Contributions to my Learning Community

A Reflection on my Interactions and Collaboration with my Peers

45 points 5305

90 points 5302

Leadership

During one of our first class meetings via Zoom, I took the initiative to create a smaller core group with Valary and Evosha. I started a group text message that made it easier for us to communicate daily. I shared online resources and provided feedback and feedforward to my group.

Collaboration

Evosha created a shared folder for our group in Google Drive. There we shared drafts and reviewed one another's work. We communicated several times throughout the week to check on each other's progress and answer questions we each had. We discussed assignments, implementations, and plans as a group. In our smaller group, we also discussed discussion board topics and share links to online resources we thought would be helpful to each other. We also were active in the large class group that included Anna, Stacey, Dawn, and Adrianne. In this larger group, we scheduled Zoom meetings and reviewed one another's work. This larger group and the smaller core group gave me a place to ask questions, share ideas and gain clarity in areas I was confused about. I was also an active participant in several ADL GroupMe chats. The GroupMe chats were the largest collaboration group as this group had ADL students from other cohorts. They provided insight into some areas of ambiguity and encouraged us to stick with the program.

Coursework

I completed all assignments on time, participated and collaborated with my peers on the discussion boards on Blackboard, and provided feedforward comments on required tasks. I used almost perfect APA format in my Literature Review and written assignments. I was timely in my written submissions giving my peers enough time to review and provide feedback or feedforward comments.

What worked

Because the ADL program follows the COVA model, which I was not initially a fan of, finding a groove was difficult. I am a systematic student, so rules, guidelines, and clear expectations are best for me; however, I had to learn to pivot this semester to be more flexible and fluid in executing assignments. Partnering with a group of ladies who are as committed and helpful as Evosha and Valary has been instrumental in my success this semester. Creating a smaller core group that I could call or text when I needed clarity or encouragement was vital. Talking my idea through and getting real-time responses from my group members was very helpful during this process. If I had a question or needed some clarity, my group mates were always just a call away. Scheduling Zooms or time to chat was also a successful practice. The COVA model leaves much to be understood, so having a solid group that I could depend on was the most impactful and proven formula for success.

What did not work

This semester, my most significant hurdles were doubting my abilities and operating in a fixed mindset. As previously stated, I am a systematic person. I strive in environments where structure and route are at the forefront. Although I had a fantastic core group and peers in the program, like Dawn and Lola, who were always willing to help, I sometimes wasted time going back and forth with myself instead of just asking for help. Wasting time was apparent in my literature review. I worked hard to gather information and write summaries, but it was not coming together as cohesively as I wanted. Instead of sharing my rough draft and requesting feedback or feedforward, I operated in fear and kept my review to myself. I didn’t even let my husband read it. Moving forward, I will not allow my fear to cripple me or stand in the way of my academic and personal growth. I will remember to step out of the fixed mindset and into a growth mindset that will allow me to develop my skills as an academic writer.