Study while you work?
December 11th 2007 09:46
This year I have been studying to complete a Master of Learning Science and Technology at the University of Sydney here in Australia. At the same time, I was working most of a full-time load as a high school History/English teacher.
There have been two issues I have thought about over the course of this ...course... that I would like to share:
1. Balance
Achieving balance in time allocation for work and study is something each individual must assess before and during the course of study. If you feel either work or study (or both) are being disadvantaged by the other commitment, one must ask themselves is it truly worthwhile or at least is it needed?
Do you wish to achieve a high standard in both commitments? Or merely a "Pass" level in each?
I know as an educator that being part time has certainly eased that concern for me. However, I do feel that elements of my work such as self-reflection and evaluation of my own teaching have been made a lower priority than that of study. Having said that, I do believe the content and skills aquired during my studies have allowed me to experiment and grow within my role at school.
2. Relevance
My last sentence in the previous point is what I would like to discuss next. Most professional workers will study a course linked directly to their chosen profession. If not, then it is for personal development rather than professional development. Either way, it is a commitment of time and energy. On this note, it is important to reflect for exactly what purpose the study has been undertaken.
Personal development is easy: you study Ancient Rome because you love it. Professionally, you are more likely to question the content, skills and assessment of a particular course because it will either be directly related to your work or it won't. Make sure you understand what each subject and course requires of you as a student and what outcomes the course is intended to provide. If you intend to update your CPA qualification, don't enrol in AHIST101.
After all that, I have enjoyed studying again for the intellectual rigour and keeping myself off the streets, but it has required a lot of time and mental energy which has made me realise that I would not be able to study full time with a full time job.
I will be able to use much of the knowledge and many of the skills aquired throughout my degree, although I fear it puts me in the 'overqualified' category for my current role. Oh well!
There have been two issues I have thought about over the course of this ...course... that I would like to share:
1. Balance
Achieving balance in time allocation for work and study is something each individual must assess before and during the course of study. If you feel either work or study (or both) are being disadvantaged by the other commitment, one must ask themselves is it truly worthwhile or at least is it needed?
Do you wish to achieve a high standard in both commitments? Or merely a "Pass" level in each?
I know as an educator that being part time has certainly eased that concern for me. However, I do feel that elements of my work such as self-reflection and evaluation of my own teaching have been made a lower priority than that of study. Having said that, I do believe the content and skills aquired during my studies have allowed me to experiment and grow within my role at school.
2. Relevance
My last sentence in the previous point is what I would like to discuss next. Most professional workers will study a course linked directly to their chosen profession. If not, then it is for personal development rather than professional development. Either way, it is a commitment of time and energy. On this note, it is important to reflect for exactly what purpose the study has been undertaken.
Personal development is easy: you study Ancient Rome because you love it. Professionally, you are more likely to question the content, skills and assessment of a particular course because it will either be directly related to your work or it won't. Make sure you understand what each subject and course requires of you as a student and what outcomes the course is intended to provide. If you intend to update your CPA qualification, don't enrol in AHIST101.
After all that, I have enjoyed studying again for the intellectual rigour and keeping myself off the streets, but it has required a lot of time and mental energy which has made me realise that I would not be able to study full time with a full time job.
I will be able to use much of the knowledge and many of the skills aquired throughout my degree, although I fear it puts me in the 'overqualified' category for my current role. Oh well!
| 63 |
| Vote |
Comments (1)
Add Comments
