This week has began with a study day at one of the other campuses which meant that we had to go to our campus earlier than usual and be bused to the other campus...make sense? The ride was delayed as one of the students was caught up in traffic. One of the motorways was jammed due to an accident that eventually led it to be shut most of the day. So after wading through the traffic and keeping us waiting for nearly 25 minutes, the student finally arrived and we were able to set off.
We arrived late and registered late and got to our group sessions late and started late but in the end all went well. The beginning of the session was a bit difficult to understand but I suppose that always happens when introduced to a new topic and learning style. Most of the students seemed dejected with the experience of working with people you have only just met that I felt it clouded their judgment and concentration on the task at hand. Everybody I spoke to as the session progressed seemed to be expressing doubt as to the relevance of the whole 'thing'. I am happy that I did not simply join into the gloom. I set myself a task of understanding what it was all about so I quickly skimmed through the handbook and got the gist of what was expected of us. I was able to explain to some of the puzzled students what the aim of the session was and I was more than happy to help. What I was not sure of, I directed them to the tutor to assist with.
I am happy with the way I contributed to the group discussion from the word go and I gave others a fair chance to express their views. I willingly accepted correction when an idea I suggested did not quite meet with approval and I did not take offence. Instead I learned from the alternative suggestion. I was terrified of getting lost so I stayed in the room all the time. I had carried packed lunch so I did not need to go to the canteen to buy anything. Money is rather scarce so the less I spend on buying cafeteria food the better. As it is I spend enough on petrol already.
The discussion went well. Our Chair for the session was very quiet and hardly said a word so all of us had to chip in somehow and just keep everything going. After lunch, the other members seemed disinterested and fed up and did not want to carry on discussing. I honestly felt that we could have done more but then again it was a group discussion and if everyone else just wanted things finished with I felt no need to initiate any further discussion. Anyhow, we all presented our shared findings and did well to outline what we had achieved. Next time I will be more brave and speak or forever hold my peace!
I got home and got the first part of the assignment done straight away as my workload is piling up and the more I leave things, the harder it is becoming. I am happy with myself for getting the work done straight away. It keeps my morale going.
Well the week continues and lets see it unfold....
