tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69182480333286396792024-03-14T02:50:40.176+00:00The Wolfenden ReportHelping academics & librarians develop professionally without burning out through coaching, reflection & yogaSarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-205849094076891192023-12-26T14:29:00.010+00:002023-12-26T16:16:37.503+00:002023: Reflections and the year ahead<div style="text-align: center;">You do not have to be good.<br />You do not have to walk on your knees<br />for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.<br />You only have to let the soft animal of your body<br />love what it loves. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Wild Geese, Mary Oliver</b></div><p>It’s 7am on Boxing Day. I can hear birds chattering furiously outside my window. The washing machine is on its spin cycle downstairs and the eldest of my small children has just bounded down the steps without my customary hug and hello, eager to play on the new computer game he received yesterday. </p><p>I’m reflecting on 2023.</p><p>After a 21 year relationship and several years of separation, 2023 started off with notice of both my divorce papers coming through and of winning the inaugural Ross Todd award for Outstanding Research Project based on my teaching of information literacy using coaching skills. That, combined with school turmoil for my eldest and asthma-attack related visits to the hospital for my youngest, left me in a somewhat mixed emotional state.</p><p><i>Self-compassion</i> and <i>connection</i> were my guiding words for 2023. For the last few years, I have chosen a word to guide me. Previously, they have included words such as energy, love, fun, and dignity. Last year I chose the two<span style="font-family: inherit;">. Reader, to</span> loosely quote Bren<span style="background-color: #f5f5f0;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">é</span></span> Brown - I did the best I could with the tools I had.</p><p>I struggled (and still struggle) with both of those concepts. I am independent, self-sufficient-ish and, because I spend so much time helping and advising others as part of my job role, I can become ‘peopled out’ and forget to connect with others more generally. I can also be quite hard on myself. Checking in with those words throughout the year reminded me to be kinder to myself, and to send emails asking people to meet. I even tried a friends meet-up app (with dubious results but I haven't given up yet - I don't know how people cope with dating apps!). </p><p>I gained new tools by going to therapy. This helped to some extent but what helped more was talking to colleagues whom I also consider friends. They’ve lifted me up over this last year and for that I am truly grateful. Inspired by journalist, Poorna Bell, and a colleague, I also took myself out intentionally when I had the opportunity. It was an odd experience but one I am keen to do more of.</p><p>My general aims and plans for 2023 were:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>to have lots of fun with my two little ones - this I did. We went to the woods, to the beach, to nature trails, museum trails, theatre, cinema, Go Ape, I learned to play Mario Kart - badly. I also joined the gym as it has kids and family clubs which has been enjoyable, and given me much needed headspace</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VYYRIb98q7P3JI-Pqpt8dvvh_AjMKqX7nzTreHmbOPRdb61ECcyRcrNmEEg1JVJ5d3Deuka-UO_1hZ90Rq7UbjA20QjQjbmwzlutw6I2QLQfFQSDl3_5WC4Vhgbt2zb8ktlOd71WTzOXp64x9ZO8RX78KgJInNSI1crpDwspTBW6e3yb858aUfKZtaZu/s1920/woodsmagic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VYYRIb98q7P3JI-Pqpt8dvvh_AjMKqX7nzTreHmbOPRdb61ECcyRcrNmEEg1JVJ5d3Deuka-UO_1hZ90Rq7UbjA20QjQjbmwzlutw6I2QLQfFQSDl3_5WC4Vhgbt2zb8ktlOd71WTzOXp64x9ZO8RX78KgJInNSI1crpDwspTBW6e3yb858aUfKZtaZu/w168-h224/woodsmagic.jpg" width="168" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magical creatures in the woods</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWhq0RWPaUE3HqWT1EHxkTdMxLo_iARaQjo49EHJWPOQeNfsIecmh4jim-TNSrEfCarP48cc-6ivHahlwaK8lbxLGepg4RYQQrWUs3y-PBiRXP6-02IVXfy4YknE-4XcX34qpz2akLkp8vajrRvr8wJrvc2p58aIzNz-G6-635gCrLLcsEBa9VzxQA3oS/s1920/sea1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWhq0RWPaUE3HqWT1EHxkTdMxLo_iARaQjo49EHJWPOQeNfsIecmh4jim-TNSrEfCarP48cc-6ivHahlwaK8lbxLGepg4RYQQrWUs3y-PBiRXP6-02IVXfy4YknE-4XcX34qpz2akLkp8vajrRvr8wJrvc2p58aIzNz-G6-635gCrLLcsEBa9VzxQA3oS/w205-h154/sea1.jpg" width="205" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing by the sea</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>focus on my PhD - this I did. I passed my review with 30,000 words written and lots of positive comments as well as helpful advice. I had a day out at the British Library which I enjoyed</li><li>blend my professional interests - this I have been working on. I was accepted to present at three conferences. Two I could do as they were online and one I had to withdraw, due to childcare reasons. My presentations focussed on coaching and compassion in higher education. As a result of these talks I was invited to lead a LTHE Twitter/X chat on compassion in universities and I am increasingly being asked to deliver teaching sessions related to coaching, mentoring, compassion and mindfulness. I remain a primary school wellbeing governor and have recently participated in conversations on academic identities, uplifting those of working class origins, and compassion in higher education so I look forward to seeing where they go.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>For 2024? </b></p><p>I won’t be bounding into the new year. I’m giving myself permission to step slowly, purposefully and with intention. There are no grand ambitions. I’ll be supporting my children with what has been a rough few years for them. I’ll be walking in woods, by rivers and visiting the sea. I’ll be clearing weeds and smelling roses. I will not be applying to present anywhere this year and will instead be focussing on writing. </p><p>With regards my PhD, I am already revisiting old favourites in the form of Freire, Fromm and hooks for my research philosophy. They write of the different types of love, of being rather than having, and remind me that love is a verb. Love and compassion are needed at all levels of the education sector. Dr Jenny Lawrence <a href="https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/news-and-views/leading-love-authenticity-vulnerability-and-compassion-contemporary-he">writes eloquently</a> on this topic</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCU7HRMzPNx-1Psc8QMiGrzkjgaeESefT23WcCIZFwTXjtmvDwuFZUTXU59YAP050v00tYWHn74yR4eARhEWTZHWsQAUPGOEGc17PW0Chr6tcaasnSvmHx6gyFMnsecn6q7AiChh5gF3o3LoNBb82auQt-Xnz428TdjtzbwgCg88ZYyGBT2wjadOgA8BX/s1920/love.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCU7HRMzPNx-1Psc8QMiGrzkjgaeESefT23WcCIZFwTXjtmvDwuFZUTXU59YAP050v00tYWHn74yR4eARhEWTZHWsQAUPGOEGc17PW0Chr6tcaasnSvmHx6gyFMnsecn6q7AiChh5gF3o3LoNBb82auQt-Xnz428TdjtzbwgCg88ZYyGBT2wjadOgA8BX/w300-h400/love.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The message from my tea was clear!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>And so I am choosing love again for my word. Not in the romantic sense, but in how it shows up in the actions we take - in friendships, in work, in our environment, in family and in self-care. I’ve spent the last few years trying to figure things out and I’ve been called ‘a superwoman’ numerous times for the amount of plates I’m spinning. While this is given as a complement, I don’t want the title. It’s exhausting and full of pressure. Instead, as Mary Oliver suggests, I am going to let the ‘soft animal of my body, love what it loves’. </p><p><b>What about you? Do you have goals or themes for 2024? Are you proud of how 2023 turned out or relieved and grateful you are still here to tell your story? What are you giving yourself permission to do?</b></p>Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-68253709918704402872023-04-04T07:08:00.000+01:002023-04-04T07:08:20.346+01:00One year into the PhD - the journey so far<p> A year ago, almost to the day, I started my part-time PhD. I
can’t believe that time has disappeared already and that is more than a little
scary.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’m writing this post firstly to help me keep track of where
I am, secondly to be able to look back on this one day when I have my doctoral
robes (sadly no sword for us in the UK – very envious of Finland!), and thirdly,
because I would have liked to have read a post from someone in a similar
position and I haven’t found much. Hopefully this will help someone in the
future. For context, I work full-time, am a single mum to two little ones, am a
primary school governor, and due to a variety of reasons I don’t get much in
the way of practical support.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Doing a PhD had been on my radar for about eight years,
although I hadn’t pinpointed an actual topic or idea how I could actually fit it
in. In 2021, I recognised that I couldn’t wait anymore, that there was never
going to be a perfect time, and that I needed to move forward with my life - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>so I started the conversations and started putting
together a research proposal. In early 2022, I was interviewed for the place
and was accepted. And it’s been quite the year since.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Due to working mainly with people either with or on their way
to obtaining their PhDs, I was under no illusion of the stress and challenges –
my Twitter feed is full of it. However, my plan of working everyday 8-10pm did
not work as I would regularly fall asleep and my brain was in no place to think.
I hadn’t banked on that as I have managed to lead programmes (including the department
during the first year of Covid lockdowns); complete a 500-hour yoga teacher
training course; deliver national and international conference sessions; and
write – all while on little sleep and a slightly fuzzy head. It turns out I can’t
do a PhD like that. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">More recently, I have managed to find some ways of working
that suited me, found some helpful podcasts/Youtube videos and been introduced
to some supportive online communities. I did go through a sticky patch at the
latter end of last year due to some significant school challenges and some
complications in the divorce process, which corresponded with seemingly never-ending
children’s sickness bugs – to the extent that abeyance was mentioned.<o:p></o:p></p>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i>Since then radical acceptance, prioritisation and organisation
has been key.</i></p></blockquote></blockquote><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkOLb3TxR8w5QXIQU1sOFE5tI0_ksQDzTEcU66AxFePzPhcZWCf26pATQ45dbYDZmbESNNfDccZseQqfiv8zLnZL_K19vcp3adgzAdXjx9DrILiloiO8PzuFqOdI6O8SZ6i9dQzdFd-3pByU_cY2_mEGwT2OOMWJPSoKTQN3S6EBDJ4E7D1yHkemG4g/s1280/SNOWDROPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkOLb3TxR8w5QXIQU1sOFE5tI0_ksQDzTEcU66AxFePzPhcZWCf26pATQ45dbYDZmbESNNfDccZseQqfiv8zLnZL_K19vcp3adgzAdXjx9DrILiloiO8PzuFqOdI6O8SZ6i9dQzdFd-3pByU_cY2_mEGwT2OOMWJPSoKTQN3S6EBDJ4E7D1yHkemG4g/s320/SNOWDROPS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowdrops: they seem delicate but can withstand challenging environments - I'm sure there's a metaphor in there somewhere :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><b>What has been challenging?</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">Finding thinking and writing time: </b><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">This is the most crucial for
me. I now get up quite early in the morning and after the cat is fed and I have
done some gentle yoga, I spend time on the PhD. Previously I had let it go
weeks as I felt I needed large chunks of time. While that would be lovely, I
need to work with what I have. I aim to touch the PhD every day and usually
write 200/250 words a day. It’s not much but it all adds up.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><b>Balancing all the things: </b>Most self-help gurus
will say focus on one thing and do it well. However, when you have responsibilities
and mouths to feed this isn’t always practical. My yoga teaching and coaching
are on hold; however, I do the occasional voluntary session at work to keep my
skills fresh and I incorporate the principles of both into my teaching. I could
potentially give up the governor position; however, after seeking advice from
someone I respect, I have now clarified my role. As a result, I have added
value (the school now have three core values rather than substantially more)
and I appreciate the friendship and support they have provided.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">Isolation:</b><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> My work is very people-focussed and
facing so I don’t feel like I am missing out in terms of contact with others.
If anything, I can find it tiring. Although rather disturbingly, during the
lockdowns, I realised that quarantine had become my usual lifestyle. However,
there’s something to be said for being with people who understand and truly see
you and this is why the word ‘connection’ has become a bit of a theme this
year.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>What has made life easier?</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"><b> </b></span></span><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">My supervisors:</b><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> They are amazing, lovely and
kind. They know I can be hard on myself so they are clear and gentle with their
criticism. I need them to not sugarcoat but also not be brutal and they do this
well.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">Changing my environment:</b><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> I work on my day job between
campus and home and when at home I migrate between the table, a desk in my
bedroom or the settee. </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">At the moment,
every two to three months, I do get a day or two to myself in which I study and
I find working elsewhere useful. So far, I have used postgraduate research
rooms, the public </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">library and have ventured
to the British Library. If I combine it with a parkrun or some yoga, it can
feel like a retreat. (I was recently going to apply for a single mum’s writing
retreat but after they received approx. 700 applications I decided not to –
there’s clearly a need for it!)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">Friendship:</b><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> Several individuals have cheered me on and
made me both laugh and reflect through the last year. </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">They are all wonderful human beings and I appreciate
every one of them.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Going forwards, I really need to crack on with my literature
review but, in the meantime, I am sat
next to my youngest who has spent the last few days vomiting. As I said,
radical acceptance is key!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>I’d love to hear your experiences. Feel free to share them in
the comments.</b><o:p></o:p></p>Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-43313755492790718442022-12-31T21:09:00.006+00:002023-01-01T07:02:40.628+00:002022: Reflections and the year ahead<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><i>"The stars
began to burn<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><i>Through the sheets
of clouds<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><i>And there was a new
voice<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><i>Which you slowly
recognised as your own"</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">
The Journey, Mary Oliver<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">Another year and another Mary Oliver quotation from
me. This one is from <i>The Journey</i> and I think it is my favourite. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">I have been wondering on and off whether to share an
end of year post this time round. It has been a significant year for
transitions and tribulations and they are far from over. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">Like the previous year, 2022 didn't get off to a great
start. The kids and I had Covid at the same time as I had some of my big online
teaching sessions. Hospital trips followed as it affected my youngest’s asthma.
On reflection, I should have postponed my teaching but at the time the thought
of rearranging everything felt worse than pushing through. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">Fortunately; dear reader, it started to pick up...<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">One of my intentions last year was to have lots of
fun trips and adventures with my little ones. We definitely achieved this in
2022. We went to
adventure parks, a local festival, Go Ape challenges (I still haven’t mastered
the best way to go down a zip wire!), a circus, the Legoland hotel for my son’s
birthday (expensive but amazing), National Trust places, lots of parks and
woods, plus we went to Centerparcs for the first time for my big birthday. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">I also drove (5 hours!) to see my parents in Morecambe. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">While
I can’t afford to repeat this in quite the same way next year, I want to
continue getting out and about to share joyful experiences with them.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_zJAmqkXSvOyME5nhYeega46GlANoYcbtCsNNhRoOmwoxtWC3_qLKXIMMI850mXknUaubRrV7yaQ2BHbJ4AWR5YJ8IJxo5xxuM41UfR1q0xs6g_bxmPv5y4JJgCKfw4ACC9o3n29WnLyHQVU4mUWq9-xUHSgk4BRCzGAdFbBN89hwMCamVpNudrFGw/s1280/getting%20outside.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_zJAmqkXSvOyME5nhYeega46GlANoYcbtCsNNhRoOmwoxtWC3_qLKXIMMI850mXknUaubRrV7yaQ2BHbJ4AWR5YJ8IJxo5xxuM41UfR1q0xs6g_bxmPv5y4JJgCKfw4ACC9o3n29WnLyHQVU4mUWq9-xUHSgk4BRCzGAdFbBN89hwMCamVpNudrFGw/s320/getting%20outside.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting outdoors</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCf0y6E_D_Pdi7EpJ7XVwOfQwCRVrCIBjuYawvGPExjXz1Zj3dJw2ZPtnj0XGGmV_stPnheeqv2SJy3izIg5m07Zgl08figCeYVCd-nYxgnNkCnw1QZLP0ABjlnHLqu4UYBHeaUeMkZqIUavxnPdK6bZlCKg6nbPn7VLtdfNQpOJUwnsK7J1Xso1aUA/s1280/Lego.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCf0y6E_D_Pdi7EpJ7XVwOfQwCRVrCIBjuYawvGPExjXz1Zj3dJw2ZPtnj0XGGmV_stPnheeqv2SJy3izIg5m07Zgl08figCeYVCd-nYxgnNkCnw1QZLP0ABjlnHLqu4UYBHeaUeMkZqIUavxnPdK6bZlCKg6nbPn7VLtdfNQpOJUwnsK7J1Xso1aUA/s320/Lego.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lego room</td></tr></tbody></table><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">I had my research proposal accepted in April which was
both exciting and scary. I am enjoying the process enormously and learning so
much but, as expected when I signed up, progress is slow. This is something I
need to get used to given the other demands on my time and energy.</span></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">Workwise, I took a step back from speaking at
conferences and events to focus on the newly accredited programmes and pathways
to Advance HE status as well as my PhD. Other than Springboard, which I’ve done
for a few years now, I chose not to speak at anything in 2022. I was happy to put
this aside as I had spoken at many events in the previous few years. I now intend to start
this up again going forwards and will present again but only on areas directly
related to my work or my research. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">In May, I received my 500-hour Yoga Alliance International
certificate which felt like a great achievement after everything that’s
happened over the last few years. Since then I’ve been teaching yoga nidra at
work and incorporating the philosophy and asana into my teaching. I also had a
<a href="https://doi.org/10.11645/16.1.3153" target="_blank">coaching article</a> published this year too which I enjoyed writing. I’m
looking forward to finding out how I can start to blend my coaching work with
yoga, reflection and academic professional development. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">I still write for The Academic Woman and I continue
to be a wellbeing primary school governor. I find these positions rewarding and
will remain in them so long as I can add value. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: justify;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">Aims and plans for
2023:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">For 2022, I chose the word </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">dignity</i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">
as my word of the year. It was a useful check-in throughout the months, and it
can be easy to lose when there are challenging situations. I may have been
spotted a tad tearful in the vicinity more than once but, in
general, it was a good anchor.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">This year I have chosen two – <i>self-compassion</i> and <i>connection</i>. The first
is because too many people have recently told me I need to be kind to myself. I
am listening! The second is because I spent some of 2022 re-establishing
connections with people and it has been really lovely. This is something I want to increase and maintain.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">My general aims and plans for 2023 then are:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 3pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0cm;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">to have lots of fun with my two little ones</span></li><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">focus on my PhD</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; text-indent: 0cm;">blend my professional interests</span></li><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; text-indent: 0cm;">consider the steps I need to take to get to Reader. (At one point, I
wouldn’t have considered this but several people recently have told me they
would support me if I did - so, I can but have a look)</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">Last year, I wrote I would go gently into the new year armed with
compassion and friendship. As there are more changes (both positive and
negative) on the horizon at work, some
significant schooling challenges coming my way, and a literature review to
write, this approach is more necessary than ever. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">I am hopeful. And when I am not, </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">I will reread <i>The Journey. </i> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">I would love to know what your plans, goals and hopes are for 2023.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-66572162740621557712021-12-29T21:54:00.005+00:002022-03-08T21:35:58.497+00:002021: Reflections and the year ahead<p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> </span><span> </span>"<i>Tell me, what is it you plan to do,</i><i> with your one wild and precious life</i>" </p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The Summer Day, Mary Oliver</p><p>I love Mary Oliver's poetry. I only have one book of hers, <i>Devotions</i>, but it always has a poem for every occasion and mood. This quote resonates right now for me as I think about my next steps, especially as I meet a big birthday next year. </p><p>It's been difficult to blog this year, just as it was in <a href="https://thewolfendenreport.blogspot.com/2020/12/2020-reflections-and-year-ahead.html#more" target="_blank">2020</a>.</p><p>2021 didn't get off to a good start as the inevitable January lockdown in England was announced. We all knew it was coming but as the school closures were announced I, like many others, did cry as I wondered how I would manage. At times it didn't feel like it was going to get better, especially as it finally became official that my 21 year relationship had disintegrated too.</p><p>It would be remiss of me; however, not to reflect on this year as I spend so much of my working life extolling the virtues of reflection!</p><h2 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: justify;">Positives and challenges</h2><div><br /></div><div><b>Professional:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I followed up my previous presentations for Advance HE on coaching and academic practice by speaking at their HE Wellbeing Symposium about embedding coaching techniques into our accredited professional development programme. The focus was on time and space, something I feel that has been reduced for many over the years, and especially during the pandemic.</div><div><br /></div><div>I continued my regular contributions to The Academic Woman magazine and was delighted to be invited to deliver a webinar for them and later to be invited to their editorial panel. I like working with this group - our values align and they are filling a real gap in the market.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Advance HE pathways I lead have gone from strength to strength which has been a relief, with the introduction of online writing retreats and a coaching programme. The thing I was most proud of; however, was being invited to the Special Libraries Association Europe and International Conferences. In the European one I was asked to speak about resilience and thriving. It was quite personal and the feedback was lovely - I really hope it helped people consider what they can control in the times we are living in. As you know from my social media, I am a bell hooks and Brene Brown fan. They both speak about showing vulnerability to encourage authenticity and courage, yet Brene warns about sharing issues you are still working through so it was a careful balance as to what to include.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Personal</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I am still volunteering as a primary school governor, and still working on my 300 hour yoga teacher training certificate. The former has allowed me to learn and hopefully contribute to the school and the latter has been for my own personal interests - I have really enjoyed it, especially the yin yoga and yoga nidra elements of it. </div><div>As lockdown eased, I was able to continue the woodland and river walks, and arrange some trips with my children, including a lovely trip with fantastic views in Poole. </div><div>In addition, I have completed my research proposal and have submitted it so hopefully I will be able to start a PhD this year.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEil_FmjOEBoKbPv5sAfyyZuxVUrafHmX6AVD2HSEj6Uah2oBHtcgv9fG48Ud2c5DHg9ydXyb_xud18PwFkSvhuv3icMvV5yjp4Td7_0oMiEdW3XW3byJ-1P9GY5BZmo5wzpt8oa4Mft1intW5tsjGZXuvBDxAFUyO1pPz-U11LL6tcakTjyJZ1b2wVUZA=s1280" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEil_FmjOEBoKbPv5sAfyyZuxVUrafHmX6AVD2HSEj6Uah2oBHtcgv9fG48Ud2c5DHg9ydXyb_xud18PwFkSvhuv3icMvV5yjp4Td7_0oMiEdW3XW3byJ-1P9GY5BZmo5wzpt8oa4Mft1intW5tsjGZXuvBDxAFUyO1pPz-U11LL6tcakTjyJZ1b2wVUZA=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday walk by the river at Cliveden</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCDs3KDT1IBek9b-6IpBVDq2PQl5a0vMWNgizeII5k04z4DXpcNn9pdUMk7JFEUcwXGm1lP0TwprqpOmcosM6RoS6sCdoJTLgTsRlRw7HT075ZmRPvjRICJsuo-eoza_FmhL3-HP8SuyC3ufKdl0gQqzqDPnzfzEL3eKpVKe1sA6Zcd0aGa8j-gwT8Rw=s960" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCDs3KDT1IBek9b-6IpBVDq2PQl5a0vMWNgizeII5k04z4DXpcNn9pdUMk7JFEUcwXGm1lP0TwprqpOmcosM6RoS6sCdoJTLgTsRlRw7HT075ZmRPvjRICJsuo-eoza_FmhL3-HP8SuyC3ufKdl0gQqzqDPnzfzEL3eKpVKe1sA6Zcd0aGa8j-gwT8Rw=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poole views</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: justify;">Aims and plans for 2022:</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>For 2021, I chose the word Energy as my word of the year. It was a useful check-in throughout the months but it's time for another one. I'm still deciding but in the meantime, my aims and plans for next year are:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>to have lots of fun with my two little ones.</li><li>enjoy my 'big' birthday</li><li>complete my 300hr YTT course which will then qualify me as a 500 hour YTT</li><li>like last year, still plan amazing ' one-day' future adventures (I want to see waterfalls, cherry blossom and still dreaming of seeing the northern lights)</li><li>start work on my PhD - eep!</li></ul><div>I appreciate it is going to take a while for me to find self-acceptance and self-esteem again so I aim to go slowly and gently into the new year armed with compassion and friendship. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>I would love to know what your plans, goals and hopes are for 2022. Please feel free to use the comments.</b></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-47268441201896583992021-03-31T19:30:00.004+01:002021-03-31T19:30:33.589+01:00Self-transformation: how dragons and fairies led the way to yoga, coaching and lifelong learning<p><i>As some of you may know, I recently completed a 200hour yoga teacher training course. I enjoyed it so much I signed up almost immediately to the more advanced 300hour course. One may wonder why when I already have a full-time job teaching and supporting academics and undergraduates; a young family; a school governor role and the embryonic start of a PhD to keep me busy!</i></p><p><i>I was set an assignment recently on the topic of self-transformation. It provides an answer of sorts to the question above and it links together some of the areas I am passionate about - coaching, lifelong learning and yoga - which is why I thought it would be appropriate to share it here. Transformation is a fluid, rather than a linear process and the 'final' state is very much a moving picture. It's quite personal so please be kind...</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhpXpAC2urc/YGS7xLDJEpI/AAAAAAAABAQ/HqoZH_hSh_4mAuLACVyoEcEWuFsFW2nkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/ricardo-gomez-angel--98jVaVuGv0-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fire" border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="2048" height="215" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhpXpAC2urc/YGS7xLDJEpI/AAAAAAAABAQ/HqoZH_hSh_4mAuLACVyoEcEWuFsFW2nkgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h215/ricardo-gomez-angel--98jVaVuGv0-unsplash.jpg" title="Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@ripato?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Ricardo Gomez Angel</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/fire?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>" width="320" /></a></div><i><br /></i><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><h2 style="text-align: left;">Self-transformation</h2><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When I was asked to think of
transformation for this essay I did not really know where to start. Had I ever
been transformed? I imagined a phoenix rising from the flames and said to
myself – nope, that’s not me. Of course, I’ve suffered my own regrets,
disappointments, life events etc but so has everyone else. It seemed like
hyperbole to call it a transformation. According to the Cambridge English
Dictionary, a transformation means ‘a complete alteration in the character or
appearance of someone or something’. This reminded me of how, when I was growing
up, I was transfixed by the makeovers on the morning chat shows my mum used to
watch while I ironed our clothes. Someone looking flat, tired and frumpy would
disappear behind a screen and then with a few sweeps of a makeup brush and a
quick snip with the hairdresser’s scissors, they would emerge through lots of
dry ice for all to see and admire. The most transformational part of all was
how happy they seemed to feel afterwards. I was similarly in awe of the effect
on those who were brave enough to say ‘tonight Matthew, I’m going to be…” on
Stars in Their Eyes. The producers and makeover experts seemed to really see
the individual in front of them and understand what would work for them. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I grew up reading stories of
transformation – princes, magic spells, and feats of bravery would transform
the main female character into a beautiful, witty and brave princess. Often,
stories would tell me of sacrificial transformation – a common trope seemed to
be the teenage girl learning that the only way she could save others was to lay
down her life as she knew it and become a tree. On reflection, I wonder if this
is one of the reasons I have always liked walking in the woods! As I read of
characters turning into dragons; stone; or ice; becoming winged or turning
invisible after stealing golden treasure, I would sit, hoping, for a
transformation to happen to me. I felt uncomfortable in my life and in my skin.
I found my solace in books and at school playtime I would sit in the ‘magic
rings’ on the grass pretending to be a fairy.
I read about changelings and wondered if I was one. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">At school, I saw education as a
way of transforming from what was expected of most children in my peer group. I
was always a rule follower, not wanting to upset anyone or cause a fuss. When
that did not work – I was still made homeless - I grew wings and became the
first in my family to go on to university, where I studied English Literature.
I did not know what I would do afterwards. I just knew I wanted to keep
learning, to not live in the environment I was where boys used to brag about
how little they read as a chat up line, and to open up possibilities. This
became a transformation of sorts – I found friends, my own way of living, and I
now felt comfortable talking about Norse mythology, Cottingley fairies and
Danish fairytales.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">My next major transformation
involved moving from Yorkshire to and around London, facing repeated
disappointment of job rejections; workplace bullying; repeated landlord
problems; culminating in looking after my husband after he was involved in a
life-threatening accident. I’ve thought
for years that my 20s were a time when I stalled, that nothing happened. In
reality, I completed my Masters in Library and Information Science and developed
my career. As I was also recovering from severe depression and mild chronic PTSD,
I was not feeling or experiencing any joy from it. I did not celebrate my
achievements, I was punishing myself and was not sure why. It was never enough.
There were instances of potential happiness - meeting interesting people who
introduced me to more books and to different lifestyles; bike rides around parks
and rivers, running and so on. Bizarrely, and contrary to what I’ve just
written, I would feel these small glimpses powerfully and be bowled over by
their intensity. This feeling seemed too good to be true and so I was scared. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It was during this time in my
life, I was introduced to yoga. As with previous exercise experiences I initially
used it as a tool to beat myself up with. I was not good enough, was not flexible
enough and could not do the poses. I never stayed for the relaxion part at the
end – it felt silly, odd and my mind would not stay still. As I kept
practising, I began (very slowly) to see it as something different. I began to
feel calmer, more relaxed and more confident after each class. I started
reading about it, I attended the Om Yoga Festival and attended classes teaching
different variations. I was hooked. The confidence started to seep into other
areas of my life. On the same day I won an Early Career award, I also took the risky
leap of accepting a maternity cover position in a UK university. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I was ecstatic. I had made it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Several restructures, temporary
contracts and job changes later… I went through the physical transformations of
pregnancy, emergency c-section and long-term breastfeeding. Yoga helped me to connect
with myself, both mentally and physically, again and stop grinding at the
grindstone without looking up, without having a purpose. The twin effect of
yoga and some coaching I received as part of a Higher Education programme for
women leaders helped me to keep my sense of self as I struggled to keep hold of
it through the endless sleepless nights of cradling a baby who just would not
sleep. They gave me the confidence to apply for the coaching qualification I
had been wanting to do for a while. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This does not mean I have been in
a state of non-ending bliss since. Far from it!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Completing my first 200 hour yoga
teacher training qualification was tough – work was challenging at the time due
to another restructure, I was having relationship problems and I was
simultaneously looking after two small children due to the pandemic, one of
whom has high needs. Finding the time to fit in and to process what I was
learning was a task. I used to detest the way I sounded and 2020 has been like
aversion therapy as I have recorded, edited and watched so many videos of
myself. I eventually became accustomed to hearing my own voice and seeing my own
face up but getting used to seeing my post c-section body on screen (plus
pandemic over-eating) for the assessments, was a new challenge. Many a time I looked
at it, went to the cupboard to eat my feelings, and thought ‘who am I
kidding?’.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">One of the many positives of
being an academic developer and coach, and now a yoga teacher, is that I can
use the skills on myself. I can recognise a feeling or thought more quickly, I
can sit with it and can recognise which part of the Kubler-Ross change curve I
am currently in. I am more able to recognise my own worth (sometimes – still
not always). This does not make the emotions less powerful – when I found out I
passed my 200hours I sobbed and let scalding tears run, uninhibited, down my
face for a good twenty minutes. I think this awareness helps be in a better
place to support my children and my work. Like an evangelical, I want to take
what I’ve learned and apply it to everybody and everything I see. As a result, I
now do voluntary mindfulness classes and incorporate yoga and coaching into
writing retreats and the programmes and workshops I lead. However, I know I
need to tread carefully as each person has their own transformation process. It
will happen in that person’s own time and at their pace and, as a result, be
much more effective. As a result of some of these experiences over the years, I
am now looking at toxic university systems and how coaching can be used as one
of the tools to transform staff wellbeing and student experience. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">For me, the changes I have
experienced and the sheer joy of doing the 200hour yoga course has led to me
now taking part in the 300 hour. Even though studying and practising can be tricky
in my current situation, it gives me the energy to deal with the less pleasant
aspects of life. I see it as a constant companion who has seen me through many
ups and downs and never judged. I’ve learned that transformation is not passive,
(I’m not likely to meet a prince who recognises my worth while merrily walking
in the woods) but also that actions do not need to be huge. It does not need to be a large event – like a
pandemic, or a bereavement, or a divorce – although of course these can be
transformational. It can be a line you read in a book or a series of small
incremental and consistent choices over a period of time. It can happen
overnight or as a long, slow process. In my coaching, I refer to small shifts
and tweaks in our practice. It can be as simple (or as difficult) as sitting on
a mat and closing our eyes.<o:p></o:p></p></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">If you made it this far, thank you and well done! I'd love to hear your stories of transformation so please feel free to leave them in the comments.</h3>Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-58629769847239062262020-12-29T20:57:00.003+00:002021-03-31T19:33:15.490+01:002020: Reflections and the year ahead<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I wasn't sure whether to write a reflection post this year. I feel grateful that I've got through 2020 and I know that, despite many challenges, I am one of the lucky ones - I still have my job, my children and no-one I know has died from Covid. But I know that many aren't so fortunate - they have lost jobs, homes and loved ones. I don't want to add to comparison-itis, something I mentioned in <a href="https://thewolfendenreport.blogspot.com/2019/12/">last year's reflection post</a>.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I teach others about the importance of reflection so I have decided to go ahead: writing my thoughts helps me to process them and it is often enlightening to go back several months or even years later.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I started 2020 with a determined sense of purpose. Having gone through a tough few years, I was ready to get back into writing, presenting, and expanding my travelling experiences. In preparation, I renewed the family passports in January and earmarked Eurostar tickets - isn't hindsight a wonderful thing?! I also wanted to increase my work from home time. I did gain this at least in 2020 but I wasn't banking on two small children being with me for the majority of it!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Positives and challenges</h2><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Health:</span></h3><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My first week in lockdown was spent being ill. I was feverish and my breathing was pretty shocking. I recovered relatively quickly, apart from my breathing which took a few months to return completely to normal. Despite that, my exercise became more consistent and I increased my time in the garden as we couldn't go out. I find growing veg helps me to feel calmer and as I could do bits during the week I felt there wasn't so much pressure to do everything at the weekend. There was some important family health news too which was helpful to receive.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My back and my weight didn't respond quite so well to lockdown. I had walked a lot on campus from meeting to meeting which was replaced by walking to the kitchen between Zoom and Teams meetings and sitting down at the laptop a lot. There was many a piece of chocolate consumed as I stopped the kids from fighting while trying to teach and record videos! I am very grateful for my yoga teacher training at this point as I know it could have been a lot worse. </span></p><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Home:</span></h3><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Spending more time with my small children, while stressful due to combining with a full-time job, was a definite positive. I was able to eat with them three times a day and even the cat enjoyed us all being together. We had an indoor Glastonbury Festival, baked and crafted. I pulled down a shed, painted fences and found a variety of wildlife in the garden. When the first lockdown eased, we made it to the sea which was a much needed respite. I worked on my yoga teacher training through the year and aimed to complete it by 2021. I didn't quite make it but, considering everything, I haven't done too badly - I have just one assignment left to do!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Like many juggling work and parenting, I felt I was failing at both. My brain was frazzled from too little sleep and I felt I wasn't always my most coherent in meetings. My children also had far too much tv and snacks and too often didn't get my full attention. When my eldest returned to school and struggled to settle in there were was many a time I was thankful my face mask soaked up my tears and muffled my sobs.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Professional:</span></h3><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I received my Senior Fellowship, wrote an article for Business Information Review, wrote a small piece for The Academic Woman and wrote a book chapter. I presented at the Accredited Programme Leader's Network, at Advance HE, and I was interviewed for Springboard - a women's development programme. I provided numerous mindfulness sessions voluntarily for the university's students and staff. I think I pretty much achieved the professional goals I set and some were made easier because conferences and events became virtual and therefore more accessible. I was even able to attend an outdoors coaching programme and Street Wisdom event which I would never have been able to do without them being available online.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For much of the year as my department was being shut down, I led several programme and pathways while facing the prospect of redundancy. I applied for a role in the new department and received it - moving from lecturer to senior lecturer in the process. I found this a lonely and isolating experience; however, I enjoyed the autonomy - something which Daniel Pink writes about in his book Drive as being one of the key factors of motivation.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jn16wj1iWL8/X-uVhKAexXI/AAAAAAAAA94/McNeCbYNhg89PtGZ19j9CZug-dD7HgA2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/outdoor%2Bcoaching.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="lamp next to a tree" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jn16wj1iWL8/X-uVhKAexXI/AAAAAAAAA94/McNeCbYNhg89PtGZ19j9CZug-dD7HgA2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/outdoor%2Bcoaching.jpg" title="Outdoor coaching (in Narnia)" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYNUhEtQIvA/X-uVgwokQrI/AAAAAAAAA90/IDlOCfbc6tkRUCcpvBTlxQdqZ9Ghm-z_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/sea.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Minehead beach" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYNUhEtQIvA/X-uVgwokQrI/AAAAAAAAA90/IDlOCfbc6tkRUCcpvBTlxQdqZ9Ghm-z_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/sea.jpg" title="Sea!" width="200" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z34wZ9pRDyk/X-uVzohbx2I/AAAAAAAAA-E/yRA47NSsBmwbCK7LKxCbV7RJbgXFb-X8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/pheasant.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pheasant sat on a nest" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z34wZ9pRDyk/X-uVzohbx2I/AAAAAAAAA-E/yRA47NSsBmwbCK7LKxCbV7RJbgXFb-X8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/pheasant.jpg" title="One of our garden finds." width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Aims and plans for 2021:</h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Last year, I chose a word as a theme. It was semi-successful so I am going to try it again. This year it is Energy. I am going to focus on sustaining and creating my energy. There are some things I do which may seem bonkers to others (like doing a YTT in a pandemic, while working full-time and looking after two small children!) but they provide me with the energy to do some of the other activities which might otherwise be more draining. In the meantime,</span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">keep being present and do interesting activites/trips (pandemic permitting!) with my children</span></div></li><li><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am going to complete my 200hr YTT and start the Yin specialist course</span></p></li><li><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am going to continue focusing on teaching, coaching, presenting and writing</span></p></li><li><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am going to be supporting a primary school with embedding a coaching culture and a love of reading as a Governor</span></p></li><li><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">maintain my mindfulness workshops - I have started to align these with my yoga course</span></p></li><li><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am going to work towards a long-term goal of gaining a PhD</span></p></li><li><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">plan amazing ' one-day' future adventures (I want to see waterfalls, cherry blossom and the northern lights - any other suggestions are welcome)</span><br /></p></li></ul><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I might not have made it on the Eurostar this year, but I survived 2020! Well done if you did too. Gratitude, yoga and an ability to 'go with the flow', plus a good amount of quality chocolate got me through; how about you? </span></h4>Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-80557130394221855582020-10-11T19:25:00.003+01:002020-10-11T19:28:48.553+01:00Tentatively stepping into outside coaching<div>I want to tell you about my experience of outdoors coaching.</div><div><br /></div><div>It may come as no surprise that I enjoy being <i>in</i>doors. Being curled up with a good book, wrapped in a blanket, a steaming hot chocolate next to me and the sound of rain lashing against the window pane is my idea of bliss (sadly since having young children this happens much less than I would like, apart from the rain bit as I do live in the UK!).</div><div><br /></div><div>However, I have also always enjoyed the outdoors. I'm not a climber or hiker but have enjoyed many windswept walks across sea fronts; meanders around Penistone crags (invoking my inner Cathy); and cycle rides around parks filled with deer. </div><div><br /></div><div>When I was a child I used to collect acorns. I would fill the tops with water to make fairy cups and mush the remainder to make squirrel food or 'potions'. I've grown vegetables as long as I remember - some years I have even been successful. I take my yoga practice outside when the weather permits and I spend most weekends walking the children through the woods in the hope that the stillness rubs off on them.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7EiJvMR_CRg/X4NJONtmTXI/AAAAAAAAA8c/koKPXgDIouAVKh0DDZMoByYDpTh-hO02gCLcBGAsYHQ/s529/woods.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="397" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7EiJvMR_CRg/X4NJONtmTXI/AAAAAAAAA8c/koKPXgDIouAVKh0DDZMoByYDpTh-hO02gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/woods.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I have long been aware of the benefits of being outdoors and I recently had the opportunity to find out how I could combine this with my coaching. I have previously held meetings and coaching sessions outdoors on campus before but it has been an afterthought - the weather was particularly nice or I was unable to find a suitable room. I decided to find out how I could coach outdoors with intention. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'd been trying to attend Claire Bradshaw's Outdoor Coaching programme for several years but couldn't logistically make it happen. An unexpected benefit of the pandemic has meant that I could finally attend - albeit virtually. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Over the three week course, I was able to reflect on the different types of outdoor space and the physical, emotional and cognitive effects it may have on both myself and those I coach. I considered the impact of coaching while being apart - over the phone or via online meetings. I discovered how the environment plays an active, rather than a passive role. Importantly, I learned about the extra requirements needed when contracting and thinking about the practicalities - we don't want to be shivering with cold or worried about falling when we should be focussed on listening and thinking!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWDlEtnBFk0/X4NJNpRa4pI/AAAAAAAAA8o/XVAs92l6DBM4BD23Ph1KpX64mTGfm1yUACPcBGAYYCw/s582/cliff.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cliff" border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="436" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWDlEtnBFk0/X4NJNpRa4pI/AAAAAAAAA8o/XVAs92l6DBM4BD23Ph1KpX64mTGfm1yUACPcBGAYYCw/w240-h320/cliff.png" title="We wouldn't want to be navigating this on our first session!" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">While the course did open my eyes to just how much extra work and consideration goes into coaching outdoors, it has whetted my appetite to keep learning more about it and include it in my toolbox of skills. Since then I have attended a Street Wisdom event which I may blog about next. I have also presented my experiences to the coaching community within my workplace. With social distancing making being in a close space far from ideal, this outdoors coaching may just have legs*.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Would you consider being coached or having meetings outside? Perhaps it's something you do already? If so, what was it like?</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*I'm so sorry I couldn't help myself!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b></b><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b></b><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-48128702512741237022020-09-04T21:34:00.003+01:002020-09-04T21:36:30.916+01:00When stationery becomes a sign of optimism and hope<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-image: none; border: 0px; color: #383838; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.57em; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Have you bought a diary for the upcoming academic year? I've seen on social media people saying they aren't going to bother. Mine arrived last week. </div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-image: none; border: 0px; color: #383838; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.57em; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-image: none; border: 0px; color: #383838; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.57em; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">When you work in education it can feel like you get chance to start fresh twice, not only in January but also in September. I prefer the September one - it comes with snuggly jumpers, crisp walks and without the barrage of 'sort your life out this second' adverts.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-image: none; border: 0px; color: #383838; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.57em; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-image: none; border: 0px; color: #383838; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.57em; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">September brings with it a new academic year with its fresh Term 1. This often goes hand in hand with a new diary, perhaps a new set of pens too. For the last few years I have used the <a href="https://thewolfendenreport.blogspot.com/2019/09/how-i-stay-organised.html">bullet journal system</a> and moved from Hemingway’s favourite, the Moleskine, to Leuchtturm for the dots, colours and slightly wider pages. This year I am trying out the Ottergamis dotted notebook. It’s thicker, has templates (not a deal-breaker) and has a cute otter logo on the front (this possibly is a deal breaker). It is a thing of beauty and has gorgeously thick paper. Unfortunately, I’ve just found out it doesn’t have page numbers.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-image: none; border: 0px; color: #383838; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.57em; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pqkvqSIstI/X1KgCKCetII/AAAAAAAAA7s/DYBFAkxTeGgMpFlzIcg9FX-u4d4NI_J4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/ottergami.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pqkvqSIstI/X1KgCKCetII/AAAAAAAAA7s/DYBFAkxTeGgMpFlzIcg9FX-u4d4NI_J4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/ottergami.png" /></a></div><br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-image: none; border: 0px; color: #383838; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.57em; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-image: none; border: 0px; color: #383838; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.57em; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Anyhow, perhaps I am being naively unrealistic in buying a new diary for the 20/21 academic year when the 19/21 still has quite a few empty pages. I’m not quite sure why they are so empty when I was actually busier than before. I didn’t think that was possible. This whole ‘going back to work’ business sounds ridiculous (and insulting) when I, and many like me have been working doubly hard to support our students while home-schooling at the same time - and feeling like we’re doing neither well enough. </div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-image: none; border: 0px; color: #383838; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.57em; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-image: none; border: 0px; color: #383838; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.57em; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Perhaps it feels safe to carry on with same routines of buying stationery to see in the new academic year. There’s safety in traditions. This year it feels brave and optimistic to say I will carry on - despite everything this year has thrown up regarding work, relationships and health. For now, I am in the fortunate position of being in a new job with a number of opportunities in front of me. </div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-image: none; border: 0px; color: #383838; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.57em; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-image: none; border: 0px; color: #383838; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.57em; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">This year was going to be the year I found myself after having my two children. I arranged passports so we could travel. I seriously considered world schooling when my job prospects didn’t look promising. I was determined. I was going to coach, do yoga etc. Then the pandemic hit. I got sick. I obviously don’t know if it was the dreaded COVID but it was incredibly frightening. Luckily, I recovered and found that while it was incredibly stressful trying to work and look after two small children there were numerous positives; e.g. not being stuck on the motorway worried I was going to miss the after-school childcare pickup. </div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-image: none; border: 0px; color: #383838; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.57em; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-image: none; border: 0px; color: #383838; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.57em; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Now we have to return. I’m trying to phase it in slowly as my children don’t like changes in routines. Despite still waking up at 5 or 6 every morning, I know I’m going to miss mornings not being too stressful and having all my meal-times with my children. I’m concerned about them getting ill and, besides the obvious worry about their health, the impact this has on everything else. </div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-image: none; border: 0px; color: #383838; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.57em; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; line-height: 1.57em;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-image: none; border: 0px; color: #383838; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.57em; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; line-height: 1.57em;">One thing I am looking forward to though is being able to hear myself think! </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-image: none; border: 0px; color: #383838; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.57em; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-image: none; border: 0px; color: #383838; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.57em; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>What is going to be different for you in the next few months? What are you doing to prepare for it? Feel free to show me your new stationery pictures!</b></div>Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-76730387149176913562020-05-19T23:26:00.000+01:002020-05-19T23:26:50.107+01:00Taking responsibility as an educator during Mental Health Awareness Week<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's Mental Health Awareness Week.<br /><br />Staff and students within the Higher Education sector are facing pressure like they've never known it before. In timely fashion on Monday this week, Universities UK launched an updated version of StepChange - a framework for what mentally healthy universities look like. Mental health is something to be preserved all year round not just for once a week and I think it's a good step that underlying structures are now being considered.<br /><br />Even though we aren't yet quite sure whether we have escaped relatively unscathed (I imagine not many of us have) we are already pondering what next term may look like and how we might support our staff and students in what has already become an overused term - the 'new normal'. I'm hoping it will be more personalised, more flexible and more inclusive. <br /><br />Despite much being out of our control, there is still plenty within it. Therefore, we all have a responsibility for ourselves and for others in our care. It may not be perfect, far from it, but as Brené Brown says 'we are doing the best we can with the tools we have'.<br /><b><br />Some of what I'm doing for others:</b></div>
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I've extended all deadlines where possible</div>
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I'm providing free mindfulness workshops and recordings</div>
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I'm offering free coaching to work colleagues</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLZ8ubvuChY/XsRa8A7OhpI/AAAAAAAAA5w/LkeEKnvnn9QhB4TwGeJn1h171zIri6EyACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1500x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1500" height="106" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLZ8ubvuChY/XsRa8A7OhpI/AAAAAAAAA5w/LkeEKnvnn9QhB4TwGeJn1h171zIri6EyACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1500x500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My local woods which I can't currently visit. </div>
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They are the inspiration for one of my mindfulness exercises.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><b></b><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<b>Some of what I'm doing for myself:</b></div>
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Switching off at weekends and spending time with my kids in the garden</div>
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Recognising when I'm getting frustrated at people's emails and stepping away till I'm calmer</div>
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Being kind to myself - there's only so much I can do in my circumstances</div>
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Allocating time for my yoga teacher training. I'm enjoying seeing the links between this and my coaching and teaching practices.</div>
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<b>What about you? How are you acknowledging your own mental health and that of your colleagues and students?</b></div>
<br />Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-84620453175373127672020-03-27T15:49:00.000+00:002020-03-27T16:11:43.543+00:00Working from home while looking after our children and our well-being<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkJD-eJB0kM/Xn4fAYt0ppI/AAAAAAAAA4g/WfSDwLi6680VmoNKDghl9YoFqJi3XTviACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><b>This is a post for all the academic and librarian parents who are currently working from home, home-schooling the kids and keeping the house from becoming dangerous and unsanitary, while doing their best to look after their own mental health.</b><br />
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I keep receiving marketing emails asking me what I'm doing with all my free time?!<br />
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I suspect their target audience aren't working from home, home-schooling, and looking after a toddler and cat - the latter who still hasn't got the memo that 5.30am is not a good time to miaow for breakfast!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkJD-eJB0kM/Xn4fAYt0ppI/AAAAAAAAA4g/WfSDwLi6680VmoNKDghl9YoFqJi3XTviACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a>So what are you doing to stay sane while you try not to be bitter about those who complain to be bored? Such little imagination! Personally, I would be reading all the things, baking all the things, becoming fluent in French, fixing up my garden and planning my adventures for when Covid-19 (also known as 'all this stuff') is no longer a massively disrupting force in our lives.<br />
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Instead, this week I am mainly holding back-to-back formative assessments via Skype, while my 5 year old argues that he is the teacher and will take the register (he's already told me the passcode for the school's reception!).<br />
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So here are a few tips on keeping your cool:<br />
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<b>Go easy on yourself and everybody </b><br />
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Your kids will be anxious, as will your students and yourself. It's an unusual time with lots of uncertainty. Do what you can to maintain some normalcy. Reassure them. With regards to teaching, it can take a lot of time and skill to develop fantastic online courses so be kind to yourself and just focus on the essential learning outcomes. The bells and whistles can be added a bit later. Can the activity be changed? Does it really have to be synchronous?<br />
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<b>Let it go</b><br />
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Yes, there are selfish people stockpiling formula and toilet rolls. Yes, there will be people emailing you to say they are frustrated as they've had to deal with changed assessments and are worried about loved ones while you want to say, erm, hello. But - we don't have control over other's actions and feelings, only our own. At some point, unless we can do something directly about it, it's best to focus on the good that people are doing.<br />
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<b>Find a routine that works for you</b><br />
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For me, I am chunking appointments and everything else is working on the premise of little and often. I'm currently: writing a chapter, an article, changing the way I teach and providing support for people on the courses I run. By fitting something from all of these into my calendar, even if I only manage a small fraction, I am still moving forwards on everything. Others may find that doing a day on and a day off works better, perhaps alternating with a partner if one is available. There are many factors to take into consideration, from the age of your kids to who has wi-fi priority, so it may take a while to find a rhythm.<br />
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<b>Get some fresh air/exercise (ideally both) if you can</b><br />
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For some this will be easier than others. I'm lucky that I have a garden, although it's in a sorry state, so I can hang my washing out, plant some seeds and blow bubbles with the children and we can all blow off some steam. Social distancing can still involve a run or a walk outside as long as we stay away from people and wash our hands thoroughly, although I haven't done this yet. Additionally, there are plenty of free yoga, HIIT and other exercise videos freely available on YouTube. I like Yoga with Adrienne and The Body Coach (in small doses) and the kids like Cosmic Kids and Jump Start Jonny.<br />
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<b>Use all media mindfully</b><br />
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Like many others, I was avidly listening to the radio, watching the news and following social media for updates. I felt myself getting tense, scared and crying occasionally. This week has been so busy with the kids and the assessments that I've barely had time to look. Social media has long since been my way of keeping in touch since I had children so I won't be logging off; however, a little recalibration is very useful to ensure we spend time looking at what is helpful to us or where we can be of use to others. </div>
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Ultimately, this is going to be our new normal for a while. The easier we can make it for ourselves and those around us the better it will be.</div>
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<b>What's your approach? What are you doing to look after yourself?</b></div>
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Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-24199400323791486602020-03-08T13:30:00.000+00:002020-03-08T13:34:10.068+00:00My Senior Fellowship experience<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have been awarded Senior Fellow status of Advance HE. While I started writing and thinking about Senior Fellowship just over a year ago, my Senior Fellowship experience began, although unknowingly at the time, at the Aurora programme I attended in 2016. At Aurora I defined my values, my strengths and my skills. This in turn led me to changing roles from an Academic Librarian to a Lecturer in Higher Education. This move allowed me to be less constrained by budget limitations and make more of an impact on teaching and learning development. In my interview for the role, I was asked to present my approach to helping staff develop their practices and it was here I first chose to define my coaching approach. It was this coaching approach I developed into my Senior Fellow application. <br />
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<b>My reasons for applying</b><br />
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Primarily, it was a pre-requisite of my probation in my new role. however, having previously completed my Fellowship application in 2015 I was aware of the value of the process. This value is what I reiterate to those who have also been told they must achieve it - yes, there are boxes to be ticked, but the space and time to reflect and discover can, unfortunately, be a rare thing. This process provides that space and time.<br />
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<b>My process</b><br />
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I started by looking at the criteria and considering my case studies. I had been on maternity leave just prior to writing it so was acutely aware that some of my experience may seem out of date. As part of my role at the University, I sit on panels where people who apply for Senior Fellowship are routinely referred as they don't fit specific criteria. This meant I was able to pick up tips, which helped. I advise, coach and train others to achieve accreditation; however, taking your own advice, as so often in life, can be challenging. I also had a different format to follow as I applied directly to Advance HE to avoid any ethical conflicts. Advance HE currently requires two case studies, one reflective account, and two references which may be different to those who go through their University's accreditation schemes. </div>
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While I had a loose plan, I actually took a different approach to usual and used Julia Cameron's morning pages method of just writing and writing, and writing some more without worrying about making sense - to the point that when I looked again at the word count I was shocked to discover I had double the total wordcount! I'm not sure I'd recommend this approach. While I found it to be quite cathartic, I really did feel like I was then killing my darlings as I omitted whole sections when editing. <br />
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<b>Drafts, drafts, drafts - don't necessarily mean perfection</b><br />
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So many drafts to the point I was fed up of it and wanted to hand the whole thing in. I would strongly recommend getting other people's eyes on it; however, I'd advise not having too many. I received conflicting advice and at one point began to question my own judgment which added to the challenges. Ultimately, I am grateful for the people who took time out of their routines to read and offer their opinions and I gained from each of the interactions. My final draft was given to one of my references who told me that, yes, while small tweaks could be made, it was suitable for submission. My old self would have jumped on that comment and 'corrected' those areas; however, done is better than perfect, so I sent it in.<br />
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<b>Waiting to hear</b><br />
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I knew it would be a long time to hear back, so I had almost forgotten about it until a fellow Auroran announced she'd received hers. I was hoping I had passed as I don't like revisiting and redrafting something once I have emotionally and psychologically said goodbye to it. I was relieved indeed to receive an email soon after which announced I could now use the SFHEA post nominals.<br />
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<b>Going forwards</b><br />
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I continue to keep my teaching notebook for jotting down a few thoughts after my classes. I continue to be interested in how using a coaching approach in higher education can improve both practice and wellbeing simultaneously. I will shortly be speaking at both the Accredited Programme Leader's Network and the Advance HE learning and Teaching Conference on various aspects of this topic. I also have a few writing projects in the pipeline. Paying it forwards, I would be absolutely delighted to help, coach or mentor anyone whose goal it is to achieve FHEA or SFHEA accreditation.<br />
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And, just for my mum, - my full post-nominals are BA (Hons), MA (Lond) MCLIP SFHEA.<br />
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Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-80194684389092486752020-02-08T12:24:00.000+00:002020-02-12T13:52:21.570+00:00Being organised when there are multiple demands on your timeI recently wrote a blog post on <a href="https://thewolfendenreport.blogspot.com/2019/09/how-i-stay-organised.html">tools I use to keep organised</a>. It was one of my most popular posts so, keeping with a theme, I thought I’d share with you how I make the most of time. Take from it what you find useful and ignore the rest. <br />
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I’ve read we all have the same 24 hours as Beyoncé. That, of course, is true but most of us tend to live very different lifestyles and time can feel very different when there are numerous demands on it. <br />
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I also think many tips on productivity seem to be written by (and for) people who are able to get a full night’s rest whenever they choose, have a cleaner or family on hand to help out, or just don’t have young, gorgeous but quite sticky mitts and faces to extricate from work clothes. <br />
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So, here’s some of the ways I make it work: <br />
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<b>Consider what we’re saying yes to: </b><br />
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I was asked this question by a coach. What are you agreeing to and why? Do you want to be signed up for these things? For example, a lot of women who go on maternity leave end up taking up the slack when it comes to house-hold stuff because they are home. Their main role is supposed to be keeping the new baby alive and content and healing themselves. When they go back to work those tasks don’t seem to be divvied up again. This happened to me too, despite me being the one who works full-time. My only solution so far is to reduce what I have and only buy essential stuff. This makes cleaning and tidying easier. <br />
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One thing I have said yes to is walking across campus for meetings. I like to keep this even though it may seem inefficient. It gets me away from the computer and outside for my daily Vitamin D. It also reminds anyone who sees me that I still exist beyond email! <br />
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<b>Consider what we’re saying no to: </b><br />
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By saying yes to some things, we are automatically saying no to others. By being conscious of the reasons we are saying no we can do so calmly and without guilt. I’ve been saying no to some things recently. Even though I’d like to do them, they don’t quite add enough value to be worth giving up other stuff I want to do. I know I just don’t have the capacity to take on ‘all the things’ and wouldn’t do the job well. It’s good to keep pushing at the edges (that’s where the interesting stuff happens) but not get to the point where we can’t cope. <br />
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<b>Chunking (and protecting) time:</b> <br />
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On very busy days I will schedule all my meetings back to back in a centrally located space. It’s halfway located between my office and theirs so shows compromise. If people are late they get less time. If they need more they will then need to make another appointment – currently I don’t have a limit on these but this may change in future. It means I don’t offer an extra well-meaning ten minutes for someone who’s very late. I also chunk marking, email and writing up observation forms. <br />
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<b>Using liminalities of time: </b><br />
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Conversely, there’s always time in between meetings. Time where people have failed to show up. Time in between appointments. I keep a book, a notepad and my phonecharger on me at all times so I can always make the most of those precious few minutes. I don’t start big tasks here or ones that require too much concentration, like marking, but I might start planning something which I can pick up later or answer a few emails. </div>
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<b>Being aware of and using energy wisely: </b><br />
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Many productivity gurus will say get up at 5am. They'll say use this time to journal, meditate and go for a run. When you don’t know when the kids will wake up and have no-one to watch them while you go for a shower (never mind a run) this can be tricky. I’m generally up at 5.45am every morning (not out of choice) and still get woken up several times through the night (this isn’t as frequent as it used to be) so sleep is a BIG priority. I am also at my most creative and productive in the mornings. As a result, where possible I schedule my teaching, training, planning and writing for then. I aim to have my meetings in the afternoon. I never skip meals as I know this wrecks my energy levels. I can't do large bouts of exercise without being interrupted but can just about do ten minutes of yoga or HIIT with the children and cat climbing on me and joining in - this keeps my energy and sanity levels okay-ish.<br />
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<b>Being present with my children </b><br />
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Evenings and weekends are for my children. They are young and need, nay, demand my attention! I’m happy to give it to them. While I still check my phone occasionally to avoid any nasty surprises come Monday morning, I rarely answer email then. This is the time when I take us all to the woods which I find benefits us all. When they’ve gone to sleep, I have about two hours to have dinner then choose to either blog, do my yoga course, plan my coaching business or read. Or just go to bed.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What are your tips and tricks? What are you saying yes and no to? Where are you using your energy? Leave a comment below. </span><br />
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-22473800379146732022019-12-20T06:46:00.000+00:002019-12-20T06:46:44.924+00:002019: Reflections and the year ahead<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>'You don't have to move fast or far. </i></div>
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<i>You can go just an inch. </i></div>
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<i>You can mark your progress breath by breath' </i></div>
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Cheryl Strayed.</div>
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There seems to be a panic in the air, or at least over social media, about the upcoming decade. People are listing their achievements and challenges from the last ten years while others are complaining that it creates a fervour of comparison-itis. There are posts all over the place saying 'make this the decade that counts' or words to similar effect. It can be exhausting.<br />
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We all have our own personal challenges and areas we want to grow and flourish in. <br />
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It can be so difficult to not compare, especially when brought up in a culture of scarcity, and then berate ourselves for falling short.<br />
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Every December I post about the challenges and positives I have experienced in the previous year with some overarching aims for the next. This year is no different. My goals are not just short-term actions to do and tick off. Instead, they help me move towards the type of person I want to be - a healthier, happier, more present version of myself.<br />
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Writing these helps me reflect and I like having something to come back to later on down the line when I'm having a bad day/week/month and realise that while I may sometimes be moving slowly - I am still moving! Having children can slow us down and this comes with both positives and negatives. I hope this helps you in some way too.<br />
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I've considered choosing a word like some do to guide my life. I like the idea but can't come to a decision - I am currently hovering between 'love' and 'flourish'. The former has been inspired by bell hook's book 'All about Love'. Another post on this will come later.<br />
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So on with my year:<br />
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<b>Positives</b><br />
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<b>Health:</b> One of my aims was to spend more time away from my desk at lunchtime and increase my exercise. We had a gorgeous summer in the UK so this made it much easier. I ate lunches outside and I held lots of my coaching and meetings outdoors too. This had a positive impact on my mental health and helped others too. I reduced my alcohol intake to almost nothing (apart from an erroneous week in May) which increased my patience and clarity. I increased my exercise by doing HIIT and yoga most mornings. The HIIT increased my energy levels and while I found it too much to do every morning (trying to exercise with two small children and a cat is challenging!) I now have a regular-ish routine.<br />
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<b>Home:</b> A goal I had last year was to visit more places with my children before my eldest went to primary school. This was successful - I took them to Cardigan Bay in Wales, Legoland, Corfe Castle, Brownsea Island, various National Trust beaches, Whipsnade, Stonehenge, Avebury, and numerous parks and woods around the country. The kids and I had a lovely time together and this is something I will continue doing at the weekends and holidays. I also had most of my fences fixed (and sold stuff to pay for it so a decluttering win too) which means the kids can play outside more.<br />
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<b>Work:</b> I completed my coaching qualification and learned a lot about myself in the process. I submitted my Advance HE Senior Fellowship. I survived a restructure and took on a lot of new responsibilities for which I've received amazing feedback about. I was also headhunted for a really interesting job. A TIP: Always keep your CV up to date!<br />
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<b>Challenges</b><br />
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<b>Work:</b> See above! A restructure and losing valuable members of our team was difficult and they are missed. I wasn't successful with the position I was headhunted for; however, it has opened up my eyes to my own value and the possibilities available. It gave me the opportunity to question and confirm my priorities and values so I am grateful.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jbce7-9VJvs/Xfim8n1R00I/AAAAAAAAA3A/VwMSyU_eHU40EjvtNvnDFbIHcRzJQ36owCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/studland%2Bbay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><b>Health/Home:</b> There have been appointments, pain, operations and hospital stays for the majority of my family this year, myself included. It has led to much upset. Ultimately, we can only have so much influence and control. I use a technique with my students using the Circle of Concern and the Sphere of Influence - I have found it valuable myself in these situations.<br />
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<b>Aims for 2020</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Keep being present and do interesting activities/trips with my children</li>
<li>Complete the Yoga Teacher Training I have recently started. I'm looking forward to this as it is the perfect format for someone who works full-time and has two young children to support. I'll be looking for people to practice on...</li>
<li>Maintain my coaching and mentoring - I intend to become accredited in the future so will be building up my hours. Let me know if you'd like to help me with this.</li>
<li>Maintain my Mindfulness workshops - I will start to align these with my yoga course as it progresses</li>
<li>Get out more - in work and home. I haven't been attending or speaking at events for a couple of years and I'm now ready to start doing this again. </li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">How did you develop last year? What do you plan to do in 2020? Feel free to reply in the comments, especially if you can help me in my aims or I can help you in yours!</span></b><br />
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-78929241224820703972019-11-22T16:01:00.002+00:002019-11-22T16:01:35.572+00:00Which Advance HE accreditation is right for you?<i>"Fellowship provides individuals with recognition of their practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning, against the descriptors of the Professional Standards Framework (PSF)</i>." (Advance HE 2019)<br /><br />Advance HE Fellowship descriptors/categories are not hierarchical! A statement I make in every single workshop and conversation I have after someone states they are going to work their way up the levels.<br /><br />You would be forgiven for thinking they are: the terminology would suggest it - Associate, Fellow, Senior and Principal.<br /><br /><b>Associate Fellow (AFHEA) is for you if:</b><br />Teaching and/or supporting learners is a part of your job but not the main focus. For example, you may be an information professional or a Graduate Teaching Assistant who doesn't design or assess learners but may support them on an enquiry desk or in a lab alongside a lecturer.<br /><br /><b>Fellowship (FHEA) is for you if:</b><br />You can show evidence of designing, assessing and teaching learners. You will probably spend a significant proportion of your time teaching. You will be interested in developing professionally, reflecting on your practice and, if you're newly employed at a University, successful completion may be part of your probationary requirements.<br /><br /><b>Senior Fellowship is for you if:</b><br />You have a thorough knowledge of effective practices and a sustained record of supporting others to improve their teaching and learning activities. Perhaps you mentor academics. Maybe you provide programmes of support to lecturers so they can improve their information literacy to the benefit of their students.<br /><br /><b>Principal Fellow (PFHEA) is for you if :</b><br /><div>
You work in a strategic leadership role and can show a sustained record of effectiveness of academic practice and development. Perhaps you are a Director of an Academic Practice department or a Vice Provost for Education.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not hierarchical - RawPixels.com</td></tr>
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The confusion arises because the categories are aligned to people's roles and these roles often change and develop over time. As new academics become firmly established they are sometimes given the responsibilities of mentoring others or supporting their colleagues; for example, with course design. You may be a Reader or Professor and have little to do supporting others so an Associate or Fellow category would be more suitable. Alternatively, you may be a newly employed educational developer whose sole role is to do this.<br /><br /><br /><div>
Have you decided yet? Now that Term 1 is coming closer to an end perhaps it's something you wish to consider for 2020. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.</div>
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<div>
Related posts:</div>
<a href="https://thewolfendenreport.blogspot.com/2017/09/using-grow-coaching-model-to-help.html">Using the GROW coaching model to help someone reach SFHEA status</a><br /><a href="https://thewolfendenreport.blogspot.com/2016/08/fhea-progress-to-date-reflective.html">FHEA progress to date: Reflective Assessment Portfolio</a>Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-66904489446788261562019-11-06T11:28:00.000+00:002019-11-13T17:15:47.650+00:00What's a teaching philosophy, and why does it matter?<div>
Why do you teach the way you do? How do your personal and professional values align with what's going on in your teaching practice? How can you tell?</div>
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Teaching philosophies are commonplace in primary and secondary education and are becoming more so in higher education. I've even started to hear about them being used as part of the job interview process.<br />
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Participants on the postgraduate certificate course, graduate teaching assistant course and for those applying for a Fellowship of Advance HE via the open route at my institution are required to write one.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">@omgitsyeshi - Unsplash.com</td></tr>
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<div>
<b>Why write one?</b></div>
<ul>
<li>It helps us to make decisions about our behaviour, the tools and activities we use and the way we interact with those we teach</li>
<li>It helps us be consistent in those decisions and choices</li>
<li>Being self-aware and being able to articulate our reasons provides us with confidence</li>
<li>Confidence will provide authority </li>
<li>Cognitive dissonance and the resulting burnout will reduce as what we believe and what we do will be in alignment</li>
<li>It will help us make career choices - are our values and philosophies supported or hindered by our environment, colleagues and institution</li>
</ul>
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<div>
<b>What goes in a teaching philosophy?</b></div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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Ask yourself questions such as:</div>
<ul>
<li>What do I mean by teaching?</li>
<li>What do I mean by learning?</li>
<li>What drives me and keeps me motivated?</li>
<li>What are my personal and professional values?</li>
<li>how do they show up in my practice?</li>
<li>What actually happens in my classroom?</li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<div>
My own teaching philosophy is centred around my belief that everyone should have the opportunity to develop their potential and that if people could improve what they do, even if just by 10%, then this would improve the world we live in. I create space for the honing of skills such as critical thinking, independent learning and teamwork. This space helps to form connections; connections between ideas and social connections between peers. I give my time to students: I am prepared and enthusiastic; I am the first one in the door welcoming my students and the last one out saying goodbye. My materials and activities are carefully thought out and planned. This shows I take myself and my students seriously and value their precious time. </div>
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<b>What does yours look like? I'd love to know so feel free to leave a comment.</b></div>
Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-63885229523039509182019-10-20T12:07:00.000+01:002019-10-20T12:07:05.329+01:00Writing an educational autobiographyHow did your experiences as a learner define the way you now teach?<br />
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We all remember the really good and the bad teachers at school but we don’t often stop and think about the impact it made. As people now responsible for creating those memories, it can be helpful to step back and consider this carefully.<br />
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The participants on the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice course are required to do just this. It takes the form of a 500 word educational autobiography outlining one or two experiences of being a learner which has shaped their practice. <br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br /></div>
<div>
Some questions to ask yourself when writing one: </div>
<ul>
<li>What happened? Describe the event.</li>
<li>How did this make you feel at the time? </li>
<li>How did it help or hinder your learning? </li>
<li>What aspect of this is reflected in the way you now teach? </li>
</ul>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mapping the educational journey - Pexels.com</td></tr>
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For example, I had a physics teacher for five years at school. Most of the lessons were spent copying verbatim out of a textbook. It was incredibly dull. As I left school for the last time, I said goodbye to him. He didn't recognise me and didn’t know my name. I can empathise to some extent as I'm not great at remembering names but after five years of seeing this person weekly, c'mon! It made me feel the subject was pointless. I couldn’t see any relevance to it and I remember nothing of value from that time. It also made me feel insignificant. </div>
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This contrasts massively with an English teacher I had who was passionate, engaged and who encouraged us to discuss and debate in class. In her class it was safe to voice an opinion. She was interested in what everyone had to say. I felt she was the one person in my life who understood my love of reading. It’s no surprise I went on to read English at university.<br />
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<div>
As a result, in my own teaching and coaching, I do my best to connect with the people in the room. I am always there first, well-prepared and I welcome them as they enter the room. I encourage conversation and the sharing of experiences and stories. I create a safe environment and set ground rules of respectful enquiry so everyone can feel seen and heard. I encourage participants to make notes using their own words and take pictures of their creations from the activities they participate in.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Have you done this exercise before? What experiences did you have as a learner that shaped where you are today and the behaviour you exhibit? How would you like your teaching to be remembered?</b></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-2741530015236418682019-09-27T17:06:00.002+01:002019-09-30T12:33:09.143+01:00How I stay organised.There has recently been lots of discussion on LinkedIn and Twitter about how to stay organised. I suspect it is because of the perfect storm that September brings: a new and busy term; new students; new modules and, possibly, new stationery. <br />
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Some people buy new clothes in September or a new pencil case. As I’m conscious of the environment and try to lead a fairly uncluttered existence (apart from my books, which is a different story – pun not intended), the only new item I purchase is a <a href="https://amzn.to/2oBOKQB">Leuchtterm 1917 dotted hardback journal</a>* in a bright colour. This year’s is yellow. <br />
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
I used to be all about the tech. I still am to some extent (I have a hybrid approach) but then I discovered the Bullet Journal. I’ve been using this method for about four years now since I returned to work after my first maternity leave. I don’t know if this was a coincidence or I just felt the need to physically write more. <br />
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<b>The process: </b><br />
<br />
I started with an <a href="https://amzn.to/2nTf2x2">old Moleskine</a>* I’d picked up from a conference to try out the method. You don’t need to go out and buy something new – I suspect many of you have many, many notebooks lying around. I’ve tried various habit trackers and layouts and have decided that simple is best. No beautiful, intricate drawings of weather formations for me sadly. Purely utilitarian with the occasional hint of washi tape when I’m feeling fancy. I think that’s why I like the bright colours as a compromise. <br />
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<br />
<div>
<b>My notebook contains:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>A contents list </li>
<li>A future log (a layout of the 12 calendar months across two pages) </li>
<li>Numbered pages (Moleskine didn’t have these and there is no way I am going to number all the pages) </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div>
<b>Each month has: </b></div>
<ul>
<li>A gratitude list – I list one thing I’m grateful for each day (proven to improve happiness) </li>
<li>An overarching big to-do list</li>
<li>A week plan which I create every Friday afternoon</li>
<li>An end of month reflection where I ask myself questions such as – what was the most memorable part of this month, what were the three biggest lessons, how am I different this month compared to last, what am I grateful for and three things to improve (these questions were taken from the <a href="https://amzn.to/2oBc1SB">Passion Planner</a>* pdf) </li>
</ul>
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<div>
<b>Each week has: </b></div>
<ul>
<li>My overarching roles and goals so I can ensure I do something, no matter how small, towards them each week (this idea was taken from <a href="https://amzn.to/2mTUqoy">Stephen Covey’s 7 habits of effective people</a>*) </li>
<li>My meetings transferred from Outlook </li>
<li>The tasks I want to work on </li>
<li>My favourite thing this week (this definitely helps when I think I’ve had a rubbish week) </li>
</ul>
At the end of the week, I will review it and plan the next one. I won’t plan any further than that if I can help it. Although recurring appointments do go in my Outlook. Longer term plans go on a separate page or in the Future Log. I use pages as I go along to take notes in meetings or collect ideas around a particular topic and make sure I log them all in the contents page. That’s what I like about the bullet journal – it’s so much more flexible and personal than any other type. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uU4y6LhY6e4/XY4umOySOTI/AAAAAAAAA08/ItQv3ClF8-szWd7JS-x2bZZPIixSat1hgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3567.JPG"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uU4y6LhY6e4/XY4umOySOTI/AAAAAAAAA08/ItQv3ClF8-szWd7JS-x2bZZPIixSat1hgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3567.JPG"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCmXqL_GfyU/XY4u0_LSvlI/AAAAAAAAA1A/ncZDbzlA2yEOvmP_6G2BPX87-Q_yRD1WQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3570.JPG"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdoGGUNrEI8/XY4uylWjgpI/AAAAAAAAA08/CD1BMrrfKfQOfIo7l2H5pioBmAGxz7wVwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3569.JPG"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdoGGUNrEI8/XY4uylWjgpI/AAAAAAAAA08/CD1BMrrfKfQOfIo7l2H5pioBmAGxz7wVwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3569.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uU4y6LhY6e4/XY4umOySOTI/AAAAAAAAA08/ItQv3ClF8-szWd7JS-x2bZZPIixSat1hgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3567.JPG"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uU4y6LhY6e4/XY4umOySOTI/AAAAAAAAA08/ItQv3ClF8-szWd7JS-x2bZZPIixSat1hgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3567.JPG"></a><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uU4y6LhY6e4/XY4umOySOTI/AAAAAAAAA08/ItQv3ClF8-szWd7JS-x2bZZPIixSat1hgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3567.JPG" width="320" /><br />
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<b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uU4y6LhY6e4/XY4umOySOTI/AAAAAAAAA08/ItQv3ClF8-szWd7JS-x2bZZPIixSat1hgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3567.JPG"><br /></a>Some other organisation tools I use: </b><br />
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<b>Evernote </b>(I’ve gone down to the basic option now I use my bullet journal).<br />
I use this to draft blog posts and capture the odd random thought that I have when I don’t have my bullet journal with me <br />
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<b>Twitter Likes/Favourites </b><br />
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If I see something I might come back to then I will ‘like’ it. It will be sent by IFTTT to Evernote where I will go through them periodically and categorise them. <br />
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<b>Feedly</b> <br />
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I’m signed up to blog posts on education, yoga, coaching and smallholding and can catch up with most of the posts in one place. As more people move towards sending newsletters this has become trickier and I find I am using it less. <br />
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<b>LinkedIn and Facebook saved articles</b><br />
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I occasionally see something here and save it but often forget about it. Luckily it will often pop up somewhere else too! <br />
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<b>iPhone calendar </b><br />
<br />
I’ve just set up a shared calendar with my husband now that my eldest has started school. This lets us share when appointments are happening, when I am working from home so I can pick him up or vice versa, and general events happening. It means we don’t need to talk to each other as much. Just kidding, sort of! <br />
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<b>Dropbox </b><br />
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This is great for when I’m working from home. It also means that when the laptop dies everything is still available from whatever device I am using. It’s also been useful in the past for sharing documents but I don’t need to do this very often now. <br />
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<b>Trello </b><br />
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Inspired by Cathy Mazak, the Academic Writing Coach, I have started to log my Performance Development goals as projects. I hope to use it to help me write more too. I’ll let you know how it goes. <br />
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This currently works for me. When or if it stops I will gravitate towards something else. Just because something works for one person doesn't mean it will necessarily work for you but there's no harm in giving it a go.<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />How do you stay organised?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*affiliate link to keep me in chocolate and to see if this whole coaching academics and writing about it might bring new opportunities. I only recommend what I use and like.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-48469221595054510412019-09-19T21:52:00.000+01:002019-09-20T07:21:10.531+01:00My two year anniversary as an Academic Practice lecturer<div>
It’s my two year anniversary as an Academic Practice lecturer. The first year whizzed by as I was on maternity leave. Yes, I started the job two weeks before I left to have a baby. Foolhardy or brave? On whose part - mine or my employers?</div>
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I’ve learned a lot this following year. Working with new academics has been a pleasure. I’ve seen them flourish as they gain confidence. I’ve cried as they revealed the history behind their teaching philosophies. I’ve been grateful for the positive feedback they left me. </div>
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Working with more established academics to gain accreditation has been eye opening. I’ve worked with them previously for years but in a different context. Who knew that some would be as challenged by time management as the students they complain about?! They are also the ones who tend to be the most appreciative of the time I spend with them.</div>
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The new PhD students I teach on their Introduction to Teaching days are so ambitious but are one of the most at risk groups of being exploited. They are often lost and confused when I meet them as they most often have never taught before and are trying to gain experience. Providing some reassurance is often the most helpful thing I can do for these people.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-so7Sp4H3nnw/XYPkYNH5C4I/AAAAAAAAA0g/4ieqJAWM3B4k2ivYzAHXpJVj-9JgLB1QQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/4B0BBF11-E64D-4E7A-9E29-E7408D8AC4C3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-so7Sp4H3nnw/XYPkYNH5C4I/AAAAAAAAA0g/4ieqJAWM3B4k2ivYzAHXpJVj-9JgLB1QQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4B0BBF11-E64D-4E7A-9E29-E7408D8AC4C3.jpeg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Introductions & expectations</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to discuss values</td></tr>
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And the people I have been coaching while getting my qualification, as well as my new clients? It’s an absolute honour, as well as quite a responsibility, to be part of their journey and growth. I’ve enjoyed every moment of it.</div>
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<b>What next?</b></div>
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Restructures have meant more work as well as increased opportunities, as I’m able to put my own stamp on things. Balancing it with childcare, domestic tribulations and school logistics is challenging to say the least. I am intending to submit my Senior Fellowship application very soon and there are some interesting projects based around Equality and Wellbeing on the horizon. I will be building up my coaching experience alongside this.</div>
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Oh, and I’ve just found out I’ve passed my probation. </div>
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<b>Happy</b> <b>anniversary</b>! </div>
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Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-57899501454447139522019-08-11T13:54:00.000+01:002019-08-11T13:54:11.254+01:00What I learned from training to be a Performance Coach in Higher Education<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>What have you learned recently, either professionally or personally? Have you found there has been an overlap between the two?</b><br /><br />This year I trained and qualified to be a performance coach with the Institute of Leadership and Management. This is something I’ve wanted for myself for a while now so I was thrilled to finally receive my certificate. I learned a lot during the course. I increased my knowledge of the skills, behaviours and techniques required to become an ethical, non-judgemental coach who could successfully support someone else in the achievement of their goals. I also learned a lot about myself. I’ve picked out a few things below which might resonate with you too:<br /><br /><b>I can be determined when it matters</b>:<br /><br />When something enters my life that I am passionate about, it is all consuming. My determination to succeed at this meant I was motivated and organised. This was on top of starting a new job and still waking up through the night to feed my youngest. I took on board feedback, kept my learning logs and diaries up to date as I went along and met all my deadlines. I made it work by incorporating it into every aspect of my life. I practised my coaching skills in almost every conversation I could, even with my kids. Especially with my kids.<br /><br /><b>I experience the same highs and lows as everyone else</b></div>
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I went from 'the peak of inflated expectations' to 'the trough of disillusionment' about a third way into the course. Prior to taking the course, I’d read books, journal articles, watched videos and attended workshops. I had thought I knew a lot about coaching. It turns out, unsurprisingly, that sustained practise is completely different and much more intense than I'd realised. I seriously started to doubt that I could do it in the way I had envisaged. I had wanted this for a long time and it felt really miserable that I might not actually be any good at it. I have been aware of the Gartner Hype Cycle for years now so going back to it helped me realise I would get there soon enough and this is something I sometimes share with my students and clients to help motivate them.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gartner Hype Cycle</td></tr>
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<br /><b>Connections are important and take effort</b></div>
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<b></b><br />During the coaching, I worried that I couldn’t connect with people. This was a concern because it is a crucial element of forming a coaching relationship. I’ve always preferred to read rather than socialise. There were difficulties with having friends when I was younger. Then circumstances in my marriage also meant maintaining friendships was challenging. On the other hand, I’ve always had jobs where I listen to people and provide them with what they need, or at least the skills to find it for themselves. People will stop me in the street to talk to me. They tell me I am calming and make them feel better, listened to and motivated. Reading my testimonials has given me confidence in this area and I'm aware that there's nothing like being given undivided attention to make people feel special.<br /><br /><b>Self-consciousness is not self-awareness</b></div>
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<b></b><br />As I progressed through the course, my self-consciousness gave way to self-awareness. I could knowingly use various skills, models and techniques in the appropriate context and enable that ‘aha’ moment to occur. I learned that environment is incredibly important - one of my clients became visibly uncomfortable when we had to use a lecture room - which to her was associated with stress and pressure. I won’t make that mistake again. I now try to go outside whenever possible though of course, in Britain, that has its own challenges. I have had people telling me I am good and recommending me. My supervisor told me I could look harsh when closed but when open I had a rapport that he wished he could bottle. I'm becoming aware of when I have unreasonable expectations of others and at the same time I am learning to put boundaries in place. <br /><br /><b>A coaching culture benefits everybody in an organisation, not just management</b></div>
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<b></b><br />Everyone in my organisation is technically entitled to access a coach. This is amazing. Yet it isn't taken up in the quantities you would expect, perhaps because it is perceived as something for management or for remedial action. Yet, you don’t have to be a qualified coach to use the skills with other people. Supervisors can ask open questions to doctoral researchers to help them understand their topic more. Tutors can paraphrase and summarise a student’s comment to ensure they have understood it correctly and increase confidence. Managers can help their staff work towards purposeful and realistic goals. And everybody would benefit from improving their non-judgemental listening skills.<br /><br />I have gained a lot both personally and professionally from becoming qualified as a Performance Coach and I would like to thank Bernie Croft of Brunel of Brunel University London and Don Greenwood of Metice Development Solutions for accepting me on the course.</div>
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<b>What have you been learning recently and what impact has this made on you? Have you signed up for something that will be starting shortly? I'd be delighted if you shared your experiences in the comments</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><br />Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-39591618195470167142019-07-22T08:53:00.002+01:002020-05-19T23:31:42.637+01:00What are you proud of?When people ask me what I’m proud of I usually think of how I’ve made others think and feel. I reflect on my coaching and teaching all the time – how can I improve it; what went right/wrong etc. When it comes to life events I don’t tend to celebrate but then I try not to ruminate either – it’s a protective mechanism. Inspired by a recent post I read, I started making a list:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Getting into university despite those close to me saying I shouldn't and being homeless when taking my A Levels. I tanked my A Levels which my parents said they were happy about as it would ‘show me’ but the uni let me in anyway! </li>
<li>Moving to London from Yorkshire (yes it was to follow a boy but I still made the move ‘down south’ which I’d been warned about)</li>
<li>I completed my Masters in my 20s when working full-time, suffering PTSD and severe depression while also being a carer for the boy (now husband).</li>
<li>Being awarded an all-expenses paid trip to a conference in Chicago because of my work achievements. I found out on the same day I was offered a new job.</li>
<li>Being named a Lis-Network Rising Star</li>
<li>Being nominated for a student-led teaching award despite not being a year into my new role</li>
<li>Presenting at two conferences on compassion and customer service while suffering morning sickness</li>
<li>Presenting a talk about compassion for our colleagues and students on the big stage at Internet Librarian International while heavily pregnant – I teetered a bit too close to the edge </li>
<li>Passing my driving test at the third attempt when eight month’s pregnant (it was a busy year)</li>
<li>Breastfeeding my two little ones, despite working full-time</li>
<li>Starting a new job two weeks before going on maternity leave</li>
<li>Receiving my coaching qualification</li>
</ul>
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These all required bravery and resilience yet I’d forgotten some of them. So I’m partly writing this post as a reminder to myself that I am enough, but also to you. When you’re going through a tough patch it can be helpful to look back and think how you’ve done it all before.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicago!</td></tr>
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<b>What are you proud of?</b></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span>Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-7430425849286783702019-06-26T16:34:00.003+01:002019-06-27T08:38:02.981+01:00Keeping up CPD when you've not had a decent night's sleep in years and have caring responsibilities<div>
<b>This is a post for all those who are unable to take part in conference season, for whatever reason. For those returning to work thinking 'how am I going to cope/prove I can do the job'. For those trying to balance work and caring responsibilities.</b></div>
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A major part of any professional role is to engage in continual professional development. It keeps skills, knowledge and behaviour up to date and to a standard, which is usually set by a professional body. For example:</div>
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<li>Part of the requirements for gaining a fellowship of the HEA are "successful engagement with continuing professional development in relation to teaching, learning, assessment and, where appropriate, related academic or professional practices".</li>
<li>In librarianship, chartership is expected to be gained and revalidated continually.</li>
<li>In coaching, a coach is expected to engage in coaching supervision.</li>
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<b>Pre children:</b> I went to conferences. I sat on committees. I organised conferences. I organised training and development for special interest groups. I trained and developed others in my spare time. I took part in Twitter chats. I sometimes got up at 4am on a Saturday (what was I thinking?!) to traipse across the country to attend 'unconferences'. I wrote articles. I blogged on my own blog and wrote guest blog posts. I read widely and deeply and wrote book reviews. I delivered guest lectures. I attended guest lectures. I networked. I was enthusiastic... and tired.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presenting</td></tr>
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I then had two children and changed jobs. I am still enthusiastic, and now even more tired. </div>
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We have been through some lovely ups and quite horrific downs with the children. But, good quality sleep, settling down with a good book, and networking till the wee small hours are all distant memories and unlikely to happen again for a while</div>
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Which brings me, finally, to my point. Is it still possible to engage in CPD when even a Twitterchat will most likely be interrupted by wailing and crying (sometimes from the children)?</div>
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This is how I sort of make it work.</div>
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<b>Post children: </b></div>
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<li>I am much more strategic in my approach to what is necessary - so fewer things but better quality</li>
<li>I still read professional books but much more slowly (I have book chapters marked out in my bullet journal that I am going to read that week)</li>
<li>I still read journal articles (I use JournalTocs to keep me up to date with what's happening)</li>
<li>I am growing a Twitter network of people in my slightly altered field which helps me to keep up to date and raise my own profile</li>
<li>I read the Wakelets of the evening Twitterchats </li>
<li>I have started blogging again to aid my reflection and help others who wish to develop</li>
<li>I talk to my colleagues rather than just put my head down and get my work done</li>
<li>I attend lunch-time events where possible</li>
<li>I have engaged in workplace training, including finally becoming a qualified Performance Coach</li>
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It's not glamorous and I miss dressing up for conference dinners (see below) but this is what it is - and it's more environmentally friendly! There's probably more I could be doing but for now this is enough. Whatever you're doing is enough.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYeJ5Fk-tUE/XROL8DOkuHI/AAAAAAAAAy8/ikeWCVDChVAourzfps2J07zYsyvnR6F_ACLcBGAs/s1600/Lilac%2Bconference%2Bparty.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYeJ5Fk-tUE/XROL8DOkuHI/AAAAAAAAAy8/ikeWCVDChVAourzfps2J07zYsyvnR6F_ACLcBGAs/s320/Lilac%2Bconference%2Bparty.jpg" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Im1gQqg6VNo/XROL_VqgZNI/AAAAAAAAAzA/ySzBZuXY5-YLTiRsISrTZhAg4FWUfrmJQCLcBGAs/s1600/chicago%2Bconference%2Bparty.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Im1gQqg6VNo/XROL_VqgZNI/AAAAAAAAAzA/ySzBZuXY5-YLTiRsISrTZhAg4FWUfrmJQCLcBGAs/s320/chicago%2Bconference%2Bparty.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">How do you make it work?</span></b><br />
<b></b><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-45085442315647166142019-06-10T17:05:00.002+01:002019-06-17T13:20:08.403+01:00Being vulnerable. Being seen.Brené Brown's talk on Netflix is proving incredibly popular in the online circles I visit. I finally got round to watching it this weekend. In it, she talks about being 'seen' and about having the courage to be vulnerable enough to let this happen. She's also very funny.<br />
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I want to tell you about my recent adventure in West Wales and how I inadvertently put this into practice. <br />
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<b>A family get-together</b><br />
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I've recently returned from a big family get together in West Wales. This may sound like a lovely event; however, I was quite nervous about it. It is a long drive from where I live and, with a pre-schooler and toddler in the car, it wasn't going to be easy. It was with family I knew very little of - they are relatives on my mother-in-law's side with whom she has lost contact over the years. They're also mainly French (I know some German and Spanish but my French is scratchy). I'm an introvert at the best of times so being 'on' for a full week with no let up sounded exhausting.<br />
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I prepared myself by:</div>
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<li>fitting in 5 minutes of Duolingo French every night for six months. This meant I could understand the gist of conversations</li>
<li>picking out elements that I intended to enjoy (the beautiful scenery, the novelty of seeing somewhere new)</li>
<li>deciding not to be 'on' but just be myself</li>
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Reader, it was actually really nice. Yes, there was screaming. No, it wasn't me. And it wasn't always my children either! Mine actually slept for a decent amount of time<br />
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We celebrated two birthdays while we were there, mine included. These brought everyone together with cakes, candles, and lots of wine. I didn't try to achieve anything except have fun with my children. I didn't go with too many expectations, I didn't put my reserves up and I possibly cried a bit too often (I blame the lack of sleep). I had some lovely, thoughtful, conversations with interesting individuals. People were attentive and kind. And for the first time, in a long time, I felt seen.<br />
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I hadn't quite realised how special this feeling is. I provide this experience with people I coach and people who I help in their academic practice at work. I am attentive and they often cry. Being on the receiving end (and seeing it encapsulated in Brené's show) made me realise just how important it is to be really, truly noticed - even if just for a brief moment - before we go back to our normal, everyday lives.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrE7nJF7dz8/XP58kt-Iq-I/AAAAAAAAAxs/P2CSahpKyUUrWECkPeBxqaxiFPXCwtspQCLcBGAs/s1600/Wales1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrE7nJF7dz8/XP58kt-Iq-I/AAAAAAAAAxs/P2CSahpKyUUrWECkPeBxqaxiFPXCwtspQCLcBGAs/s320/Wales1.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9yiAte20Wk/XP58q6bOOOI/AAAAAAAAAx0/R-B8j6ysHRA1e1HsLRPTdCXilXJjtIMhwCLcBGAs/s1600/Wales5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9yiAte20Wk/XP58q6bOOOI/AAAAAAAAAx0/R-B8j6ysHRA1e1HsLRPTdCXilXJjtIMhwCLcBGAs/s320/Wales5.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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<b>A few other things I've been up to:</b></div>
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<b>Coaching supervision </b>- learning about set-up meetings. In our coaching community the set-up meeting involves both the person being coached and their line manager so conversation requires handling with care.<br />
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<b>Academic Practice </b>- Mainly marking portfolios and attending various panel meetings. Arranging conversations with those who require extra support to pass. Organising, planning and teaching an Introduction to Teaching day for our Demonstrators and Graduate Teaching Assistants in the Engineering Departments. <br />
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<b>Reading - </b>I'm currently halfway through each of these:</div>
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<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2XRXjmR">The Courage to Teach by Parker. J. Palmer</a> - a thoughtful book about how, as we learn about our teaching identity, we can discover techniques which strengthen and reveal who we are rather than using 'tips and tricks' to hide behind</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2WNzMST">Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver</a> - a beautiful book, inside and out, which focuses on simplifying aspects of our lives to invite more space and connection in</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2IMmFwj">Gut by Giulia Enders</a> - my eldest was born with neonatal bacterial meningitis and needed antibiotics for the first 12 days of his life. This book outlines to a small extent what the impact of this might be and how I could potentially rectify some of it.</li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Does this post resonate with you? Have you seen Brené's show?Have you been 'seen' or do you pull up the barriers?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*this post contains affiliate links which helps my family and I to pursue our dreams. I only link to items I know and have used/read.</span>Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-15631091546229091172019-05-15T10:06:00.000+01:002019-05-17T17:33:42.500+01:00Learning and Teaching Symposium: Collaboration, Active Learning and Identities<br />
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<b>It's that time of year when all that can be heard is tapping of keyboards, the clink of a teacup absent-mindedly being laid to rest on whatever is to hand and the groan as stiff shoulders are rolled back from being hunched over a keyboard for too long. </b><b>It's marking season!</b></div>
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A welcome break from all of that is the annual event which takes place (every year, surprisingly) at Brunel - the Learning and Teaching Symposium. They're always informative, engaging and I tend to leave with lots of ideas buzzing round my head. This year was no exception.<br />
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The focus of this year's event was on engaging students actively in their learning. The Vice Chancellor opened the day by giving attendees some history regarding the change in class-sizes and reduction in small-group teaching and the impact this had on student-staff relationships. Her theory being that this was related to the increase in <a href="https://thewolfendenreport.blogspot.com/2019/03/using-my-voice-to-promote-positive.html">student mental health issues</a>. Going forwards, campuses are designing new buildings with flexible spaces in mind which are designed to get some of this connectivity back. <br />
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Engaging keynotes from Dr Ian Turner and Dr Hannah Critchlow built on this aspect of student wellbeing and also the idea of students coming to university to see the lecturer perform and be engaging - a lecture as pantomime.. This ties in with the work we do in our Academic Practice team on teacher identities, philosophies and values.<br />
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Fortunately, rather than just hearing all about students being active, I was able to experience some of this for myself so I've picked out a few highlights and themes below:<br />
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<b>Games</b><br />
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In a workshop with Dr Ian Turner, we worked in teams to develop games for our students. I don't normally like the idea of games as evidence suggests it can remove intrinsic motivation already in place (Hanus & Fox, 2015). However, having a clear idea of the player/audience, their ultimate goal, and some structure to achieving that goal works for me as it connects to coaching methods as well as aligning learning objectives with activities. Seems obvious but you should never assume!<br />
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<b>Teams:</b><br />
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The team-based learning workshop with Dr Simon Tweddell continued this theme of small groups, collaboration and interactivity. Individuals would assess their own knowledge then work as a group to come up with the right answers, while developing skills of negotiation and communication. Part of this activity included speaking up and defending their choices to the rest of the class so involved the use of critical thinking and the development of confidence in public speaking - all useful life skills.<br />
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<b>Technologies and identities:</b></div>
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My favourite session involved the use of Padlet and lots of cutting and sticking. I'm not sure that our PgCAP students would appreciate what may seem like an old-school and childish activity or what it says about me that I enjoyed it so much! We created collages individually, upscaled them into a larger group piece and then shared them via Padlet with the rest of our class. I can see this working really well with distance-learning students or very large groups. I particularly like the idea of using it in a workshop on teaching identities and values for our HEA workshops.</div>
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These sessions showcased how individual student expression could be combined with teamwork and collegiality. This was summed up perfectly by the panel at the end of the day discussing what educators could learn from comedy. From identifying disconnects, reducing stress and promoting risk-taking to improving dialogic learning and critical thinking skills - comedy has many uses in the classroom. Plus, it can make learning fun!</div>
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Comedy in the Classroom</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How do you encourage collaboration amongst those you teach? How do you engage them actively? Leave a comment below; I'd love to hear from you!</span><br /><br /><br /></h4>
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Hanus, Michael D. and Fox, Jesse (2015) 'Assessing the effects of gamification in the classroom: A longitudinal study on intrinsic motivation, social comparison, satisfaction, effort, and academic performance'. <b><i>Computers & Education,</i> </b>Volume 80, pp 152-161<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2e2e2e; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "nexussans" , "arial" , "helvetica" , "lucida sans unicode" , "microsoft sans" serif , "segoe ui symbol" , "stixgeneral" , "cambria math" , "arial unicode ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.98px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">.</span><br />
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Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-47668623742294307522019-04-25T09:22:00.000+01:002019-04-25T09:22:59.677+01:00Spring is here and the grass has grown - marking/coaching/weedingI find April an uplifting month. Spring is underway: bluebells, forget-me-nots and daffodils have all emerged and are doing their best to beautify the landscape. The showers are short and promote growth.<br />
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Growth is happening at work and at home too. At work the focus is on marking, preparing my Senior Fellowship application and reflecting on the previous term's teaching activities. At home it is on preparing the garden. Not the ideal time for the latter but the safest time to get the little ones involved. <b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></b><br />
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<b>What I've been up to this month:</b></div>
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<b>Coaching:</b></div>
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I've handed in my second assignment and received very positive comments about it. I've completed thirteen hours of coaching, plus lots of practising within the workshops and have attended several coaching supervision sessions. The latter have been very helpful in allowing me to unpick and receive advice on some of the trickier areas - keeping it all anonymous of course. I have one assignment to go which I hope to complete very shortly and then that's it - I'll be a qualified coach! Then the work really starts...</div>
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<b>Academic Practice:</b></div>
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Lots and lots of marking of draft portfolios. We asked for drafts and we've got them! These are mainly from our PgCAP programme but some are also from older programmes which we no longer run or from our open route to accreditation. I'm trying to fit them in around meetings but most productive marking takes place when I can block off several days and do little else but concentrate on this area. Easier said than done but I'm working on it. </div>
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<b>Becoming embroiled in the 'finding a school for my darling' process:</b></div>
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This should have been easy as we have one very close to us but unfortunately it wasn't suitable so we've had to look elsewhere. We found out this month that we have got our first choice, which is a huge relief.</div>
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<b>Getting the raised beds ready for sowing:</b></div>
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They are in a mess after not being used for a couple of years. It has also been challenging to do this with a full-time job and two small children; however, I have bought them their own spades and I'm hoping we can finish this with a team effort!</div>
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<b>Giving blood:</b></div>
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I have a rare donor blood type so I get regular letters and phone-calls encouraging me to donate again. I was a regular until pregnancy, breastfeeding and a severe lack of sleep became part of my life. While I probably am too tired for it to be sensible, at least I know there will be some blood available if I have an accident! I also think that if you are willing to accept it then, if you are able, you should be willing to donate it.</div>
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<a href="https://www.blood.co.uk/" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Give blood.</a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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<b>What I've been reading:</b></div>
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I've not been reading so much recently due to marking, hospital visits and focussing on assignments but here's some of the main pieces:</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Hidden-Chimp-author-Paradox/dp/1787413713?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duc08-21&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=1787413713">Chimp Paradox and My Hidden Chimp by Professor Steve Peters </a>. I bought the former after having heard it recommended by three different people in one month. It's already making a difference to my approach and it ties in with some of the mindfulness practices I use. My four year old loves the latter. It is a little bit old for him but we go through a chapter most weekends.<br />
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<a href="http://reframing%20professional%20development%20through%20understanding%20authentic%20professional%20learning/">Reframing Professional Development Through Understanding Authentic Professional Learning</a> by Ann Webster-Wright.Read as part of our team's continuing professional development.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Teaching-Learning-University-Research-Education/dp/0335242758/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=80814136688690&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&keywords=biggs+tang&qid=1555424828&s=gateway&sr=8-1">Biggs and Tang, (2011) Teaching For Quality Learning At University </a>A core textbook for the students on the PgCAP course and I've finally finished the entire thing!<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fellowshipat4?src=hash">Fellowshipat4</a> - A twitter hashtag used by the Trent Institute for Learning and Teaching. I'm currently putting together my Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy portfolio and this was immensely helpful.</div>
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<b>Recommended site:</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blood.co.uk/">Give blood.</a> Do it! You will feel incredibly virtuous afterwards!</div>
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<b>How's your spring shaping up? What plans do you have? Let me know in the comments below!</b><br />
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Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918248033328639679.post-10592909054202981052019-04-01T09:13:00.000+01:002019-04-01T09:13:02.323+01:00Five benefits of coaching: for the workplace<div style="text-align: justify;">
At my work, we recently had a visit from the Career Mum where she extolled the virtues of coaching and mentoring. My workplace has invested in training eleven new coaches to join the ten it has already has to form a coaching community to benefit its staff. Institutions as we know don’t often put their money where their mouth is so it’s a pleasant surprise to see this happen. </div>
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There are numerous blogs, articles and websites about how coaching can benefit the individual to gain clarity, find their purpose and create a plan to reach their goals; however, when writing my assignments for my coaching qualification I didn’t find as much aimed at institutions. Those who hold the purse-strings in organisations can make a big difference to people’s lives through the choices they make so, based on the Institute of Leadership and Management’s (ILM) recent White Paper, <i><a href="https://www.inspired2learn.co.uk/uploads/ILM_uploads/Cracking_Coaching_-_Whitepaper_pdf.pdf">Cracking Coaching: Five ways to make an impact at work</a></i>, here are a few reasons why companies should invest in coaching communities:<br />
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<b>1. Coaching increases engagement and productivity:</b></div>
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According to the ILM’s Whitepaper, coaching helps increase engagement and boost productivity, especially in new joiners and those returning to work. It states workers who experience coaching have ‘improved confidence, performance and productivity’ all which improve life for the individual. In turn, reduced sickness, absence and lateness rates boosts the organisation's performance as a whole.</div>
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<b>2. Coaching can reduce uncertainty:</b><br />
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Technology increase and uncertainty regarding the political landscape means individuals must learn to adapt and be flexible so they can manage change effectively and with the least amount of mental pain as possible. They may find their roles have changed or disappeared altogether; however, according to the ILM, ‘four fifths (79%) of those surveyed believe coaching can help teams when adopting new technology and different ways of working’. As a result, coaching can help to improve the resilience of individuals. Additionally, the organisation can spend fewer resources on training people to fill the skills gaps created by such changes. <br />
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<b><br />3. Coaching can improve confidence and reduce conflict: </b><br />
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‘58% said they felt more confident after coaching’. The ILM states ‘Coaching makes individuals feel valued and promotes a more inclusive culture within the organisation’. This should mean a reduction in stress and an increase in motivation and self-esteem. There is an argument to suggest coaching could help reduce conflict as staff become more open and solution-focussed – leading to fewer disciplinary issues. <br />
<b><br />4. Coaching can ease the transition back to work:</b><br />
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The report argues a drop in ‘morale, engagement and motivation’ will lead to a reduction in productivity for the organisation. This is especially pertinent for those undergoing a transition back to work, either moving into a new role or returning from parental or long-term sick leave. Coaching would reduce the amount of lost productivity as they ‘find their feet’ and a resulting low attrition rate would mean fewer costly recruitment processes.<br />
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<b>5. Coaching can help future leaders:</b><br />
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Coaching can have a positive effect on the confidence of those leading or managing others, with ‘67% of those surveyed agree coaching would make them feel good about managing others’. It promotes the idea that the organisation is investing in its employees which would encourage employees to stay. A significant majority (84%) of leaders reported ‘coaching would have helped them in periods when they struggled to manage an individual’. <br />
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<b>If you’ve ever received, or would like to receive, coaching at work, I’d love to hear about your experiences. What impact did it have on you and your work or home life?</b><br />
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Sarah Wolfendenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118506095814426048noreply@blogger.com0