This is always such a fascinating time of year. All these jumbled feelings remind us that we contain multitudes (of feelings, at least). Some of you, I know, are exhausted. Others are grateful for the reminders that what you do matters. Some are thirsty for a way not to lose sight. Others feel like they just ran off the road into a metaphorical ditch.
Whatever state the Field Journal finds you in this week, may it bring some nourishment. You can access past issues and encourage colleagues to subscribe. I would love to hear what rest looks like for you right now. Bonus points if you send a photo.
Mattering says you belong at the table, but it goes even further, and it says you would be missed if you weren't here. You are adding value, and we would notice if you weren't here.
As someone who enjoys thinking about personal leadership and productivity, I also appreciated how she told us we might use this idea in framing our sense of where to spend our time. She stressed how: "Mattering is not another thing to add to your to-do list. Mattering is a way of looking at your to-do list."
When life overwhelms your systems, what can you do to get moving again?
I pretty much always get something valuable out of anything Robert Talbert writes for his Intentional Academia newsletter. His recent post, How to Get Yourself Out of a Ditch, was no exception. He gives good advice about taking care of our bodies, reflecting on purpose and meaning, and even doing seemingly small things. Talbert writes:
When I say do something, I don’t mean do something big. I just mean something. Even if it’s a small thing, remember that small wins are still wins.
He closes the piece by reminding us how vital it is to remember to ask for help and then to be willing to accept it, when it is offered.
Tried
Breaking a habit + Starting a New One
Why ”link in comments” is a bad idea for LinkedIn accessibility
Thanks to Tolu Noah on LinkedIn, I discovered that saying that there's a "link in the comments" is a bad practice for accessibility. I'll spare you my story of how I got there in the first place, other than just to say that now that I know better, I'll do better. If you want to learn more about supporting greater accessibility on LinkedIn, I encourage you to check out this piece from Per Axbom:
This section is an opportunity for us to interact; an invitation to notice and wonder together. Each time I write, I'll share something I'm wondering about and then ask you to reply. Last week, I wondered about changing our minds about teaching or learning and here's what Todd Zakrajsek had to share:
Todd
I used to believe that if students did not participate in a class discussion, it was because they were not prepared or simply did not want to contribute. In either case, I assumed it was a choice they made, and at times, that was frustrating. My mind has completely changed on this issue. Yes, it may sometimes be one of those two things. However, many factors can prevent a student from participating in a class discussion, even when they very much want to contribute.
Some students need a few extra seconds to gather their thoughts in a way that feels comfortable to them, but by then the conversation has already moved on. That is just one example. There are many others, impacted by factors such as social anxiety, speech challenges, English as a second language, cultural differences regarding what is considered respectful, introversion, or even being so hungry that it is difficult to concentrate. I have mentioned only a few.
What is something I have changed my mind about?
I used to introduce a discussion topic and expect everyone to jump in. Now, I work to create a classroom environment in which students can participate in different ways and to provide alternatives for those who cannot speak in class on a given day. I changed my mind about my role in helping students to contribute rather than just expecting it.
I'm wondering about rest this week, thinking back to my conversation with Karen Costa on episode 578 about biomimicry. She said: "Nature is really, really good at resting."
As some of us move into a new season, literal or metaphorical: what does rest look like for you right now?
Hit reply to share. A picture that fits the prompt is welcome too. I may include one or two responses next week. I'll use your first name, or if you prefer your response be anonymous, let me know in your reply.
Noted
A Song worth Playing on Repeat
Don't Lose Sight (acoustic-ish)
A cathartic vent session that turns into a vow by the final line of the song.
Trouble viewing? Read this issue in your browser. In this week's Field Journal, I revisit my conversation with Remi Kalir about a way to receive feedback from students that reduces bias and learn more about how the University of Michigan is cultivating mattering on their campus. I share an abandoned (in a good way) art project, wonder about your favorite quote about learning or teaching, and explore a paradox through a quote that Dave shared. Listened Episode 628 The Fair Feedback Project...
Trouble viewing? Read this issue in your browser. I often have difficulty describing the relationships that have formed as a result of the past 12 years of airing a podcast episode each week. This is particularly the case when one of the people I have met crosses over into being best thought of in my mind as a friend versus an acquaintance I know through having interviewed them. I'm grateful to Peter Felten, who introduced us all to more ways of thinking about friendships by recommending...
Trouble viewing? Read this issue in your browser. This week, I offer a look at why it's so hard for us to be happy, revisit my conversation with Jeanie Tietjen about trauma-informed practices, and get real happy about my Hollyland wireless microphones. I also wonder what new tool or habit you have adopted in the last year that continues to bring you joy. Listened Episode 626 Naming the Urgency: Trauma-Informed Practices in Higher Ed Jeanie Tietjen shared about the importance of us naming the...
