In this reflection, I explore the unexpected challenges encountered while preparing a literature review on animal rehabilitation, highlighting a significant learning curve in time management and planning. Faced with unforeseen setbacks, this experience forced me to reevaluate my strategies, leading to insights on improving efficiency and adaptability in academic and professional tasks. Through this introspective journey, I outline a path toward enhanced discipline and improved foresight.
My recent submission of a literature review on animal rehabilitation for Module 5 CAT (Continual Assessment Task) offered a stark revelation into my time management and planning skills—or, more accurately, the deficiencies therein. Assigned a topic I was genuinely excited about, I had envisioned delving deep into the issue and creating a final product that I would be truly proud of. Initially, I had set aside a week of my study time to craft this assignment. However, an unexpected illness derailed my plans, leaving me to complete the task in a frantic, last-minute effort.
Initially, I believed my approach to be ordered and well-intentioned. However, despite the assignment being allocated well in advance, I chose to allocate time only in the week leading up to the submission deadline for the paper, believing this would be sufficient to produce a review that was both comprehensive and insightful. Ultimately, what I now recognize as an "unknown unknown" rendered this plan unfeasible. My failure to anticipate such events and the lack of a contingency plan resulted in a rushed submission that fell short of my standards. This lapse mirrors potential real-world consequences in practice, where inadequate planning could compromise patient care or efficient clinical workload management due to unforeseen emergencies or complex cases. The disappointment was profound, not merely because of the compromised quality of the paper but also because it represented a missed opportunity to delve deeply into a subject that held significant personal and professional meaning to me. Although the B2 grade reflected a competent submission, the instructor feedback pinpointed specific areas for improvement. Particularly, the comment that the core rehabilitation aspects were somewhat superficially covered resonated deeply. This specific critique directly highlighted the impact of my rushed timeframe, reinforcing the need for the deeper engagement that only sufficient planning allows.
Reflecting on this experience has been a humbling journey from frustration to refinement. The core lesson revolves around the necessity of embracing proactivity and contingency in planning. Relying on a 'go with the flow' attitude towards time management proved to be my Achilles' heel. The crucial insights gained from this reflection are the importance of starting assignments as soon as they are assigned and integrating an appropriate margin of safety into my scheduling. Procrastination or reliance on ideal conditions for productivity only sets the stage for potential failure.
To mitigate similar issues in the future, I have resolved to employ physical calendars and scheduling tools for meticulous planning. This means breaking down tasks into manageable segments and allocating time well in advance, with buffer periods to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, I aim to schedule time for assignments as soon as they are assigned, as opposed to blocking them in before their deadline. These adjustments will ensure that even under suboptimal conditions, progress can be made. I applied these lessons directly to the development of this very ePortfolio; by establishing a detailed timeline with interim deadlines for content creation and technical implementation early on, I was able to manage the workload effectively alongside my ongoing studies.
This experience has underscored that effective time management and strategic planning are not just about avoiding last-minute rushes; they are about navigating the possibilities of "unknown unknowns," creating non-ideal conditions in which work will still need to get done. As I progress in my academic journey and beyond, the principles of early engagement, structured planning, and resilience in the face of disruptions will guide my approach to whatever duties I am tasked with. Moreover, this experience has instilled in me a greater appreciation for the discipline of time management as a critical skill for both professional success and personal satisfaction.
In conclusion, while the poor submission of my recent paper was a setback, the reflective process has transformed it into a valuable learning opportunity. By acknowledging my shortcomings and adopting strategic measures, I am confident in my ability to navigate future challenges more adeptly. Moving forward, my concrete action plan involves using a digital calendar for all major assignments, scheduling specific interim research and writing deadlines immediately upon receiving the task, and incorporating buffer days. For future research-intensive tasks specifically, I will dedicate initial time blocks purely for literature searching and critical appraisal well before the writing phase begins. Embracing the disciplines of time management and planning is not merely a remedy for academic requirements but a lifelong skill that promises greater efficacy and fulfillment in all endeavors.
(734 words)This assessment contributed to my development in the following Foundation Phase Outcomes:
I have developed critical analysis skills by reviewing literature on cortisol measurement in animal rehabilitation. I have practiced synthesizing evidence, evaluating research methods like non-invasive stress measurement, and adhering to academic writing standards including citation practices.
This review touched on One Health principles by examining how physiological stress (cortisol) in rehabilitating animals links their welfare to program success. Considering the interplay between animal health and the rehabilitation environment, I recognized broader implications, such as how managing animal stress is crucial not just for recovery but also potentially impacts human handler safety and relates to the wider environmental context influencing rehabilitation outcomes. This highlights how effective stress management, crucial for the animal's recovery, also potentially influences the animal's long-term health outcomes and survival rates beyond the immediate program.
Below is my submission email for the literature review assignment:
Below is the feedback I received:
Informative and based on reliable sources. In some places there could be more in-text citations to demonstrate your engagement with literature better. You could include more on rehabilitation, like including case studies. This aspect was a bit more superficially covered. You can accommodate this info by sacrificing/condensing info on the bottom half of page 1.