Page 7: First week back to university ...

Page 7: First week back to uni ....

My much awaited for first week back is over. It has been refreshing being able to 'learn' again. One of the contributing factors for me picking this profession, was due to my drive and passion to learn more and share this with others. Although it would be a lie to say this week ran completely smoothly, for our 'new normal' I think it went pretty well. This leads me on to todays post, a chatty reflection on my week. I am indeed aware I mention this a lot, but reflection is key to training! Sharing my reflection on this platform not only benefits me, but it can be helpful to fellow students. 

First, the timetable. The week before starting back was stressful for everyone, however each day I checked, the timetable did not appear. I could only imagine the stress for the university, trying to arrange everyones timetables generally, never mind the added pressure of trying to organise the mix of online and in campus, smaller group sizes and one way systems - there was a lot to handle. However, this meant that I only received my timetable two days before starting university. Being honest, I found that quite hard to deal with and a little stressful. I am a generally very organised person and like to have a firm plan. When I did received my timetable, I firstly noticed the huge jump and change progressing to year 2 of my degree. There is a lot more independent study and reduced contact hours. This is something I am looking forward to progress with throughout the year as I love taking control of my education and pathways. Tailoring readings and assignments to my interests and passion areas just makes me more engaged and eager to learn. With the covid changes, most of my timetable has been put online. Although it slightly varies weekly, I generally have two days of online learning and one day on campus. 

Online Learning

This week I had my first two online sessions. These were both very different. The first was a whole cohort online lecture. I really enjoyed the way this particular unit (critical thinking in context) is being run. Before the session, we were sent a pre-sessional reading. I throughly enjoyed engaging with academic material again and made reflective notes that I could draw upon and reference throughout the lecture. This ensured I was fully prepared for the fast paste lecture to follow. Through Microsoft teams the whole cohort of 120+ connected and engaged to our first lecture of the new academic year. Content wise, it was accessible and interesting. This weeks focus is inclusion and the particular lecture was about policy and practice regarding SEND which as an area I find extremely interesting and a topic I am excited to delve into further. On the other hand, as expected there were a few technical difficulties. As there were so many of us, if one student accidentally clicked a particular button, the lecturers powerpoint would disappear and have to reload as well as a few other smaller technological issues. Regardless of these, (now we all know how to use the platforms correctly so will not happen again) I am throughly looking forward to the next lecture in this module. Following the lecture we were set a range of independent learning tasks to support the lecture material further. The second session was with my personal tutor group. There were around thirteen of us and it was a much more personal experience. With computer cameras (not mine as no surprise for me mine broke) and microphones on, we had an interactive session reflecting on our targets from last year and an overview for the year ahead. Although over technology, it was so lovely to be able to see and connect with everyone and have an  in depth academic discussions which really help you consolidate what you have learnt.

Upon reflection of the online part of the week, I have a few tips for my self and to share of what I/you would find helpful.

1. Complete lectures with a friend (One of my course mates and I worked through the lectures together which really helped motivate both of us throughout which is something that can be tricky when working from home).

2. If you do have access, make notes from the lecture slides before as then during the lecture you can truly focus on what your tutor is saying and add any additional notes/comments that may not be on the slides.

3. Fully engage with the post and pre session tasks. Reading around the topics that will be discussed allows you to get so much more out of the session. A basic understanding to build and then reflect upon throughout is vital when making the most out of the reduced contact hours.

Back to Campus

So today was the day, I finally went back into university for the first time in sixth months. Although the session was only 1 hour and a half, the content and quality teaching I received being back was excellent. Traveling to university was the first strange/different aspect of my morning as due to the new covid rules, my face mask was worn.  After a short walk from the bus stop, I arrived on campus. I was slightly apprehensive before my first day. General first day nerves, mixed with the uncertainty of the current time and new rules and procedures weekly, however, as soon as I arrived I felt calm and confidence again.  On arrival,  a free washable face masks was given (to be worn around the building) and a clear one way system was set up. In our seminar room, group sizes were reduced and chairs where socially distanced with plenty of hand sanitiser stations. When in the room, masks can be removed. After a brief covid briefing explaining the universities procedures and support, our session started. This was a follow on to the the previous online lectures discussing topics in further detail and consolidating the knowledge. As soon as I sat down, it felt like the session was over it went so quickly! It was so refreshing and enjoyable to be back, seeing faces again and being able to discuss my passion for education and teaching with like minded individuals. 

To conclude my very long ramble, hopefully evident throughout I had the best first week back and I am eager for the next weeks to come to continue my learning and development as a student teacher. I am going to finish my first day back, with our post session reading which I am excited to explore, and dig deeper into this particular educational topic. 

- Miss Yeoman