learned who to call in case of future leaks and where to get an overhead projector in an emergency. I approached the classroom with renewed faith.
The second day of class began by more nearly fulfilling my expectations. I was able to hide the slight shaking in my knees behind the lectern. I handed out the day's outline for my lecture and proceeded to cover the material, point by point. Few students asked questions, and these were more rudimentary than I had expected, but no one walked out before class ended, either. I had nearly concluded the lesson when a hand went up three quarters of the way up the lecture hall.
I acknowledged the questioner. She waved my handout at me. "What do you want us to put on the paper?" she asked.
"Well," I answered, somewhat dumbfounded, "whatever you feel will be helpful." I realized that she must have misunderstood the purpose of my carefully prepar
...