Design of this OP
This OP was designed using Andrew Langford's collection for Learning Intention and Pathway Designs. The only change I made was in combining the Reflections and Commentary pages. I thought of using a different set up, but this one seemed as straight forward as it could get. It was also immensely useful to have Andrew's commentary in the boxes before diving in as a guidance since my last LIPD was so poor in content. The questions he provided made me think of my projects and plans in a new light and with new connections to my goals, skills and interests. I have no regrets copying this collection!
I designed each page to be as simple and easily understood using fonts, arrangement, gaps between reading and images, and "justifying" the text. I also used many outside links for xMind maps and Flickr images for easy navigation.
Learning methods used in the creation of this OP (and in planning of other OPs):
- Kolb's Action Learning
- Dragon Dreaming
- 8 Shields
- Looby McNamara
- Ethan Roland
- Eisenhower
- Laura Kastele
- SMART goals
- Competence Ladder
- Dunn's learning model
- Bloom's Taxonomy
- Annette Lamb's 8W's
Interventions, Timing, and Transitions
Designed/Improvised Interventions
The interventions I experienced were made with the help of my advisor in planning my project OPs--I was experiencing turbulence in my feelings about my PDC portfolio, and her slight reframing of the project shifted my mind in a wonderful way. I also consciously intervened in my scheduling at work in order to create space for my Gaia U work.
Thinking and Doing
In order to create this OP, I had to examine the scope of my work from different angles. I asked myself the important questions of what I need and what the needs of the world and people around me. I balanced systematic, logical and intuitive thinking in order to complete this OP with xMind maps, research, and soul-searching. I never reached paralysis by analysis, though I edged the cliff at the beginning when I hadn't started my systematic approach to the work.
Reflection and Experimentation
I ran a bit of speculative trials in my research for the three project OPs, though I feel I could have done a lot more to make sure that they are truly worthwhile and the best possible options for me at the time. I turned the constraint of my frustrating experience with my PDC in Kenya into an opportunity to share my reflections and un/learnings. I abandoned several designs of this OP and of my three projects, and am happy where I landed. This is perhaps the deepest OP I have ever done in its preparation and execution. Lastly, I have created a journal for wholesome reflection throughout my Action Learning Cycle.
OP Process and Un/Learnings
What went well?
The creation of this OP went really well! I am really proud of myself. I spent a lot of time preparing for it, especially in the content of the XMind map that included all the elements of an OP, required and not required material, word count elements, key questions for reflection and prompting, as well as a schedule and risk management section that I can complete each time I do a new OP. It is quite easy to follow and it forced me to review the PoDAPO form and rework it into my own words for better understanding.
I also had a really fruitful call with Nicole before commencing my work in project planning--right before I gave up on my Kenya PDC reflection, she comforted me and eased my worry of having an ineffective OP that was purely reflective. I pushed through the muddled feelings and am excited to get to work on my OP2.
What was challenging?
I had forgotten how much work I had done prior to writing the blocks for the OP--I had written paragraphs in response to prompts on the XMind and only after writing a few new descriptions of plans, OP purpose, Specs and Abstract did I realize I'd already done a lot of it. It was a pleasant surprise, but silly that I had forgotten!
What would I do differently next time?
This is a new method for me, so I plan to dedicate my first moments with my next OPs writing out responses and descriptions in the XMind and then copying into the Mahara pages. I just need to remember....
Competence and Attention
Personal Development
In the past few months, I have poorly cared for myself, notably in my drinking and smoking habits. I have been hardly caring for my soul-development and spiritual growth, and my exercise is limited to what I do at work on the farm which has dwindled to little heavy labor. My back grows worse and worse, especially in my lower spine which is debilitating every other week. Due to my state, I've had awkward interactions with my peers and actively seek ways to be alone--I think it is a call from my body and mind to care for myself before wandering further. My emotional state has been better in the last month as I was noticing trust deficiencies and frustration with lack of transparency and responsibility. I have found that my communication skills are becoming better in my interpersonal relationships thought still struggle in the workplace. Lastly, my interpersonal relationship is suffering--I hold many negative theories about myself that I just can't shake (yet another negative theory). I will pay much attention to these negative theories in my OPs to come with a plan for making and keeping promises to myself.
Professional Development
I have discovered my patterns in the workplace--the first few weeks when the learning is exponential and the failures frequent I go slow and am quiet and fearful of asking questions. Slowly, I establish myself as a key coworker, working fast and efficiently and developing new methods for superior quality of work. I become an innovator in the workplace. Where I lack skill is in communication and negotiation.
Managing Time, Managing Promises
I began this LIPD 2 months before the submission (OP bus) on December 1st. I completed it two weeks before it's due date, using the remaining time for final editing and further dreaming and planning. I allotted 3-4 hours every Monday, Wednesday and Friday before working my part-time job and some odd hours in the evenings--I very realistically managed my time and stuck to my self-made promises. Part of my ability to do so is due to my interest and excitement in my next Action Learning Cycle, as well as the absence of distraction--particularly my partner Jon who works during the hours I chose to work on my schooling.
I've also been really good about saying yes/no and negotiating schedules in order to keep my promises to myself, especially with my two bosses.
I had originally planned to submit this OP in November, but due to the incomplete Internal Review of my ALC-1, I was not able to. This ended up being okay because the feedback from my ALC-1 was vastly important.
Leadership, Facilitation and Mentoring Efforts
I have not had many chances to be in such positions over the last few months. However, while in Kenya, I became a powerful leader and facilitator for the students and amongst the organizing team of the PDC. I found the leadership role empty, or at least in a confusing, fuddled mess. I became exhausted in the first few weeks, crying from the stress of newness and disorganization. I finally gained the courage to shed light on my situation to other organizers and the students and the weight was removed for the most part. I then had a difficult time releasing my hold of being head organizer because I became dissatisfied with the methods of facilitating the group. I hope to have another chance with a leadership role and the act of relinquishing control to be a supportful peer through strong communication and demonstrating my needs and wants.
Jon and me after the "final" touches on our house, the day before leaving for Kenya.
Transitions
Since my last OP in April, 2015, I went to Kenya for 2.5 months to teach a PDC at Sadhana Forest Kenya, Spain and Portugal to visit my grandmother, and the Azores for a vacation with Jon. I returned home to Andover, NH; however, my house was rented out and I "house-hopped" for a month until it was vacant.
I am now living back on my farm, working two part-time jobs: one as a farm hand at Spring Ledge Farm in New London, NH and the other as a pizza chef and prep cook at Hole in the Fence Cafe. Both are going well, though I've learned more and been better fulfilled at the farm. I plan to volunteer in the nursery there after my stint is up in December so as to learn about propagation of perennials and other techniques and tricks of the trade.
I plan to work at a ski area this winter so as to be outside and have the ability to play on the mountain and be paid. I head to Florida for a week this Thanksgiving and hope to travel to visit my parents this winter wherever they end up. My brother is nearby and visits often, Jon lives with me and has a job as a ropes' course builder, and I've made a good group of friends at work with whom I "Stitch and Bitch" every few weeks. Things are undetermined and mushy in the mind, but will straighten out undoubtedly with the return of Gaia U work.