Strategic Learning & Networking

Hello everyone and welcome to another episode of the Black Liberation.Tech Podcast! I am your host, Dr. Renee Jordan, and I'm here to talk about another side to the story. This episode is a reflection on a blog post I wrote back in October 2017. At that time, I had just completed my third conference presentation and was preparing for a fourth. I also had a chance to speak with my niece, who was a new assistant chef on a Norwegian Cruise Line in Hawaii. I'll be sharing a blog post from that time because it contains important information that I want to ensure I convey clearly. So, here I go!

Key Insights:

1. Empowering Students:

• Students can take control of their learning by understanding their learning styles and seeking resources that work best for them, beyond what instructors provide.
• Use different resources, including online tools and hands-on projects, to enhance learning.

2. Learning as a Professional:

• Continuous learning is essential for growth and staying updated in your field.
• Conferences are invaluable for networking and learning from peers.

3. Networking:

• Conferences offer opportunities to connect with potential colleagues, supervisors, and committee members for your academic work.
• Networking can provide new insights, validate your work, and challenge your perspectives.

4. Attending Conferences:

• Plan your day to avoid information overload: attend two sessions in the morning and two in the evening.
• Explore various topics, even outside your specific field, to broaden your knowledge base.

Personal Experience:

• I attended various prospectus and dissertation defenses at Georgia State University, learning from peers in different fields.
• An encounter with a peer’s work on Black women composers introduced me to the concept of daughtering, which I later incorporated into my own dissertation.

Conclusion:

Thank you for listening to another episode of the Black-Liberation.Tech Podcast. I am your host, Dr. Renee Jordan. Please like, subscribe, and share the podcast. Leave your comments and questions, and don’t forget to rate and review to help us become more discoverable. See you next time!

Mapping Out Your Semester - Read, Write & Rest

Host: Dr. Renee Jordan

Podcast: Black-liberation.tech

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Black-liberation.tech podcast, Dr. Renee Jordan delves into the importance of strategic planning for a successful semester. Dr. Jordan offers practical advice on how to effectively manage reading assignments, the significance of integrating due dates into your calendar, and the benefits of organized note-taking.

Key Points:

1. Creating a Comprehensive List:

- Incorporate all due dates for assignments and readings into your calendar.

- Understand the importance of adhering to the reading schedule set by your instructors.

2. Reading Strategies:

- Outline readings using titles, bold prints, and highlighted text.

- Utilize accessibility tools like Siri to read aloud texts, especially when pressed for time.

3. Note-Taking Techniques:

- Transition from handwritten notes to digital highlights and margin notes as the volume of reading increases.

- Engage actively with the text to prepare for class discussions and assignments.

4. Time Management:

- Allocate specific time blocks for reading and studying.

- Balance academic responsibilities with personal time and rest.

5. Balancing Home and School Life:

- Sometimes it's necessary to stay on campus to focus on academic work without distractions.

- Prioritize academic commitments over frequent home visits, if necessary.

6. The Importance of Rest:

- Schedule regular breaks and downtime to avoid burnout.

- Understand that rest is crucial for maintaining mental and physical health.

7. Managing Full-Time Work and Studies:

- Use strategic planning and time management to juggle work and academic responsibilities.

- Take advantage of opportunities like internships and conferences by planning ahead.

8. Organizing Workflow:

- Ensure that work responsibilities are managed efficiently to allow for academic commitments.

- Use email reminders and calendar invites to keep track of important deadlines and reports.

Tips for Success:

- Use a detailed calendar to visualize deadlines and manage your time effectively.

- Make use of digital tools and apps to streamline reading and note-taking.

- Prioritize your well-being by scheduling time for rest and relaxation.

- Be proactive in communicating and managing responsibilities at work and school.

Listener Engagement:

- Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast.

- Rate and review the podcast to help it reach a wider audience.

- Leave your questions, comments, and tips on mapping out your semester.

Closing:

Thank you for tuning in to the Black-liberation.tech podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Renee Jordan. Remember, planning your semester effectively is key to academic success. Take care and happy studying!

Getting Organized - Lists, Literature & Letters

Introduction:

• Welcome to the Black-Liberation.Tech podcast!
• Host: Dr. Renee Jordan.
• Topic: Importance of getting organized and practical steps to achieve it.

Personal Anecdote:

• Sharing a story about helping one of Dr. Jordan’s nieces at Morgan State University get organized.
• Emphasis on the importance of staying organized.

Making Lists:

• Create a comprehensive list based on course syllabi.
• Map out the entire semester, including due dates for assignments, projects, and tests.
• Use lists to transition into calendars and schedules.
• Allocate time according to the complexity of the subjects.

Detailed Breakdown:

• Include course names, assignments, chapters to read, due dates, and grade weights.
• Example: Lab assignments vs. other coursework.

Checking Off Tasks:

• Celebrate accomplishments, no matter how small.
• Suggestions for rewards: Breaks, favorite activities, treats, and self-care.

Application in Work Life:

• Use lists for full-time work and long-term projects.
• Example: Writing quarterly reports to simplify annual reports.

Personal Example - Doctoral Research:

• Dr. Jordan’s experience with a literature review in her doctoral program.
• Importance of aligning coursework with personal research interests.
• Benefits: Progress in PhD journey, coursework completion, and comprehensive exam preparation.

Comprehensive Exams:

• Approach exams as a demonstration of learned knowledge.
• Focus on showing connections and understanding rather than just correct answers.

Research for Marginalized Communities:

• Look beyond mainstream academic texts.
• Seek literature from experts within marginalized communities.
• Focus on asset-based narratives.

Getting Organized for Applications:

• Steps for organizing applications for programs or jobs.
• Importance of setting deadlines for others (e.g., recommendation letters).
• Drafting letters of recommendation and support.
• Example: Policy analysis project in a Master’s program.

Tips for Drafting Letters:

• Highlight specific experiences and strengths.
• Provide drafts to recommenders to make their task easier.
• Send more requests than needed to ensure adequate support.

Conclusion:

• Recap of key points: Comprehensive lists, aligning coursework with research, celebrating achievements, organizing applications.

Thank you for listening, and have a great day!