Today was a whirlwind of activity. I shadowed Eloise during 3 one-to-one tutorials, followed by a 2 hour meeting about planning a PhD student writing workshop, and then shadowing Eloise on the Drop-In Zone. Really great interactions with the students during the tutorials. It is interesting to see and learn how Louise and Joe draw out the critical information that the student isn't exactly aware of being the real problem that they are struggling with. Students come to LD looking for feedback on referencing and writing when really they are having trouble with critical thinking and focussing their work. It may take me some time to get to grips with it all, but I feel that at least I may have something to contribute initially and build on my skills from there. It looks like Monday I may be covering the Drop-In Zone on my own for just over an hour.
Other good things... I had a productive meeting with Andy tonight regarding our meeting with the Dean of Students on Friday morning. I am looking forward to meeting Maureen Powers and hopefully we will have a good chat about how to move some of my ideas forward initially at the research group/school level so that we create a win-win-win-win solution (undergrad, postgrad, academic, & institution). I also came up with a possible solution about how to improve writing skills and provide opportunities for feedback (and developing the skills to critically assess work) for undergrads and postgrads without creating more work for academic staff. We'll see where it all goes. And with any luck all of this proposed 'work' can form part of my own PGCAP module requirements.
I have been lauded by John H. about securing a meeting with the Dean. He likes my style and finds my can-do attitude very refreshing. It is lovely to feel like I am going to make a positive contribution to the team.
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