So after having a bit of a panic this weekend regarding where I am up to on my BAPP course and how I am going to manage my time I have taken a deep breath and decided to sort it out logically!
After having another read of both Paula and Adesola's blogs I found some useful points. It has helped me to view the course from a different perspective and have a much more positive outlook about what I am doing. I have really struggled with some tasks because I have been worried about not doing the right thing or not having the right answers. But, I have come to learn that there are no definite answers and no real 'right' or 'wrong' responses to tasks. The course is a process and more an exploration of ideas and questions as opposed to finding absolute results and answers... it has just taken me a little while to realise this!!
Paula wrote a post about 'Project Management' which broke down the management process and I used this to overcome the issues I was having;
Initiation- I have written down what I am trying to achieve. This being; successfully making my way through the course and enjoying the learning journey. I am trying to refrain from looking at the course as a set of specific tasks I must complete in a certain way but more as a process of learning and exploring ideas that arise and how they relate to my professional practice.
Planning- I have observed the resources available to me (the readers, handbook, tutor's blogs, blogs of other students) I have written out my tasks into a timetable so that I have a clear time management plan as to what sections I should be on at what point in time. Hopefully this will reduce the risk of a last minute panic or running out of time. I also think that I need to look more specifically at what specific time I have available to do each task within my busy schedule.
Monitoring- I have considered the difficulties I am encountering (time difference, rehearsal and training schedule, performances, not having others around me needing to do work). I have thought about how I am going to stay focused. I have come to the conclusion that in my case time management is key to this and also staying in regular contact with my tutors and the others on the course. Communication is key and hearing from others in the same situation will help with motivation and staying in focus. Acting on this I am going to enage more with the online BAPP community through blog comments and trying to make it to skype calls. Adesola put it perfectly saying "Don't be a stalker, be a talker."
Closing- I am going to continue to track my progress and make note of problems and difficulties that arise so that I can overcome them calmly and logically rather than just stressing out!
Planning is essential it seems and I have recognised that I need to be more aware of it's importance. Planning is a part of everyday life and looking at my lifestyle I can see how good planning is effective and also how bad planning has a big effect. For example; well scheduled and correctly posted rehearsal and performance schedules make a dance company a much less stressful environment. Whereas, poorly put together schedules and lack of communication between departments can result in difficulties and problems that could be avoided through planning and management.
Rebecca this is a great use of the project management idea for the course, and you have used good examples - a well-run dance company is a creative industry that requires many professional to work together. It is interesting to see how these 'management ' patterns can be seen in our work environments, and self-managing studies is a valuable skillset in order to develop and change. I agree that communication plays a big part of understanding, so Part 3 professional networking on the blogs, through your company, and individually with colleagues in your community of practice is a positive goal that relates to the module's learning outcomes and to professional development as a dance artist. I will link this blog to my post for others!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment! I found it very helpful working through the problem systematically. Writing things down and making plans and timetables is a really visual way to see what needs to be done. It has also made me more aware of recognising where planning has been used in other areas of my professional life. Looking forward to catching up with you on Skype soon to discuss ideas and topics further.
DeleteHi Rebecca! I panicked too, I did not realise how quick our study would go! Paula gave me some great advice "understand where you are and what you do" understanding where you are in your career/studies and what you need to do and accepting things are always changing.
ReplyDeleteHello! Yes it is very easy to find yourself suddenly drowning in tasks and research! the important thing is not to get worked up because that isn't going to solve the problem! My schedule with the dance company I am with is pretty hectic so I have found timetabling 'study' time into my schedule when I get it through each week has really helped me with ensuring I get work done when I can!
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