This session was the first session that I only took one class and it was a well needed break from the usual overwhelm I fell during the semester. I was very excited to begin this course because organizational change and strategic communication align with my with future career goals. When I first saw that there were three mandatory readings I was shocked! How was I going to balance work, school and 3 books on less than 8 weeks. After reading Influencer, I knew the book selections would be informative, easy to read, and immediately applicable. Although the decision to take one class this session detached me from my cohort and my projected graduation date, I am thankful that I made the decision to put myself first and allow myself time to learn and work without the drowning feeling of overwhelm.
Coursework
This was the first time since starting this program that I felt like I had time to actually learn, apply and synthesis the information presented. As previously stated this class piqued my interest because strategic communication is my next professional venture. I loved the organizational change, communication, and leadership course I took in undergrad and I felt like this class was going to elevate what I learned back then and equip me with new information, trends, and studies. I think my personal interest in the class also played a role in how in engaged with my peers this session. In prior sessions I leaned on my classmates so much due to confusion and the ambiguity of the course. This time around I felt empowered a perhaps prepared to tackle the coursework. Everything I learned from Influencer to Crucial Conversations were tools and skills I could apply immediately.
I completed all coursework on time and participated in all large group meetings with the exception of the meeting I was excused from due to DOI training. I also completed all discussion posts and responded to my peers.
What Worked
Taking one class rather than two is the cheat code. But beyond that, I mastered my schedule this session, and scheduling was vital because we had to read three books in a short amount of time. I made sure that on Tuesdays, when we met corporately, that my family had dinner ready, the dog was walked and I'd given myself time to decompress from work and focus on the meeting. I took notes and screenshots of important slides and connected with my peers that had similar innovation plans like Patrick and Christopher.
As I'd done in previous courses, I took time to meet with my peers outside of our large meeting and found a small group to interact with. Dawn, Ms. Veronica, Anna, and Patrick were a few of my small group members. What I like the most about the intentionality of small groups is the relationships you build with your cohort. This session I witnessed Ms. Veronica enjoy her birthday and Dawn earn a promotion. It was so exciting to be able to share those moments with my group.
What didn't Work
I think because I wasn't overwhelmed this session I can't find many areas that "didn't work" for me. A few meetings a had to skip or join late due to DOI training with my district and that always seemed to through me off schedule as it relates to my discussion posts, but for the most part this was an enjoyable session and course.
My Contributions
As much as possible I joined my small group when they met. We discussed the discussion posts, assignments, shared notes, reviewed each other's sites, and provided IT assistance. I can admit that I probably didn't "contribute" in the manner I had previously but I was an active member of my group and was available when someone asked for help or an extra pair of eyes. Dawn did a really good job of creating spaces for us to meet and share ideas.
Closing
At the end of every course I say the same thing, "This was my favorite course!" but I think this time it's a truth that won't be replaced. As an educator I have a responsibility to do more than educate. Some time I have to be an influencer that paves the way to changed behavior, practices, and mindsets and I can declare with confidence that EDLD 5304 prepared me to not only be a change agent in my classroom and organization, but also life in general. My husband and I made a plan for all our advanced education endeavours. He would go back and get his Masters when I completed mine and I would go back to get my second Masters in Strategic Communication when he graduates, but now I am so hyper focused on being a catalyst for change and growth, I think we may need to circle back and make some revisions to our plan. =)
Self Reflection Score
95 EDLD 5304
コメント