Now What?

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Since our Welcome Skype on the 11th, I've spent some time reading and going through the Programme & Module Handbooks. I felt quite motivated last week and was ready to just dive in and get started. 

But how? Where should I begin? What needs to happen first? 

I am a planner and an "order of events" for me to follow is crucial. If I feel structured and organised, I feel calm. Abstract thought and a "wait and see" approach make me crazy and anxious!

So the next logical step for me was to pick a handbook and start again from the beginning. 

I started with The Module Handbook: Recognition of Prior Learning, making notes, noticing terms & phrases that I may have missed the first time and pulling out any information that I think will be useful for me. I chose this one first as I am hoping it will nudge my thought processes in the right direction and help me to come up with my AOLs - soon.

I intend to do the same for both the The Module Handbook for DAN4510 & The Programme Handbook.

There seems to be loads of information spread across these 3 resources. Some is repetitive and crosses over and some unique to each handbook. Sorting through it all will be a bit tedious, but necessary for me get a handle on the what, when, why and how of the programme.

Hopefully, once I have completed this task I will feel more comfortable with what lies ahead and what the expectations are. One step at a time...

Looking forward to our online session tonight: Module One Focus - Seeing Your Practice & Self.

I'm anticipating (and being optimistic!) that this session will help me to better understand and articulate my PRACTICE. I know what I do, but I have trouble conveying it either verbally or in writing. I mean, I know what my job titles are or have been, but they do not fully describe what I actually DO. I flux between using the job titles, which are not nearly descriptive enough and overly explaining the many layers of my work, which is far too wordy. Since beginning the programme last week, I now find myself searching for a balance somewhere in the middle. I'm working on a focused phrase that will best define my practice... 



Comments

  1. Jacob HughesSeptember 23, 2020 at 6:28 AM

    Hello Natalie,
    I feel like I'm in the same boat as you and the fear of the unknown makes me anxious! But this is all about the journey and what we will learn.
    As for describing my job, I too struggle as I normally just use the title of the job. The fact is, your job is so much more than just its description. Especially nowadays when we are expected to be able to do more than just one role within our work place.
    I look forward to chatting more tonight.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. NatalieSeptember 23, 2020 at 7:13 AM

      Hi Jacob!
      Thanks for commenting. It's nice to know we will be paddling the boat together! ;)
      I completely agree with what you wrote concerning job title/job description.
      I think sorting this out will feel great and help a great deal in my daily life, not just for the MA. There has to be a brief, humble, explanation that suitably describes our practice and I don't think that "dance teacher" is it. It's not enough. So the hunt continues...
      Talk soon. :)

      Delete
  2. Susan PrestiSeptember 28, 2020 at 1:36 PM

    Hi Natalie. It takes time to find your AOL's, well it did for me and it was only until I unpicked my practice that I started to accumulate some sort of direction. My suggestion, is to take a situation of something that you have experienced in your practice like a particular performance, a class, a circumstance that you have taught in and reflect on the real specifics of how you achieved success or failure during that particular situation. Make a list of your reflections and then research on them and it should help to spark off a direction of an AOL or AOL's. I hope this helps!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. NatalieSeptember 29, 2020 at 12:42 AM

      Hi Susan!
      Thank you for taking the time to comment and to offer some (much appreciated!) advice.
      I really like the suggestion that you gave me. I'm going to spend some time on that this week.
      It's very kind of you to have offered your support... keep it coming! Haha!!
      Thanks again,
      Natalie

      Delete
  3. Susan PrestiSeptember 29, 2020 at 3:55 PM

    Hi Natalie
    You're so welcome! I know that by reading blogs and comments on blog posts helped me to find a clearer direction for my AOL's I'm sure it will all come together for you!

    ReplyDelete

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