Silence and Voice

Using Reflective Practice to Plan for Friday’s Class (via #COWIL and #ANT for #fslt12)

Jeffrey Keefer — Mon, 28 May 2012 11:31:14 +0000

This Friday is the first of my five on-campus sessions for my course at Pace University, NURS 840: Teaching and Learning in Advanced Practice Nursing, so there is no better time than the present to further develop the COWIL (Consider the Opposite of What I Like) model I started to develop in my post yesterday (Reflective Teaching and Learning via COWIL). I really appreciate this consideration opportunity as part of the First Steps into Learning and Teaching in Higher Education mooc.

I have chosen to focus on the Areas of Activity Dimension of the Framework as part of my reflective practice:

A1 Design and plan learning activities and/or programmes of study
A2 Teach and/or support learning
A3 Assess and give feedback to learners
A4 Develop effective learning environments and approaches to student support and guidance
A5 Engage in continuing professional development in subjects/disciplines and their pedagogy, incorporating research, scholarship and the evaluation of professional practices

When I planned to use actor-network theory (ANT) in this reflective exercise, it was due in part to its focus on treating “everything in the social and natural worlds as a continuously generated effect of the webs of relations within which they are located” (pg. 1). In other words, thinking about my first on-campus session, we will all be there in a network of all our experiences, held in place at that time with all our technologies, artifacts, perspectives, likes and dislikes, etc.

What does that mean for my own preparation, especially in relationship to these Areas of Activity? Choosing only one of them to consider right now, such as “A3 Develop effective learning environments and approaches to student support and guidance,” I will now apply COWIL, which begins with my thinking about what I like.

Let’s see, in a class of adult learner degree students, I like discussion, open ended questions, answers that are not closed or limited, more questions than answers, and a certain discomfort in pushing new ideas. What don’t I like? Lecture, pretending to give all the answers, and students not reading the texts and preparing for the discussion ahead of time.

Hmm, ANT would also remind me about the other factors that will combine into Friday’s 3-hour class session, such as the food that will be provided, the room set-up, computer and other technologies in the room, unspoken student expectation, biases against the course topical area, questions about my own background, concerns about tuition payments, the air conditioning, etc.

What am I doing here? In considering how I will normally prepare for my class (the content, objectives, clarifications over assignments, and the like), it is easy to assume (or simply not even notice) the effect all these other factors bring to the room and help maintain the interaction of the experience together. How can I consider and give voice and experience to some of these other factors if I am going to focus on the effective learning environments and approaches to student support and guidance? Perhaps I can use a brief YouTube video or chart for some of the content (neither of which I want to do, but both of them may help learners capture some of the sense of the material and experience I want them to have). Perhaps we can address the food and air conditioning to see if they meet the needs? The room set-up can accommodate changing the tables and seats (as I just learned) if we change the classroom (something else I just learned is possible). While I don’t like lecture, perhaps I can model some of the way my own thinking has developed over my years of study of this content, something that will allow the content to be discussed without lecture (these are all bright DNP students; they can read and do not need lecture on this topic).

These are some of the things I am considering regarding the learning environment and approach to my first on-campus class in this blended course. I hope that including elements of the opposite of what I want (COWIL), along with some of the non-human elements of the expected learning (ANT) will help all of us in the course have a more engaging and open-ended experience that promotes more personal and critical learning.Similar Posts:

Jeffrey’s Twitter Updates for 2012-05-28

Jeffrey Keefer — Mon, 28 May 2012 06:25:00 +0000

Did lots of coding and analysis today. Can barely read anymore. Enough for the night, and now time for dinner and overdue wine #phdchat #
Time to return to coding and analysis #phdchat #
@tryberg At least you enjoyed the day. in reply to tryberg #
@EleniZazani @jennymackness Indeed, Jenny's thoughts are excellent #fslt12 in reply to EleniZazani #
I am developing a model for using #ANT to help with reflective practice in learning and teaching; calling it COWIL #fslt12 #
For those wanting to get back to a bible view of marriage, read the scriptures (and then ask the question again) http://t.co/4doDG1jX #
@JaneDavis13 You are not alone, if that is any consolation #phdchat in reply to JaneDavis13 #
@EmmaBurnettx Seems most of my days not at work are PhD Indoor Days #phdchat in reply to EmmaBurnettx #
RT @gconole @BobWarren: 7 Ways to Use Social Media to Make the World a Better Place http://t.co/WsMQzcn3 #
@HendraAgustian How was it? in reply to HendraAgustian #
@ai1sa Amen. in reply to ai1sa #
@ai1sa Glad things seem to be improving #phdchat in reply to ai1sa #
@dbaQ8 All the #CAQDAS applications are challenging at first, though I find #MAXQDA the visually most engaging and user-friendly #phdchat in reply to dbaQ8 #
@HendraAgustian The irony is our research is still situated in the world; interesting for research vs. practice consideration, ehh? #phdchat in reply to HendraAgustian #
@EleniZazani Hmm, I have not considered that before. Did you make them in Keynote and then save them externally to upload in WP? #fslt12 in reply to EleniZazani #

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Reflective Teaching and Learning via COWIL

Jeffrey Keefer — Sun, 27 May 2012 14:02:24 +0000

As I started in my post on Friday, Initial Musings on Reflective Practice for #fslt12, I have been thinking about the elements of the UK Professional Standards Framework for teaching and supporting learning in higher education 2011 as per our first assignment for the First Steps into Learning and Teaching in Higher Education mooc.

Comprised of 3 dimensions–Areas of Activity, Core Knowledge, and Professional Values–our assignment is:

Choose one of these three dimensions. What are your initial thoughts about the points listed in that dimension? Could you demonstrate understanding of and engagement with any of the points listed?

I spent the last few days considering which of these 3 dimensions are the best for me to work with with my summer class that I am teaching that begins this coming week at Pace University, NURS 840: Teaching and Learning in Advanced Practice Nursing). While I was the co-developer of this course back when the program itself was being put together and as I have taught the course since its inception, I thought this may be a great course to keep in mind regarding this mooc assignment. Why not consider this assignment in the real context of my course that is again about to begin. Who knows, some of my nursing students may even see what I am considering and give me some feedback!?

I think I am going to focus on the Areas of Activity, which seems to focus around the teaching and learning processes themselves.

While I have taught in some capacity my entire life (with my teaching over the past 10 years occurring on my own time, and not as part of my full-time position), I believe there is always an opportunity to improve. I firmly believe that reflective practice is an element in this. While considering Brookfield’s work on the 4 lenses related to educational reflective practice (see his excellent paper integrating these in practice, Radical Questioning on the Long Walk to Freedom:
Nelson Mandela and the Practice of Critical Reflection), I am going to consider my own teaching and learning through another perspective — Consider the Opposite of What I Like (COWIL).

If I am working in a certain practice or teaching or learning or working in a way that seems to get what results I want, or that feels right, or that somehow makes sense to me, then that will probably work somewhat well for those who also approach the phenomenon in a similar way.

How about others? How about those people who need to do when I want to talk, or need to listen when I want to draw or even who believe teaching is objective when I believe teaching is a manifestation of power relationships where a certain message is taught while others are often (un/in)-tentionally suppressed?

Let me instead COWIL.

Now, I am still developing this frame, so feedback here will be well appreciated.

As I am planning for my first on-campus course of my course, how can I do this? Let me consider this from the A1 frame–”Design and plan learning activities and/or programmes of study.” When I am developing my course, or in the practical realm, my actual 3 hour class session, I will develop this as I normally would, focusing on the content we already identified and using the methods I like. Then, review it all again so I can Consider the Opposite of it, and then acknowledging that some of these things may not be especially useful for me, but prepare introduce or discuss or somehow address them in class for the benefit of those learners who may need to see those things.

While I am still building this frame, it is heavily influenced by using actor-network theory (ANT) to describe a current phenomenon, thereby allowing it to be interpreted from a variety of alternate perspectives. For more in ANT, consider this chapter by John Law or text by Fenwick and Edwards.Similar Posts:

Jeffrey’s Twitter Updates for 2012-05-27

Jeffrey Keefer — Sun, 27 May 2012 06:25:00 +0000

@EleniZazani Looks great! Will comment away on the blog post. BTW, how did you make those really cool headings? #fslt12 in reply to EleniZazani #
I am now finished with my #phd research for the evening. Time to catch up with some email and Tweets and #phchat and #fslt12 #
RT @torresk @TweetSmarter: 10 Words You Need To Know To Be Successful on Twitter http://t.co/VaNgOPe3 r/t #
@EleniZazani Dedication to your ongoing professional development, inspiring!! in reply to EleniZazani #
BTW, I am using #MAXQDA for my analysis coding / notes via #Parallels on my Mac; works flawlessly #phchat #
After break for dinner, dog walk, and dessert, back to finish one more transcription analysis #phdchat #
@EleniZazani BTW, it seems you are having an exciting Saturday evening as well! in reply to EleniZazani #
@EleniZazani Will look forward to your ideas . . . your work that is!! #fslt12 in reply to EleniZazani #
@francesbell What happened?? in reply to francesbell #
@HendraAgustian Nice way to transition back to real life, ehh?! in reply to HendraAgustian #
@lizith Yes; quite slowly, but moving forward. You keep the head up, too! #phdchat in reply to lizith #
@tryberg Excellent; thanks! Enjoyed it? in reply to tryberg #
@EleniZazani How did you find it as a starter? #fslt12 in reply to EleniZazani #
@EleniZazani If you are stuck, look at those handy templates they provided for us #fslt12 in reply to EleniZazani #
@EleniZazani I did an initial post to start me thinking about it http://t.co/o1GnJzvC so tomorrow the follow-up = assignment #fslt12 in reply to EleniZazani #
@Currie I want to live where you live. in reply to Currie #
Just got back from the transfer station. I hate bringing my trash and such there. #
TIme for a coding break on this lovely Saturday to run my single errand out; bringing trash to the transfer station #phdchat #
@ASBO_Allstar I miss the old TweetDeck; thought Twitter itself ruined it. in reply to ASBO_Allstar #
@tryberg Enjoy it; wish I could see. Any pics? in reply to tryberg #
Today is the first sunny day outside since last Sunday, and I am celebrating by coding. Why am I doing this again?! #phdchat #
@nancybaym Probably only because it is pink, of course in reply to nancybaym #
Brief break between coding transcripts #phdchat #
Had to deal with an emergency boiler repair this morning, so now trying to get some coding done before trip to the dump. #

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Initial Musings on Reflective Practice for #fslt12

Jeffrey Keefer — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:10:29 +0000

Now that we are in our first week for of the First Steps into Learning and Teaching in Higher Education mooc (massive open online course), we find ourselves focused on the topic of reflective practice.

Needless to say I have been reflecting on what to write here all week. Here it is Friday, and still thinking. Perhaps still reflecting is a more apt descriptor.

I think that is one of the things I am beginning to learn (or at least articulate) — we can do lots of reflecting, though without somehow making it present and sharing it, there may not be much benefit for the larger community.

While this mooc is focused around “new lecturers, people entering higher education teaching from other sectors and postgraduate students who teach,” I initially thought it may not be the best fit for me, in that I have taught online, I teach courses on how to teach online, and I study and learn and virtually live online (pun intended), but the power of a mooc to think and reflect and informally interact (potentially) with other really interesting people has really captured my thinking, and while my own blended course that I am teaching is beginning at Pace University (where I am teaching the course NURS 840: Teaching and Learning in Advanced Practice Nursing), there is always a benefit in considering one’s own teaching and learning practices. Even if I learn a few things along the way that helps my own teaching (and in the process my own learning), then kudos to us all.

I believe taking the opportunity for my own considering my work and direction, especially as I am beginning to teach my own new university course, may hopefully benefit my own students (all adult learners who have a lot of professional education and significant responsibility in their own roles). With this said, I really like the assignment that the mooc organizers have invited us to engage in (with the beginning of the Reflective Writing verbiage here):

Your reflections are your own and personal to you. Your reflective writing should therefore focus on whatever is most useful to you at this time. However, a successful MOOC relies on open sharing of ideas and resources, so we hope you will share your reflections.

If you are unsure about what to focus on, then you might try the following suggestions. If you have chosen to be assessed, please follow the guidelines below.

We suggest that in this first week you reflect on your overall experience to date as a teacher; what kinds of students have you taught, what have you discovered from the experience, and what have you most enjoyed in your teaching?

With this in mind, I am increasingly very aware that my biggest challenge with sharing this reflecting is just starting the writing process. I find the same challenge as I work on my doctoral thesis — I have all of it floating around in my mind, with my biggest challenge to sit and begin to write about it.

Phew, with this start now out of the way, I find I am already (and quite naturally, I might add) considering the suggested elements of the The UK Professional Standards Framework for teaching and supporting learning in Higher Education 2011 in this light, and expect to continue this thinking in another post tomorrow.

Until then, good reflective practice to you.Similar Posts:

Jeffrey’s Twitter Updates for 2012-05-25

Jeffrey Keefer — Fri, 25 May 2012 06:25:00 +0000

@sarahthesheepu At least that is a good ending of it. in reply to sarahthesheepu #
@bronwynah Can you explain this a little? in reply to bronwynah #
@damagedidentity Perhaps ask them why they seem so threatened #phdchat in reply to damagedidentity #
@damagedidentity Is it wrong to be called those things? #phdchat in reply to damagedidentity #
@gconole Goodness, how antiquated with that language #jtelss12 in reply to gconole #
@ai1sa Very fortunate in that one #phdchat in reply to ai1sa #
@ai1sa What is the picture of? #phdchat in reply to ai1sa #
@sarahthesheepu Sorry; hope it did not damage your clothes. in reply to sarahthesheepu #
@philip_kelly Wow, don't burn yourself out #phdchat in reply to philip_kelly #
@lindsayjordan Indeed, working in a mooc and maintaining momentum requires a different commitment than other learning endeavors #fslt12 in reply to lindsayjordan #
@lindsayjordan That is a rich aspect to share, as mooc newbies don't bring mood baggage with them (for good or not!) #fslt12 in reply to lindsayjordan #
I wonder if those who attend the live #fslt12 sessions will have stronger relationships than those who don't or can't? #
@lindsayjordan Ouch, sorry I missed the #fslt12 live session. in reply to lindsayjordan #
@Currie I believe I requested assessment when I registered, but no response yet. How can I find out? @jennymackness @georgeroberts #fslt12 in reply to georgeroberts #

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Jeffrey’s Twitter Updates for 2012-05-24

Jeffrey Keefer — Thu, 24 May 2012 06:25:00 +0000

Did the #fslt12 webinar happen today? I did not see much chat on Twitter or anywhere else. How did it go? #
@Currie Do we know who will be assessed for #fslt12 yet? in reply to Currie #
Disappointed I could not attend the live #fslt12 session today. I suppose I should be thankful for a pesky job that got in the way. #
@emilyandthelime Congratulations! #phdchat in reply to emilyandthelime #
@philip_kelly What about it exhausted you? #phdchat #phdlife in reply to philip_kelly #
Surprisingly humbling experience engaging in my data analysis this afternoon #phdchat #
@rcengelsman @BarbaraNixon Agree completely. in reply to rcengelsman #
@socscispace Thanks; seems interesting. Will try to join at some point #socsci in reply to socscispace #
@Currie @ejlovegrove @elenizazani @jennymackness @siavogel After all we hope you admins all learn and share with us, not just for us #fslt12 in reply to Currie #
@Currie @ejlovegrove @elenizazani @jennymackness @siavogel Hopefully mad does not equate with anger or anxiety (perhaps a little!)! #fslt12 in reply to Currie #
What is the #socsci hash? #
@rcengelsman @BarbaraNixon Why not? Seems there are not universal best practices yet for how to inter-use these technologies. in reply to rcengelsman #
@EleniZazani @ejlovegrove @siavogel Perhaps the system is cycling through all the #fslt12 alerts? If so, others may get them, too! in reply to EleniZazani #
@EleniZazani @ejlovegrove @siavogel I am suddenly starting to get email alerts for #fslt12 from 2 days ago! in reply to EleniZazani #
@mhawksey @EleniZazani What a trove of resources that people make freely available; more than impressed and thankful! in reply to mhawksey #
@mhawksey Thanks for the link; wonderful work on your spare time @EleniZazani in reply to mhawksey #
@mhawksey @EleniZazani What a wonderful tool; certainly meets a need Twitter itself created with their api issues. Is this available? in reply to mhawksey #
@BarbaraNixon @rcengelsman I send Tweets there as I do not distinguish between personal and business updates; I see them on a continuum. in reply to BarbaraNixon #
@BarbaraNixon @rcengelsman I post from Twitter and find myself not often going to LI; social media overload. in reply to BarbaraNixon #
@BarbaraNixon @rcengelsman Do you post content there separately from Twitter or elsewhere? in reply to BarbaraNixon #
@BarbaraNixon @rcengelsman I find myself rarely going to LI, so I find it a way to still move content there. in reply to BarbaraNixon #
@siavogel I am going to try to join part of the #fslt12 call today; I am in the middle of work calls then. in reply to siavogel #
@EleniZazani Played around with the #fslt12 Twitter archive http://t.co/6ScKNgBB without changing things. How often does it update? in reply to EleniZazani #
@EleniZazani It seems some of the tabs in the #fslt12 Twitter archive are not populating; any ideas about that? in reply to EleniZazani #
@EleniZazani Since Twitter changed their api last year, archiving Tweets is virtually impossible. Where did this tool come from?#fslt12 in reply to EleniZazani #
@EleniZazani Fascinating. Does it gather these Tweets automatically and then keep them? #fslt12 in reply to EleniZazani #
@ejlovegrove @EleniZazani @siavogel Thanks for looking into it; a reason why I am always behind in #fslt12 discussion @jennymackness @Currie in reply to ejlovegrove #
@rcengelsman @BarbaraNixon Why disconnect Tweets from LI? For some people that is the only way to keep up. Better suggestions? in reply to rcengelsman #
@bonstewart If there is such a prize, get in line! #phdchat in reply to bonstewart #
@dynamicsymmetry Feel better. in reply to dynamicsymmetry #
@EleniZazani Not sure what this archive is; think I am missing something with what you have in mind #fslt12 in reply to EleniZazani #
Unacceptable. NYC cutting funds for @TheBronxZoo & @NewYorkAquarium by 58%?! Tell City Hall to stop the cuts: http://t.co/ex32UWH7 #

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Jeffrey’s Twitter Updates for 2012-05-23

Jeffrey Keefer — Wed, 23 May 2012 06:25:00 +0000

@EleniZazani @ejlovegrove Great! My work flow is such that without alerts, out-of-sight-out-of-mind #fslt12 @Currie @jennymackness in reply to EleniZazani #
I am doing everything I can to focus on my writing this week, though still a challenge. #
@Currie or even a checklist for what to do on an "ideal" day perhaps listing all the parts to holistically see its scope #fslt12 in reply to Currie #
Anybody else in #fslt12 not getting email alerts for new posts / replies? I believe I have mine set for that, but none yet. Rrrrr. #
I started working early this morning with WebEx meetings, work email, and two sets of contractors. I only want quiet time to write! #phdchat #

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Jeffrey’s Twitter Updates for 2012-05-22

Jeffrey Keefer — Tue, 22 May 2012 06:25:00 +0000

@siavogel Great; perhaps I will see you there! #fslt12 in reply to siavogel #
@ocsld Correction, I am the one playing catch-up! #fslt12 #
@ocsld I think this week is actually week 1! #fslt12 in reply to ocsld #
@Currie Perhaps a quick checklist for daily use to give directions for newbies or those of us still overwhelmed with so much info? #fslt12 in reply to Currie #
But they are always gathering data! RT @MotherJones: Unplugging these 6 gadgets will cut your electricity bill: http://t.co/cZ2w4DTo #
@damagedidentity Who doesn't think there are politics in academic work? More than in ordinary orgs! in reply to damagedidentity #
Herd mentality – RT @JessieNYC: Ultra-Orthodox Hold Rally Against Internet http://t.co/gBrt66TT < filled stadium + overflow arena #
@SarahStewart Was the book recommended in #phdchat It is a good one at least! in reply to SarahStewart #
@stealthpooch Depends on how much you need it, perhaps? in reply to stealthpooch #
@SarahStewart What happened? in reply to SarahStewart #
@Vic_McC Depends on expectations and agreed-upon processes. The supervisory literature is vast with examples. in reply to Vic_McC #
@damagedidentity Huh? in reply to damagedidentity #
@Lenandlar and that is all we can do. in reply to Lenandlar #
@Jo_Belcher @qui_oui A potential benefit is at least it shows you what else people with similar journals are reading #phdchat in reply to Jo_Belcher #
@dahnetsa Alas, 4-5 weeks with nothing else on your agenda AND breaks to prevent carpel-tunnel and mind-wandering! in reply to dahnetsa #
Worked this morning at offsite office and now a #pomodoro to catch up on email / Tweets / #fslt12 before continuing my research #phdchat #
@suzannevee Why were you concerned about it? #phdchat in reply to suzannevee #
@Jo_Belcher It just shows the reference info and an abstract; similar to what the publishers themselves offer, though here within contacts. in reply to Jo_Belcher #
@thesiswhisperer Seems like organized copyright violation to me. in reply to thesiswhisperer #
@dahnetsa It still took several months. I did not need to pay for it all overnight, as I could not do the analysis at that point. in reply to dahnetsa #
@dahnetsa I have done my share of transcription over the years, and still review with transcription software and a foot pedal. in reply to dahnetsa #
@dahnetsa However, after all the member checks and their edits, I then dumped all of them into #MAXQDA to help me with my analysis. in reply to dahnetsa #
@dahnetsa I then had to relisten to each interview while proofing the transcriptions before sending for member checking. in reply to dahnetsa #
@dahnetsa Yes; I had 23 interviews of 60-90 minutes each. At my speed of 6-8 hours per hour, I would never finish! in reply to dahnetsa #
@ai1sa Yes, don't push yourself when you are already down. in reply to ai1sa #
@Lemness Where are you off to? in reply to Lemness #
@cruisenewton What are you thinking about with that question? in reply to cruisenewton #
@RuthFT I am in the mountains far from the sea, so do not think it is a seagull. However, who knows?! in reply to RuthFT #
@dahnetsa Transcription is so important to get right; it takes review, time, and attention. I needed assistance with that step #phdchat in reply to dahnetsa #
@saadat_m I also feel pushed and pulled in every direction, though I do teach online so new ideas are welcome #fslt12 #phchat #nlc2012 in reply to saadat_m #
Last night when going to sleep I heard strange screams moving around outside; not human or dog, but something else. Raccoon? Skunk? Scary. #
@trentmkays Yeah, right up there with Medicare, Social Security, Unemployment . . . in reply to trentmkays #
RT @cshirky: "Republicans are not backing off their assault on women’s equality and well-being." http://t.co/pCHHiVOw / They hate equally. #
@clairebrooks Sorry for your loss. Interesting how things happen that help us to refocus our priorities. Peace to you and yours. in reply to clairebrooks #
@bron2042 Go for it! in reply to bron2042 #
Finished all the research I can do tonight. Talk about focus, as I did not even stop for Game of Thrones #phdchat #
@Lenandlar Glad you located it; will look forward to your contribution in #fslt12 in reply to Lenandlar #
@queercrip Was wondering about that! in reply to queercrip #
@thesiswhisperer @stealthpooch That is a good sign; more papers to write than time will allow. in reply to thesiswhisperer #
@thesiswhisperer YES!! Love to see it; thank you. in reply to thesiswhisperer #

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First Steps into Learning & Teaching in Higher Education Begins #fslt12

Jeffrey Keefer — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:51:52 +0000

I am planning to attend the First Steps into Learning and Teaching in Higher Education massive open online course (mooc) that begins today and runs through June 22. Focused on “new lecturers, people entering higher education teaching from other sectors and postgraduate students who teach,” I am hoping to spend some time over the next few weeks on this to help my own online teaching, something I learned quite informally in the early days of online teaching and learning.

Participating in this as a mooc, one that is both structured (it is funded and offers formal university education) while also keeping the best elements of a mooc (open education, constructionist perspectives through leveled expertise, a schedule allowing for us to take what we need and share where we see a need, a workable timeline and realistic level of commitment, and the opportunity to meet new colleagues and learn in community), is what I am hoping to experience.

I am glad that the organizers of this mooc have a central “home” location on the website and via Moodle with an easy to follow schedule, so will begin to check them out later today.

While I have participated in several moocs over the years, I am looking forward to this one as the topic is specific, useful for my professional practice, limited in scope and time, and includes some people (Jenny Mackness and Sylvia Currie) whose work I have long since found valuable and solid and cutting edge and trustworthy. I hope to get and share some ideas and hopefully expand my own network of colleagues.Similar Posts:

Jeffrey’s Twitter Updates for 2012-05-21

Jeffrey Keefer — Mon, 21 May 2012 06:25:00 +0000

Back to one last round of writing and research, in that order, before I call it a night #phdchat #
@thesiswhisperer Sure, wet my appetite even more. All of your recent work is included in my literature! Perhaps a hint? in reply to thesiswhisperer #
So focused on a conference paper while listening to music that I didn't notice it got dark. Time to close windows and blinds #phdchat #
Back for one last spurt of writing this evening before I call it a night. Need to go offline to preserve my battery and focus #phdchat #
Anybody planning to participate in the First Steps into Learning & Teaching in Higher Education mooc? http://t.co/Ec6Vd2ft #phdchat #nlc2012 #
@thesiswhisperer Congrats! in reply to thesiswhisperer #
@andycoverdale Sorry to hear; not fun things. Was it a new machine? in reply to andycoverdale #
@lindathestar Thanks! #phdchat in reply to lindathestar #
@dahnetsa I am working on finishing my literature review (block with writing it) and my analysis (mid-way through) #phdchat in reply to dahnetsa #
Time to attend to the dogs; will return later on this evening (after more writing after dinner) #phdchat #
@lportwoodstacer Congrats on the healthy mention. in reply to lportwoodstacer #
@katypearce Fries? in reply to katypearce #
@queercrip AND your new photo is blurry . . . in reply to queercrip #
@sarahthesheepu Thanks for the warning message in advance! in reply to sarahthesheepu #
@sarahthesheepu Perhaps this means the remainder of 2012 will remain smooth?! in reply to sarahthesheepu #
@dahnetsa @EmmaBurnettx @JaneDavis13 @SueFolley Indeed, who else can really get this trial by fire?! #phdchat in reply to dahnetsa #
Spencer and Posey had been resting lazily on the front porch as I wrote, though in starting to fuss they made me aware of the time (to eat) #
@sarahthesheepu Yes, this is not scarlet fever, indeed. This is something to be thankful for! in reply to sarahthesheepu #
@suifaijohnmak That may make for some interesting research indeed. Need to finish my #phd before I take on more projects. in reply to suifaijohnmak #
@damagedidentity Gotta love the academic politics. Hey, no references = no existence! #phdchat in reply to damagedidentity #
@sarahthesheepu Has been a rough ride recently; just blogged about the bottleneck this morning http://t.co/2VinZBCO #phdchat in reply to sarahthesheepu #
@andycoverdale Ouch; what happened? in reply to andycoverdale #
@damagedidentity Indeed; get up, brush ourselves off, and move forward #phdchat in reply to damagedidentity #
Been working on my research all afternoon #phdchat #
@Stephen_Gibbs Not fun; you have your own tales? #phdchat in reply to Stephen_Gibbs #
@NSRiazat Not easy, as the longer we are working on the #phd the more of these things happen #phdchat in reply to NSRiazat #
@erinrbreedlove It comes only on having lots of support from others; thanks!! in reply to erinrbreedlove #
@suifaijohnmak Still a process; but writing has really helped me make sense of this all and not beat myself up. in reply to suifaijohnmak #
@Lemness I wrote a post about this – Life Gets in the Way: Writing Gaps in April and May « Silence and Voice http://t.co/2VinZBCO in reply to Lemness #
I feel I am suffering from allergies today, as my eyes do not want to open all the way, are watery, etc. Need more meds, perhaps. #

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Life Gets in the Way: Writing Gaps in April and May

Jeffrey Keefer — Sun, 20 May 2012 14:22:13 +0000

I feel I have gotten very little writing done toward my doctoral thesis in the last few weeks, and after being asked about it again by a great encourager of me remaining focused on finishing my PhD, I decided I needed to write a brief check-in on my happenings. April and May have been quite troubling as I try to write my research and finish this degree.

Let’s see, where to start? I think I need to go back to the very beginning of April, when I was away at the Networked Learning Conference in the Netherlands. Fine, and well-planned. The jet-lag and cell-phone issues while there took a few days to overcome, though when I was finally getting back into a routine by the middle of the next week–it hit. We had a flood in the apartment on April 11.

The pipe displaced itself from the toilet, and while we were home and while we were able to get the super to turn off the water within 5-10 minutes or so, there was enough water that came out and spread into the apartment that the wood floor was ruined. Completely ruined. Even with the water extraction company sent by the insurance company 4 hours later setting up fans and a large dehumidifier that then ran for the next 6-7 days, the water under the wooden floor tiles loosened the glue holding them down (as well as causing many of them to buckle and split) so it would have to be replaced.

So, where does that leave my story that began with my conference on April 1? Yes, the equipment in the apartment was finally removed on April 17. What a mess.

With all of the rugs gone (sent to the rug cleaner to try to ultimately save them; at least the flood water was clean!!), and the wood now making noise wherever we step, we then had to navigate between our insurance and the building insurance, with their finally taking another two weeks to agree on who will pay for all this. You see, we also had to have 3 estimates in the process, with samples seen, while this all took place, with the decisions as to which color to switch to. We chose the one that is closest to what we have. You see, there was such extensive wood floor damage that tiles could not just be replaced as they would not match — it all has to go.

Just lovely, the entire floor has to go, which means we have to move a lot of things (even though, thankfully, the furniture was not damaged much). As one of the bookshelf / desktop units had some water get under it, and this piece really being a composite of 5 separate parts that had been built and added onto over the years (taking an entire wall and including two desks, a file cabinet, 3 cupboards, lots of bookshelves, and several lighting units), it would be removed. Alas, it could not be reassembled easily at all, so out it all went. Yes, that meant we needed to purchase new desks (both on order) and have new bookshelves designed (also currently being built), which all takes time. And disruption . . . don’t forget about the disruption in routine (i.e., time for writing).

Lots of time.

Did I mention that 14 months ago I also bought tickets to see Wagner’s The Ring (16 hours of opera over 4 days) at the Metropolitan Opera, the week starting May 5 and ending May 12?

So here, a week later, the floor replacement is beginning tomorrow, and while that should be usable just after Memorial Day, the desks and shelves will arrive 1-2 weeks later. Yes, things should finally be back to normal around the first week of June.

First week of June, and here it is I am trying to write and finish my data analysis!

I think writing this post has helped me to better understand where all my time (and energy, emotional navigation, and money) has gone over the past 2 months. Suffice it to say I have had to take a few vacation days here and there to manage all this, for otherwise I work full-time, though thinking about it and sharing it a bit more widely here helps me to close one episode, if you will, and begin to again focus on another — my thesis.

Life does get in the way while engaging in the years of non-stop work toward a doctorate, though for me the lesson is that I only have so much energy, and sometimes it has to be directed toward immediate problems at hand. That is not bad, it is simply healthy. Of course, as the wheel turns, we do have to make our ways back to our other commitments, chiefly among them is my thesis.

With that said, I have this afternoon and several days in the coming week dedicated to my studies. In many ways, that is a welcome home.Similar Posts:

Jeffrey’s Twitter Updates for 2012-05-20

Jeffrey Keefer — Sun, 20 May 2012 06:25:00 +0000

@katypearce You can never have too much wine. Well, I suppose you can, but enjoy both glasses anyway! in reply to katypearce #
@starpath What about them are you interested in researching? in reply to starpath #
@starpath Ahh, ICT! I know what that means, though could not make the connection with it in your context. Got it. in reply to starpath #
@starpath ICT? in reply to starpath #
@ai1sa Excellent progress! #phdchat in reply to ai1sa #
@suifaijohnmak 262? Wow, amazing amount. What do you make of it all? #Change11 in reply to suifaijohnmak #
@starpath is that like EPHRs and the sort? in reply to starpath #
@noahsparks Indeed, I would have blamed you and your family for 3 generations for trying duct tape on a curtain rod! in reply to noahsparks #
@noahsparks and here I would have thought you were handyman incarnate in reply to noahsparks #
@noahsparks The dehumidifier is working nicely in the basement. Alas, the @RapidReel hose assembly is now entering its 2nd hour. in reply to noahsparks #
@RapidReel I must say your reel seems like great quality, though the 12 pages of directions are somewhat challenging to follow. #
@RapidReel Goodness, it seems you have not used Twitter in 2 years; hope you get my call for help! #
@RapidReel I cannot figure out how to adjust the Cam-Lever. It was too loose and now is too tight. Help! #
This Rapid Reel hose reel I bought is among the most challenging piece of equipment I have put together all year. Hope it is worth it. #
Now to assemble the new uber-deluxe hose reel. Nothing like tangible house tasks when too tired to focus on writing. #
Big-time humidity, meet your match! #
Deboxed and assembled the dehumidifier; it is now ready to go! #
Preparing to install the new dehumidifier in the basement. Why can't these things last more than 2 years? #
@EleniZazani Greetings! What interests you in #fslt12 in reply to EleniZazani #
Bad Reputation – The Most Notorious Books on AbeBooks: http://t.co/5s2m4CPd #
@starpath What are you studying? in reply to starpath #
@starpath I tend to work in rather productive spurts; thanks for the comment. in reply to starpath #
Was able to unpack the dogs and the car; too late in the day to begin writing, but lots of prep to get ready for tomorrow. #
I hurt my back a bit last night when we carried out the disassembled top of my former desk. Evidence that research can be painful #phdchat #

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Jeffrey’s Twitter Updates for 2012-05-19

Jeffrey Keefer — Sat, 19 May 2012 06:25:00 +0000

@Comprof1 Quite fortunate you are! in reply to Comprof1 #
@Comprof1 Do you have another place to work? in reply to Comprof1 #
@Comprof1 I hope within the month; it is being replaced with a new one on order as it was to its time. in reply to Comprof1 #
Tonight is the night my desk will be disassembled until after the floor is done; feels strange not having my own "place." #

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Jeffrey’s Twitter Updates for 2012-05-18

Jeffrey Keefer — Fri, 18 May 2012 06:25:00 +0000

I hope to participate in First Steps into Learning & Teaching in Higher Education mooc 21 May-22 June http://t.co/eJ8cWDeb #fslt12 #phdchat #
@erinrbreedlove Educational research, specifically in doctoral liminality in study via distance #phdchat in reply to erinrbreedlove #
@lindathestar Reviewing is a very useful experience, as it helps to see my own errors in the work of others. in reply to lindathestar #
@lindathestar Indeed, but press the other reviewers saw the manuscript from a different lens? in reply to lindathestar #
Last night we disassembled all the bookshelves and cabinets around the desks. The prep for the floor replacement is taking all my energy. #

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