Pacing: Learning and reflecting through the process
If I start out too fast during a run, I end up walking more. I continually need to pace myself, literally, watching how fast I am running and relaxing into a slower pace, so I can go the distance…whether during a training run or during a race.
On one particular training pattern, I tended to run fast, then my heart rate was high, and I ended up walking because I was very tired. One time, that same route, I consciously ran slower, my heart rate was lower, I ran the entire distance, and I finished in less time. I enjoyed that slower run. I recovered better for my next day’s exercise. I felt refreshed instead of tired/exhausted.
Proceeding fast through your coursework does not necessarily get you to the end of the dissertation faster. In fact, it may keep you from finishing the degree. Or finishing in a timely manner.
Taking too many courses impedes reflection on the subject matter.
Taking too many courses may affect your focus and grade on one or two, resulting in failing grade. You need to retake that course. Slows you down.
Pacing yourself, not racing through the coursework, you can breath and enjoy the process. You’ll be more likely rested and prepared for the next quarter and for the independent research stage.
Questions
What questions do you ask yourself to reflect back on the courses you are in or have taken?
What questions help you connect the relationships between courses.
What questions do you ask yourself as you anticipate the upcoming course?
How are you pacing yourself, so that you can learn the subject matter?
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008 at 6:15 am and is filed under Becoming Doctoral, Doctoral Advising.
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