This is a blog about blogging (what?).
I must be honest, that at the start of this semester when I discovered that we had to do eight blogs, my initial thought was “what is the point of this?” The semester was already full of assignments; rural reports, self directed proposals/evaluations, students reflecting on teaching evaluations etc. All of this on top of actually going on placements, studying for placements, mid and end of semester placements, soapiers and placement presentations. So much to do, so little time! I’m pretty sure that I was not alone with this thought; many other students expressed similar sentiments to me.
While this was my initial thought, I can now see the value of blogging. While my blogs tended to occur in the last two months, I did regularly read the posts of others. The posts on this blog discussed points that I had not considered myself, described situations that I had not been exposed to, and provided great insight into how others have approached certain situations that I may also have experienced. Furthermore, it was interesting to reflect on my own experiences. Sometimes things may happen, but without reflecting on them at some stage, you may not learn from them. Through blogging, I have learnt valuable lessons from not only my own experiences, but the experiences of others.
I believe that blogging may be valuable to students in the coming years; however it may be better if the number of blogs required is decreased.
2 comments:
Hey guys, well. I’ve done my blogs, and this is my last comment. Seems suitable to finish on this note I wanted to say that I couldn’t agree with you more, Nic. Blogging has proved extremely valuable, in a way that I was really reluctant to admit.
Firstly, my initial dislike for them was because it all started on a placement where I had too much to deal with, and reflection and blogging just felt impossible. But I see how, even though I took months in getting the thoughts together about that placement, it was an extremely valuable process to get to the place I am right now.
Secondly, my hesitancy to post had something to do with embarrassment re: the issues I brought up. Feels a bit vulnerable, disclosing how certain situations made you feel. But feels really useless talking about “micky mouse” issues (that’s a briffa term, right? Or is it Johnno?) I felt like, if I was made to do this, might as well do it right. I feel to a certain extent, I have been successful at this, and I have gained something from it.
Thirdly, my neuro placement really brought home to me the importance of self-reflection for improvement, both professionally and personally. Before this year, my self-reflection was very maladaptive, catastrophising and discouraging. I have learned to recognizing things I do well, and this blogging process definitely contributed to that.
Fourthly, self-reflection is one thing, but getting to read others’ self-reflection was extremely valuable! It definitely helped to make me feel like I wasn’t alone in dealing with the issues we were presented with. It gave food for thought. I’m proud of this group, we all did a really good job and we didn’t discuss Micky Mouse issues
Fifth, I think that comments should have a bit more structure to them. For example, I’m not sure on the rules, but I feel that we should have commented on others’ comments to our own blogs, if you know what I mean. This would encourage conversation and exchange of ideas.
And finally, one point I disagree with you on, Nic. I feel that 8 in the second semester were adequate. It was only because there WERE 8 that I had to dig a bit to get material. Doing only 4 would have only scratched a surface. Having to find those 4 more really got me to think.
In summary, I 100% endorse this blogging process. If we do it right, it’s a really valuable tool. On this note, I am DONE with this assessment!! Yay for me! Good luck with the PCR guys, and in the wonderful experiences you all have ahead of you.
Peace out!! xxx
Yeh i think the bloggiing is a good process too, it helps when you read others blogs and realise they have been in some of the same situations as you and your not alone
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