Welcome Skype Session

 On the 5th February we had the opportunity to join a welcome Skype session with Helen and other faculty members. I'm very glad I joined in with this session as it was very insightful and has made me feel more prepared for the course. One of the main things I was very pleased to hear was that you can take a break from your studies between modules, if going on a contract prevents you from studying efficiently. Like many of you I'm currently waiting to hear if I have another contract in the coming year and as a cruise ship worker I know how challenging it can be in terms of adequate wifi and internet connection. This was one of my biggest concerns starting the course but I'm happy to know now that I could still complete the course even if work meant having a short break from my studies. 

Helen broke down the course and what we were to expect in the coming terms. It seems that Module One is very much about recognising your own practice and exploring it deeply. I'm really looking forward to this as I mentioned in my last post I have never really contemplated my practice. Through training and my career I've gone through the motions but never stopped to reflect. 

A big worry of mine is that I love instructions and exact direction. As a dancer I've spent my life following precise orders with freedom only when it came to choreography. Therefore when it was mentioned that we won't ever get a straightforward 'yes' or 'no' answer and that our questions would lead to questions in return I felt a bit uncertain. However I know that this will be a great thing as it will push me out of my comfort zone and allow me to think deeper and work harder. I hope this course will enhance my creativity and independent learning skills.  

In the mean time I'm aiming to really get started with as much reading as possible. After reading the handbooks a few times I now really want to get stuck into the Core texts and other recommended literature. In my 1-1 with Adesola she recommended the book 'Knowing Knowledge' by George Siemens so I've ordered it and can hopefully get stuck into it soon. 

Comments

  1. Sophie Burrows10 February 2021 at 03:29

    Hi Niamh,

    I too felt quite nervous about starting the course, however after the welcome session I was put at ease. It was nice to feel that sense of community.

    Your worry about exact direction is something I really relate to. I totally agree that I usually rely on / black and white instructions and there being a definite answer to a question. I feel that this helps me find clarity when I have self doubt. This is going to a big learning process for me, I need to have the confidence in the course and my own ability to continue to learn without finding the final answer. I hoped that like yourself I will be able to develop my skills of independent learning further.

    Sophie xx

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    Replies
    1. Niamh Eccleston-Tuohy10 February 2021 at 09:26

      Hello, I feel the exact same way! This will be a huge learning process but I'm excited for what's to come and getting to know more about my practice along the way x

      Delete
  2. Sally Sharp10 February 2021 at 07:03

    Hi Niamh,
    I'm on Module 1 as well and can relate to your concerns about the right/wrong answers. I think as a course this is so open and flexible it's hard to grasp initially. Like you, I'm looking to get on with some reading so I have a starting point to work from.
    Sally

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    Replies
    1. Niamh Eccleston-Tuohy10 February 2021 at 09:30

      Hi Sally, yes it's so open and I've never done anything like this before. I must admit I struggle when it comes to reading, especially books where the language is complicated. However, I'm already finding that I'm learning so much and broadening my vocabulary at the same time! x

      Delete

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