Weekly Email: November 18, 2024
I am thrilled with the incredible response to last week’s giveaway! Your participation provided us with such valuable feedback about program improvements and advice for future students that I decided to select two winners instead of one. Congratulations to Ashley Feather and John Masis! I’ll be reaching out to you both individually to arrange delivery of your books.
Your feedback has been invaluable - many of you highlighted initiatives we’re already developing, while others offered fresh perspectives we hadn’t considered. Your insights are crucial in helping us continuously enhance your online learning experience.
Quick Reminder: Join me today at 4:00 PM EST for a casual Q&A chat! Zoom link here. This is a relaxed opportunity to ask questions, share thoughts, and get to know each other better.
Student Tip: Developing Focus
One of the most transformative ideas from Cal Newport’s insightful book, Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, is the concept of treating your focus like a muscle. With consistent training, you can enhance both the length and strength of your focus.
It’s obvious that we live in an era of constant distraction. Notifications pinging, social media scrolling, endless streams of content vying for our attention. It’s no wonder many of us struggle to concentrate. If you’re anything like me, you probably feel like you could improve in this area. And here’s the good news: you can.
Start by conducting a personal focus audit. How long can you genuinely concentrate without getting distracted? Maybe it’s only 15 minutes before your mind starts to wander. That’s okay. Acknowledge it as your starting point. Set a timer for those 15 minutes and commit to them fully. Immerse yourself in your task. Do this consistently for a few days. Then, challenge yourself. Push it to 17 minutes, then 20. Gradually, you’ll find your capacity for deep work expanding.
The key is diligence and patience. Just like strengthening a muscle, it takes time, effort, and intentionality. But imagine the impact of being able to focus deeply for 60 minutes. Think of what that could mean for your studies, your projects, your growth. It could be a game-changer.
Now, some advice for improving your focus:
Create a Distraction-Free Environment: Identify what typically pulls your attention away and minimize it. Turn off notifications, find a quiet space, and let those around you know you need this focused time.
Set Clear Goals: Know what you want to achieve in your focus block. Having a clear objective will help you stay on track and make the most of your time.
Practice Mindfulness: If you find your mind wandering, gently bring it back to the task at hand. Mindfulness can be a powerful tool in honing your concentration.
Reflect and Adjust: After each session, take a moment to reflect. What worked? What didn’t? Use these insights to adjust your strategy and improve.
Program News: Responding to Your Feedback
Thank you for all the thoughtful suggestions on improving our online program here at Southern! I’ve carefully reviewed all comments and have organized them to help us implement meaningful improvements.
Connecting with Other Students: This was overwhelmingly the most common feedback, and I completely agree with the need for better student connections outside the virtual classroom. I’m excited to share that we’re developing a new platform where you’ll be able to:
Connect with fellow students
Ask questions and form study groups
Attend impromptu virtual events with faculty
While the development is taking longer than anticipated, we’re making steady progress. I’ll keep you updated through these emails and invite you to help test the platform before its full launch.
Course Accessibility and Sequencing: We recognize the need for better guidance on course selection and more detailed course information. As mentioned last month, we’re finalizing version 1 of our course repository on the Global Campus Hub, which should launch soon. I look forward to your feedback on this resource!
Regarding electives, our online program actually offers more options than our on-campus program. While some on-campus courses aren’t available online yet, we’re always open to expanding our offerings. Please don’t hesitate to suggest courses you’d like to see added to our curriculum.
Longer Term Length Options: Your feedback on course duration has been helpful. While our core 8-week format will remain (except for language courses and practicums), I'm exploring what it could look like offering extended versions of certain courses. Though I can’t make any promises yet, this is actively being considered!
Faculty/OTA Feedback: We continuously monitor and work to improve our feedback systems. If you ever experience unusual delays in receiving grades or assignment feedback, please reach out to me directly.
Faculty Devotional
This week’s faculty devotional is from Dr. Jim Hamilton, Professor of Biblical Theology and is a reflection on Psalm 133.
When the Lord builds the house and keeps the city (Ps 127), when he keeps the oath he swore to David (Ps 132), then the people of God will enjoy a brotherly harmony (Ps 133). The brotherly love will have none of Cain’s rage at Abel, Ishmael’s mocking of Isaac, Esau’s hatred of Jacob, or the jealousy of Joseph’s brothers. No, this brotherly love will be like the anointing of Israel’s high priest, like the oil on his head for the glory of God in worship. The glory will be like the dew that gives life to the land under the blessing of God. The goodness of God will fill the land and renew the hearts of his people.
What keeps you from being in harmony with God’s people? Are there apologies you need to offer, attitudes you need to change, points of pride where you need to humble yourself? If the unity of God’s people is to be like the oil on Aaron’s beard, we must commit ourselves to loving one another for God’s sake.
