Search for new jobs, new environments, when one is involved in the most honourable of professions, is a depressing experience. It is indicative of how passion for your subject has become secondary to survival.
In an ideal world, part-time teach, part-time industry/research/something else would be enjoyable, but so far such a "gig" has not yet materialised; primary reason personality weaknesses such as a poor social network? A difficulty of the job is the dis-proportionate time it consumes, without much to formulate social networks. Upon self-review the aforementioned rhetorical question seems more and more valid.
A former colleage reminded of the importance to do something enjoyable. So, whilst attempting to do that — as a remedy for current malaise — encountered the following 'circle draw' challenge. Best score achieved, 94.7 %; but repeats suggested it was a fluke. Thanks, Mr Round!
To teach gce a chemistry is a frustration sometimes, due to constraints by the national curriculum, status as a "gateway" subject and notable pressure to achieve maximum performance such that students can progress onto university, degree apprenticeships and similar endevours.
During a lesson, a student asked a "random" (i.e. not relevant to the subject matter at the time, but curious) question about ceramics: "what are they, exactly?. A pause, then a realisation that the gcse specification is a distant memory. The chemistry of ceramics materials is a niche discipline with a wide range of applications, yet the aforementioned pressures preclude devotion of much time to discuss. A pity. (The admittedly brief reply included a mention of clay, followed by some vague potential future study of "materials science/engineering").
Recently, encountered an article about age verification in usa being complicated by the lack of federal guidance and subsequent chaotic state-level attempts to control amgaf. Meanwhile, whilst fediverse is ignored by government regulators (and bloggers such as 'Desiderata' (John Carr), there does not seem to be a discussion about minimisation of harmful content. There is "hastag"fediblock, but how effective?
It was warm enough to enjoy the day, finally (in mid May!).
