sensei: Lightning Round Edition
As we approach the middle of summer, at least here in the northern hemisphere, it’s nice to be able to take some time out and enjoy the air conditioning. And for me, that includes reading your questions and trying my best to answer them. Other than that, I’m pretty much still in summer vacation mode,… Read More Ask Sensei: Lazy Crazy Days of Summer Edition
For many of us, the end of May marks the beginning of summer vacation. While Sensei merely switches hats from teacher to researcher over the summer, I still notice a difference in the tempo moving from the semester to summer break. I trust all of you are already enjoying summer vacation in full swing. Before… Read More Ask Sensei: End of the Semester Edition