Reflection 1-
Prior to taking this course, I assumed that the format would be the same as always, meaning similar to my other courses- readings, lecture, discussion, assignment, mid-term, readings, lecture, discussion, assignment, final. During this course, I realized the age old lesson, ‘that’s what you get for assuming’. Although many aspects of this course were similar to previous classes, this was and will be probably the most memorable. Upon completing the Pre-Course Self-Evaluation, I felt pretty confident about what I would be exposed to during the duration of this course. I knew I was good with technology, and I knew my track record of previous courses. I realized as time passed, I did not know as much as I thought and then came the frenzy and wave of panic…
It all started Week Two. I really started off strong during this course, and then came Thanksgiving break. I never believed or wanted to get behind, it just all caught up with me at once. Then comes the rude awakening of my first and most important failed outcome: to stay on task and manage my time wisely. I was the person who prepared everything to the ‘T’ and made everything look neat and organized, and then hit a standstill. Granted, until taking on a leadership position, this was a major problem I could not seem to shake, but I just could not break through the shell of procrastination that surrounded me constantly. I still have some issues today, but because others rely on me and depend on me for various situations, I have improved my skills and worked towards perfection for the benefit of my campus.
So, Thanksgiving break came and I was off for the week. Some may think- ‘hey, a whole week, I will have plenty of time to get everything done! I might even begin the next week of work!’ Yes, I thought this, but no such luck. Days went by, nights went by, and Sunday night came before I even knew what happened.
At this point I was at a crossroad, which lead me to my second outcome which was achieved: to keep my track record of A’s going, to make an A in this course, and to keep my 4.0 average…
I pulled it together, got back on track, and set out to do what I knew I was capable of accomplishing. All the assumptions disappeared, and I finally realized to work for the day, not the week. I made new outcomes for myself. I made a schedule for myself. I took things in chunks, and completed things with much more ease. To think in Week Three I wanted to quit, and now I am conducting time management professional development trainings to other educators in my district. I have had an incredible journey since this course, but it gave me a whole new vision and a whole new ability not only to accomplish my goals, but to guide and instruct others how to do the same.
Although this course was not really about time management, and more so technology, the detailed assignments are what really demanded the discipline. Like I said, I have the technology skills- there was never a doubt about that. During the five weeks of this course, (the first three being bumpy), I thought my outcomes were easily achievable. I learned otherwise through this course, and whether I failed or exceeded at my original outcomes, I’ve gained so much more in the long run. I finished the course, did not give up, and succeeded. And, by the way, Pre-Course Self-Evaluation=26, Post-Course Self-Evaluation=48. That increase alone proves, ‘that’s what you get for assuming’.
Prior to taking this course, I assumed that the format would be the same as always, meaning similar to my other courses- readings, lecture, discussion, assignment, mid-term, readings, lecture, discussion, assignment, final. During this course, I realized the age old lesson, ‘that’s what you get for assuming’. Although many aspects of this course were similar to previous classes, this was and will be probably the most memorable. Upon completing the Pre-Course Self-Evaluation, I felt pretty confident about what I would be exposed to during the duration of this course. I knew I was good with technology, and I knew my track record of previous courses. I realized as time passed, I did not know as much as I thought and then came the frenzy and wave of panic…
It all started Week Two. I really started off strong during this course, and then came Thanksgiving break. I never believed or wanted to get behind, it just all caught up with me at once. Then comes the rude awakening of my first and most important failed outcome: to stay on task and manage my time wisely. I was the person who prepared everything to the ‘T’ and made everything look neat and organized, and then hit a standstill. Granted, until taking on a leadership position, this was a major problem I could not seem to shake, but I just could not break through the shell of procrastination that surrounded me constantly. I still have some issues today, but because others rely on me and depend on me for various situations, I have improved my skills and worked towards perfection for the benefit of my campus.
So, Thanksgiving break came and I was off for the week. Some may think- ‘hey, a whole week, I will have plenty of time to get everything done! I might even begin the next week of work!’ Yes, I thought this, but no such luck. Days went by, nights went by, and Sunday night came before I even knew what happened.
At this point I was at a crossroad, which lead me to my second outcome which was achieved: to keep my track record of A’s going, to make an A in this course, and to keep my 4.0 average…
I pulled it together, got back on track, and set out to do what I knew I was capable of accomplishing. All the assumptions disappeared, and I finally realized to work for the day, not the week. I made new outcomes for myself. I made a schedule for myself. I took things in chunks, and completed things with much more ease. To think in Week Three I wanted to quit, and now I am conducting time management professional development trainings to other educators in my district. I have had an incredible journey since this course, but it gave me a whole new vision and a whole new ability not only to accomplish my goals, but to guide and instruct others how to do the same.
Although this course was not really about time management, and more so technology, the detailed assignments are what really demanded the discipline. Like I said, I have the technology skills- there was never a doubt about that. During the five weeks of this course, (the first three being bumpy), I thought my outcomes were easily achievable. I learned otherwise through this course, and whether I failed or exceeded at my original outcomes, I’ve gained so much more in the long run. I finished the course, did not give up, and succeeded. And, by the way, Pre-Course Self-Evaluation=26, Post-Course Self-Evaluation=48. That increase alone proves, ‘that’s what you get for assuming’.
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