Module Taking Stock

This module is where we take stock and reflect on my

1. time here
2. my future needs
3. planning an event. 

The planning of an event is a group activity which is an event where we present a workshop to 250 level 3 students.   The group presenting the workshop is not just my group, it's the second year photographers.  The event is to show our skills to a wider audience including planning, teamwork, leadership, presentation and organisation.  The workshop is for 3 hours and the tasks should be small and engage learners.

I panicked when learning of this task as I feel I do not work best in a group.  I am so used to running my own agenda that I feel very out of my comfort zone, out of control and frustrated when in group work.  I have been to interviews for jobs with B&Q and Argos and I know I failed miserably in the group tasks hence not getting the jobs!   I didn't understand the tasks set out and similarly, with the very first group task this term, I was uncomfortable.   I know that I need to be able to work in a group though so I have pushed through my feelings of discomfort with the odd bit of huffing and puffing and disinterest.   I am used to organising my own work, so I obviously understand what i'm doing.

We were advised we had to keep one task that had been done last year which was Chubby Bunny and Eskimo Challenge.  

Immediately after being given this task, the 2 groups got together in our room.   Not all of the other group were present.  

It became clear early on that I wasn't the only one out of my comfort zone.   Others in the group were fearful of presenting, some in the other group didn't even turn up their own class, let alone the meeting we have had.   Now, it would be easy to say this is dreadful, they should.......... blah blah but again through experience, I know so well how easy it is to avoid doing something rather than pushing through the fear.  

During the first meeting, there was discussion about who wanted to take a lead role in organising and it was decided that one person from each area i.e. fine art, graphics, textiles and photography would be a good idea, so Jasmine, Lauren and Dan volunteered from our group and the photography group volunteered Graham who wasn't actually at the meeting.   Again, I purposely did not volunteer to lead as I have experience doing this and was conscious of the younger (and less experienced at doing this) people having a go. 

Jasmine created forms for the process including a timetable template, and a general form which were useful, she also photocopied them for everyone.   We came up with initial ideas for tasks and I was frustrated with this process because I was being overly responsible and controlling (in my head) in thinking are we showing the skills that are required including:

1. communication
2. planning
3. team work
4. leadership
5. presentation
6. organisation

We made a list of what items we are going to need to source both internally in the college and to purchase ourselves and things included:

1. bin bags
2. bread
3. Christmas hats
4. paper/card/pens
5. sweets
6. prizes

Jasmine was getting frustrated because it wasn't a matter of  one meeting and the timetable is organised!  I feel she was maybe thinking she had to organise it all because she was a team leader and both myself and Becky tried to reassure her that she was not responsible for it all, that these things take time to plan.  

 During the meeting on 27th November, I was again reluctant to come into college because I really am not comfortable in this task but I came in and I'm glad I did because I was able to sit there, take part and see that it's really going to be ok.   There's a group of us, supporting each other, I'm not in charge and that' s ok, I'm not responsible for the whole thing, but I am playing my part.    During this meeting the final timetable was put together, the finalising of the tasks was complete and the allocation of tasks was also done.   I have to admit to displaying childlike behaviour as the meeting started especially when we advised Rich the photography tutor that only 8 people from a group of 22 would be taking part.   He said the module was compulsory for everyone and that people should try to get time off work.  In the next breath though he said that if people really couldn't get time off, then maybe they could do a little exhibition next year !   I was livid as to me that was like giving people permission to opt out.  I did voice this to my fellow students in my group and I did infact discuss with Lance which was the adult thing to do (not to just moan).   The bottom line is as I've said, I'm taking part and I feel ok about it.  

During this meeting, I volunteered to do the powerpoint presentation document if no-one else wanted to do it.  

Timetable - template by Jasmine, written up and copied by Becky

The people who have attended the meetings have gotten involved, have volunteered themselves to do work, even if they are not going to be there on the day.   So It's all coming together.  

We are due to meet next week for an update and we will have a run through on the morning of the actual workshop !  It's so nice not to feel responsible for the whole thing I can't stop smiling !  

Reflection on my time here







My future needs