The FE Word!

Switching off whilst staying switched on... A Summary: Recently I have seen further constructive conversation on edutwitter about planning for the new academic year; 'how much should I be doing during the summer hols?', 'Is working through some of the holidays inevitable to avoid being under prepared?' and so on... If you are reading this, it may help to reassure you that even after 15 years of teaching in the FE sector, I am yet to find the secret recipe! This was the theme of my previous blog post; and through feedback from other teachers and tutors the balance is dependent on what works best for you and your own way of working; and not to mention what variables, commitments and values dictate how you spend your summer weeks! In summary, don't be harsh on yourself, be realistic, and what ever prioritising your own physical, emotional and mental well-being looks like to you, do that!  The Chicken or the Egg? Before I start, like my previous blog post, the thoughts ...

  The Dilemma... I am at times a very predictable beast... at the end of each academic year I tell myself what I going to do over the break and how 'I'm not going to do what I did last year!'. This July was no different, as I set loose and lazy goals for what I want to achieve over the six-week break: 'I will get my schemes of work done!' 'I'm going to set up my resources ready for the first term!' 'I need to sort my fitness out!' I have realised however that this type of goal setting brings two major problems; a.) The goals are too far-reaching; and do not inform appropriate action b.) The focus of the goals piles the pressure on over the summer break! What about family, rest and me? So how much do I do? What is the norm? What is the balance? The reality is, I have never got this right, and the fact I revisit the same method of goal setting each year and achieve very little signals that change is needed.  Teachings on goal setting for fitness fr...