o.p.a.r.p

O.P.A.R.P | Andy Boon | April 25th, 2001

O.P.A.R.P.

This is a dangerous condition!!!!!!!!!

Overextended Post-Assignment Relaxation Period!!!

It can happen to you!!!!!!!!

You get that wonderful "I've finished an assignment" feeling only to realize that you have 6 more modules to go!!!!!!

You say to yourself - I'll start tomorrow and next thing you know- A MONTH HAS FLOWN BY!!!!

Is this a common thing amongst participants? Any cures out there??

Please let me know,

Andy (trying to cull his inactivity)
Japan

Re: O.P.A.R.P | Dominic Marini | April 26th, 2001

Andy,

I was very keen once my first assignment was completed, but now weeks have gone by without any activity. It is a common problem!!

Dominic
Japan

Re: O.P.A.R.P | Danyal | April 26th, 2001

I seem to remember reading someone's observation that teachers go through cycles of interest in their work, and it seem that motivation is cyclical to. When I don't want to study, I usually assuage the guilt by doing something else like designing new teaching materials, organising study notes, or making study cards. Very often these little tasks have a motivational effect, and before you know it you are picking up your modules again. Well, it works for me anyway!

Danyal

Re: O.P.A.R.P | Jerry Talandis Jr. | April 26th, 2001

The only thing I could add would be about motivation, as that is an issue I've been thinking about a lot recently.

Why do I want to do this degree?

Everyone needs to answer that for themselves, and I'm sure that you all have good ways of finding answers for these kinds of basic questions. For me, knowing WHY I'm doing something is critical, for when the WHY becomes clear, I get in touch with a great source of power and energy. I need this energy to get me through the tough periods.

One way I get to that source is doing a simple exercise I call "Following the Whys." This helps me go deep. For example: Why do you want an MSc? Because I want to be a better teacher... Why? Because I feel a drive inside to learn and grow and reach my fullest potential... Why? (See? If you take this seriously, it gets harder and harder!) Because that's the way of life: you can go forward, or you can stagnate. I want to go forward! Why? Because I believe we all have a purpose to fulfill in this life, and getting this MSc is part of fulfilling mine. Why?...

You get the point. Keep asking why until you can't any more and see what you get. I've found this process often brings up a lot of deep thinking, if you let it. Inevitably, it can lead you to ponder your spirituality, the "source" of all life and energy. Get that straight, and you can get through any tough time!

Cheers,

Jerry
Toyama, Japan

Re: O.A.R.P | Kay Hammond | April 26th, 2001

Greetings module moochers,

O.P.A.R.P.
This is a dangerous condition!!!!!!!!!
Overextended Post-Assignment Relaxation Period!!!

Oh yes, terrible thing that, but lucky for you The Doctor is in:

I prescribe the counter disease to balance your existence in the "I've got no time, no space" continuum.

It is also called O.P.A.R.P: "Overactive Participation And Radical Progress"

I suggest the avalanche method in which you always have three modules in your residence. This neutralizes the effect of the previous O.P.A.R.P as you are always buried under a pile of folders. Thus you will be driven to dig your way out. However, there is always another folder. Thus you never enter into the dangerous relaxation period.

So take two more modules and call me in the morning.

Dr K
Japan

Re: O.A.R.P | Andy Boon | April 26th, 2001

Thanks for your comments and I have found the solution!!!!!

CONFESSION!!!!!

By e-mailing the discussion group I motivated myself into action and now have a plan for TD and MAP:-)

I think Kay has a great point, so I am going to order the next module!!!!!!!!!!!

Andy

One or more? | Raymond Sheehan | May 4th, 2001

Kay recently remarked that it is a good idea to hold as many modules as are legally allowed and set to digging yourself out from under them. Until now, I have been more persuaded by the alternative: take one module, find the narrowest focus within the most resonant context of reading and experience, and work through it.

But now that I'm starting on LEX, I can see that I should also be working on CL at the same time. And I'm casting a greedy eye on TDA, since I can see that what I'm thinking about LEX is taking me in the direction of co-texts, contexts, reader-participation, reader's construction of meaning, genre...

Since, possibly, the modules mutually enrich each other, isn't there a sound argument then for grabbing as many as one can and start tunneling until one meets the light?

Or should one stay within the narrowest trench, digging deeper and deeper until one strikes gold?

Any veteran CPs with practical advice on this?

Raymond

To dig or not to dig | Andy Boon | May 5th, 2001

To answer Raymond's question:

Since the beginning of the course I have used the tactic of ordering and keeping 3 modules. If I lose inspiration with one module or need a break from it, it means there are others to read and I am not sat there staring out of the window. Also all roads lead to the same destination- as in all the modules have links to one another. I also find it useful and possible to plan ahead with my work schedule and begin to think of = focuses to each of the modules........YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN INSPIRATION MAY STRIKE!!!!!!!!

On the other hand, living with 5 - 6 Folders can be stressful and I do focus on researching and writing one assignment at a time....

I hope that helps..........

Andy (Surrounded by blue and white folders in Japan)