Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Write to Feel Right, You Just Might

Every year starts the same way. You walk in the classroom the first day, pick up a syllabus and see the learning objective for that course. Until recently my only course objectives have always only been to pass. As far as studying goes, I rank at the bottom of the competitor curve. When a competitive athlete trains they always train with the mentality of getting better, improving their abilities or reaching a certain goal. With this logic in mind I started using the same reasoning in the classroom.
            At the professional and at some higher education establishments, athletes are required (or at least encouraged) to keep a journal. This journal gives the athletes a place to set goals, reflect, grapple with issues, keep track of training issues and record results. The journal can be used for anything really, but it is meant to help the athlete keep the mind clear and ultimately a goal in focus. Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling used to be seen writing in his journal between innings while tennis pro Serena Williams uses her journal as a motivational focus tool.
            In my International Marketing class I began to think about these journals and as I wrote down notes during the lecture I began also taking note of my questions on certain topics as well as general comments about my feelings on the topics of the lecture. I found that it was way less nerve racking to attend office hours with these questions and comments prepared and way more helpful. While some of you maybe thinking, “wow, this girl is just figuring that out?!” I hope a good majority of you are feeling inspired to change up your own learning objectives.
            I read over a few athlete journal prompts and decided to tweak them for students willing to give it a try.
-What do you dislike about yourself as a student and why?
- Think back to a time when you failed or performed poorly on a test you were sure you’d do well on. Describe your feelings.
-What is your favorite place to study and why?
- Why can this statement hold true: “Some days, doing poorly is the most important result that could happen.”
-What is a good student?
-If you were to apply for a job that would build your career for your adult life, why would that employer hire you? What do you have to offer as of right now? Given more time what could you offer in the future?
            Take one or all of these prompts, answer them at the beginning of your notebook and look back on them throughout the year or keep them in mind as you strive to progress throughout the school year.  I can’t say if they will help you, but they certainly couldn’t hurt.



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